Analytical Bioscience MSc - 2-3 years part-time

This module gives an overview of Analytical Science using scope, requirements and technological changes. The quality of data is ascertained using a variety of methods. Sample preparation and treatment and instrumentation with particular reference to errors and uncertainty.

Basic statistical theory underlying the analysis and treatment of univariate and multivariate chemical, forensic, pharmaceutical and biological laboratory data.

This module introduces the theoretical basis and current and future developments in analytical separation techniques. Areas covered range from solid phase extraction; theory of chromatography; gas chromatography (GC); high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); capillary electrophoresis (CE), asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4) and sedimentation velocity in the analytical ultracentrifuge (SV-AUC). Tutorials are provided to support the lectures. Assessment is by an in-class test (50 %) and a major assignment consisting of an essay and presentation (50 %).

This module provides both a broad and in depth coverage of NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. There is a large emphasis on developing your knowledge of the two techniques and you will be exposed to the most recent advances in instrumentation and their applications. You will explore advances in NMR design through a written assignment and you will also be able to demonstrate your ability to interpret spectral data in an exam.

This module provides an in-depth description of many current biochemical methods as applied to analysis. This will include you learning about DNA analysis, in particular PCR and sequencing, immunological analysis techniques and the fundamentals behind them, protein separation techniques and X-ray crystallography. There will be a combination of lectures and computer simulations. The module is assessed by a test (75%) and coursework derived from the computer simulations (25%)

Extended experiments to develop, compare and assess methods for analytical problems carried out in small groups with joint report and oral presentations.

This module will help you learn how understanding the biology underlying microbial (bacterial and viral) infection and disease, such as cancer, is important in the design of novel therapeutic agents. The module will outline examples of anticancer drugs, antimicrobials and drugs against other diseases (such as diabetes). In addition to a test (70% of module mark) that will assess your understanding of the topics, you will have the opportunity of independent learning in the form of a poster combined with a viva-type examination that will enhance your communication and interpersonal skills as well as critical thinking.

This module will consider the interactions between xenobiotics (potentially harmful foreign chemicals including drugs) and living organisms at the molecular and cellular level effects of xenobiotics. Topics that are included are toxicokinetics, examples of xenobiotic agents, and the role of risk in determining the harm of xenobiotics. The physiological and pathological effects of Xenobiotics following the interaction with cellular enzymes. The module also investigates the in vitro and in vivo testing that is carried out in order to determine the safety of xeniobiotics.

This module will give you research experience in methods of experimental design and either to develop new analytical methods or to solve a novel analytical problem. The research project is carried out over a 50 day period working in the laboratory. Part-time student may carry out their project at their place of employment. You will become familiar with the current analytical literature and gain skills in being able to select and review relevant papers on a particular topic. It will test your ability to handle and interpret analytical data. You will also further develop communication skills in report writing (50% of assessment), poster and oral presentations (10% of assessment each). Further feedback will be provided by regular meetings with your project supervisor on a day-to-day basis (30% of assessment).