MSc/PgDip/PgCert Biomedical Sciences

Course structure

Full time – September start – typically 12 months

Full time – January start – typically 12 months

Part time – September start – typically 24 months

Part time – January start – typically 24 months

Typical modules may include

Course structure

The masters (MSc) award is achieved by successfully completing 180 credits.

Core modules

Biomedical laboratory techniques (15 credits)
You learn about a wide range of techniques used in the modern laboratory, from processing tissue samples, histology, immunohistochemistry and microscopy to flow cytometry, blotting techniques and mass spectrometry. You also gain experience of a number of these techniques within the laboratory setting.

Evidence based laboratory medicine (15 credits)
Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) is defined as 'the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of the current best evidence in making decisions about the care of patients'. Having been initially applied to therapeutics, EBM is increasingly being applied to the practice of laboratory medicine. This module aims to explore the current thinking around the assessment of laboratory investigations in terms of analytical validity and clinical utility and considers management and accreditation issues which impact on the successful implementation of an evidence based approach to laboratory medicine.

Cell biology (15 credits)
This module gives you an advanced knowledge of cellular organisation and cellular mechanisms in both health and disease. You also learn about cellular interactions including cell signalling, signal transduction, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.

Molecular diagnostics (15 credits)
During this module you study the application of molecular biology to disease diagnosis, then examine how genetic abnormalities are detected within diagnostic and research laboratories. You learn about techniques including PCR amplification and mutation detection by quantitative PCR approaches, DNA sequencing, Fluorescence in situ Hybridisation (FISH), Hybrid Capture together with practical experience of mutation detection.

Research methods and statistics (15 credits)
You develop the skills needed to formulate, carry out and report on a research or development project. These skills include creativity or invention as well as more formal skills such as application of knowledge and searching the literature. Statistical analysis of experimental results also forms an important part of this module.

Research project (60 credits)
During this module you work with an individual tutor to design and carry out a research project. This includes a critical review of the literature, considerable laboratory work, analysis of data and an appreciation of the meaning and application of your work.

Optional modules

45 credits from
Applied biomedical techniques (15 credits)
The aim of this module is to develop laboratory competence in a number of chosen techniques which may include • flow cytometry • RNA extraction • cDNA synthesis • real time PCR and quantitative analysis • SDS gels and western blotting • ELISA and activity assays.

Cellular and molecular basis of disease (15 credits)
This module provides you with an understanding of the major cellular and molecular changes which are the underlying cause of a variety of diseases. The exact role of these changes in a number of specific diseases is illustrated. It extends and applies the knowledge gained in the cell biology module.

Cellular and molecular basis of cancer (15 credits)
This module provides you with the understanding of the major cellular and molecular changes that occur during cancer development, and how cancer-specific genetic changes may be exploited by novel cancer therapies.

Human genomics (subject to approval) (15 credits)
In this module you gain an understanding of the basic principles of how genetic information is stored, copied and passed on through generations. This includes the structure of DNA and how genomes are replicated, the mechanisms and control of genome expression, how variation in the DNA sequence arises and how that variation can affect an individual. You explore how genetics at the whole genome level (genomics) and transcriptional level (transcriptomics) has been facilitated by rapid advances in sequencing technologies. You also study the principles of different sequencing technologies and how the data generated can be analysed. Genomic applications in healthcare are central to diagnosis and new-born screening, and are also allowing the development of stratified treatment regimens and non-invasive prenatal testing. Beyond the genome and the transcriptome you study proteomic changes in a diagnostic and research setting. This module aims to equip you for the genomic age.

Blood sciences (30 credits)
In blood sciences you develop an advanced knowledge relating to the laboratory diagnosis and clinical management of disorders of the haematological system and disorders of major organ systems which present with biochemical abnormalities. You learn about the underlying pathology and rationale for diagnostic testing strategies for key disorders.

Cellular pathology (30 credits)
This module is designed to advance your knowledge of cellular pathology which underpins the histopathological and cytological laboratory diagnosis and clinical management of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. Teaching staff are involved in research and many are pioneering histopathologists in their own field. As part of the module you critically evaluate the application and limitations of current and new instrumentation and technologies for the diagnosis and management of common pathological conditions. Taught material is supplemented with tutorial sessions and a guided tour of the histopathology department at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

Microbiology and immunology (subject to approval) (30 credits)
This module advances your knowledge of public health, molecular and sub-cellular aspects of microbial infection and immunological response to infection, as well as the immunological basis for non-infectious disease. This module is particularly relevant to biomedical scientists and other life scientists.

The postgraduate certificate (PgCert) is achieved by successfully completing 60 credits.
The postgraduate diploma (PgDip) is achieved by successfully completing 120 credits.