Biomedical Science (Clinical Biochemistry) MSc/PGDip/PGCert

Course content

What will you study on the MSc/PGDip/PGCert Biomedical Science (Clinical Biochemistry)?

You will study the clinical disorders of the major organs and the bones, including malignancies as well as the clinical disorders associated with malnutrition, digestion, malabsorption and obesity. You will investigate the effects of pregnancy on physiology, biochemical and metabolic problems that can affect new-born babies, and maternal, antenatal and neonatal screening. You will learn bioanalytical techniques, including biosensors and mass spectrometry. You will also cover the ethical and legal issues which can surround specific types of research such as assisted reproduction and genetics, and human or animal research.

What will you gain?

As well as in-depth knowledge of your subject, you will also gain a sound understanding of how to design and carry out experiments, statistical analyses as well as techniques for analysing samples and molecules. You will also be proficient and capable in all aspects of managing a laboratory, including people management, business plans and budgets, safety regulations, and quality management. You will be aware of established and emerging bioanalytical technologies and techniques, and how they are used to make diagnoses, and research methods.

The module aims to examine advanced bioanalytical techniques that are used in biomedical research, for the analysis of products, for improving diseases understanding and for the analysis of disease biomarkers. It also provides a detailed understanding of the principles, theory and practice of bioanalytical techniques, including safety, instrumentation, sample preparation techniques together with analysis and interpretation of analytical data.

The module aims to examine the bioanalytical techniques used in biomedical research, and in the diagnosis of disease. It also provides a detailed understanding of the theory, practice and application of emerging bioanalytical techniques. The translation from research to clinical laboratory setting is also examined.

The module aims to provide insight into a range of ethical and legal issues that relate to professional practice, to research with human and animal subjects and to human reproduction, particularly various forms of reproductive technology. It will also aim to give students a broad overview of the relevant current UK ethical and legal regulations for research using human tissues. The module will further explore the ethical issues present in the rapidly developing area of genetic technology, including genetic testing and selection, genetic engineering, and the concept of genetic disease. After an introduction to basic ethical theory and legal principles, the focus of the module will be on exploring ways in which, by applying theoretical considerations to practice, ethical and legal issues can be critically analysed and addressed.

This module aims to provide students with detailed knowledge and understanding of the clinical disorders of major organ function, along with the laboratory methods used in diagnosis and management. They will understand the aetiology and biochemical investigation of a range of malignancies and gain experience of performing and assuring a range of methods used in the investigation of major organ function and cancer. They will gain experience of the interpretation of patient results in a variety of clinical settings.

This module examines the physiology of normal pregnancy and the impact on biochemical parameters. Students will gain a deep understanding of maternal and neonatal screening programmes and the investigation of neonates and children who may have inborn errors of metabolism. They will perform assays to assess maternal, neonatal and paediatric status using a range of methods and gain experience of the interpretation of results in a range of conditions.

This module provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the normal physiology and pathophysiology of the major endocrine organs in the body, emphasising the importance of clinical and biochemical parameters in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring patients. In addition students will gain an understanding of clinical disorders associated with malnutrition, malabsorption and obesity and the use of biochemical testing for diagnosis and management. They will perform endocrine and nutritional status assays and gain experience of the interpretation of hormone results in common endocrine and nutritional conditions.

The module aims to provide students with the tools required to design effective and efficient experiments and to test scientific hypotheses. The module will also equip students with the tools necessary for statistical analysis in a hypothesis testing context.

The module aims to provide students with current theories and approaches to leadership and management in order they can bring about effect positive change in the team or organisation that they lead or manage.

Module aims to develop students' skills in planning and execution of an analytical, laboratory-based study and critical evaluation of real research results drawing on their acquired knowledge from other modules. In addition, the module aims to develop students' communication skills to enable them to communicate their findings in written and oral form.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.