Advanced Biomedical Science MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

Course modules

2018/19 intake:
Semester 1:

You will study the following three modules

Advanced Pathobiology and Diagnostics - this core module gives students a grounding in the specialist core biomedical laboratory discipline knowledge, as well as a deeper understanding of the principles behind normal and diseased processes

Molecular Biology and Genomics - gives insight into modern diagnostic techniques and a critical overview of current concepts

Evidence-Based Practice - ensures biomedical practice is based on the best available evidence rather than personal opinion and past practices

Semester 2:

In the second semester, you will study one core module and three of four elective modules:

Research Methods and Biomedical Techniques – provides advanced biomedical practical skills as well as preparing students for the research projects

Nutrition, Environment and Public Health – this elective module teaches the latest updates on the impact of nutritional and environmental factors on biomedical science and public health

Leadership and Quality Management – this elective module focuses on the development of quality standards for medical laboratories, and the regulatory and professional bodies in place to monitor these compliance with standards

Advanced Biotechnology - this elective module is designed to discuss current concepts, controversies and the latest methodological advances in the medical and biomedical biotechnology area. The module will also explore the ethical issues associated with modern biotechnology

Cancer Biology – students will be expected to understand and appraise the current developments in the field. In this elective module you will gain knowledge of cancer disease processes and the diagnostics

Semester 3:

Research Project (Dissertation) - This will enable you to choose and research a particular topic in-depth. Projects are likely to be in areas such as microbiology, drug discovery, immunology, cancer biology, cell signalling and other advanced subjects. Following the submission of the dissertation there will be an oral presentation and questions.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching consists of formal lectures, informal seminars, tutorials, workshops, discussions and e-learning packages. Assessment will be through essays, presentations, seen exams, poster presentations, plus a final dissertation.

You will work in groups, deliver presentations, challenge and discuss ideas with your tutors, and are encouraged to be a proactive independent learner. You will also engage with our dedicated virtual learning environment using tools such as blogs and discussion boards to exchange ideas.

International students come to study in the UK because the quality of our teaching is among the best in the world. You may find that our teaching style is very different to that in your home country and we will help you adapt.

You will need to be prepared to work in groups, deliver presentations, challenge and discuss ideas with your tutors, and motivate to study many hours outside the classroom.

Academic expertise

The course is delivered by a group of dedicated and experienced professionals, some of whom have come from dedicated research institutions and have on-going research projects whilst others are practitioners with extensive hospital laboratory experience.

Industry links and professional accreditation

The course has been developed in conjunction with local health trusts who contribute to the teaching. Input from practitioners means that you will benefit from leaning the most current debates, concerns, issues and topics in the field of practice.