Biomedical Science by Flexible Learning - MSc

You will continue to study part-time in the second year from the modules listed below.

• Research Methods and Bioethics (15 cp) - This module encourages you to think beyond your own subject, and interact accordingly. You'll gain a solid foundation in literature review, research design and planning, data analysis and a poster presentation by focusing your studies on a related ethical issue. Ethical issues in research will also be explored, as you discover when and how to obtain ethical clearance in accordance with ethical governance at NTU.

• Research Project (60 cp) - consultation with a supervisor at NTU, you'll select a research topic comprising an original, defined research question (or series of such questions), and develop a written research proposal for the Project. You'll then present this proposal as part of the Research Methods and Bioethics module.

Working individually with the guidance of supervisors, you'll design your experiments and computer-based approaches to address the research questions. A diary-style record of protocols or methods will be used to generate entries for your skills portfolio.

You'll communicate your findings through a written thesis, and a poster presentation. For the MRes course, an interim written report and oral presentation will be assessed after six to eight months of work, in order to review your progress.

• Scientific Analysis, Review and Presentation (30 cp) - This module enables you to gain the relevant skills required for high quality academic reporting of scientific research. Through a series of seminar sessions, you’ll learn how to research, analyse and report on scientific findings related to your specialist subject. During this module, you’ll decide upon a suitable thesis topic with guidance from your supervisor, and you’ll present your completed work as a written thesis and poster presentation.

The core modules are studied consecutively throughout the programme and underpin the technology and theories of Biomedical Science.

You should choose the balance of modules to a total of 180 credit points, which also include the optional specialist modules and optional professional studies modules.

Students can choose one or more of these modules.

• Cancer and Heart Disease (30 cp) - Carry out in-depth analysis of cancer and cardiovascular disease, the two major causes of premature death in the UK. These diseases are examined at the physiological, biochemical and the molecular levels – you’ll explore the techniques available for the analysis, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, many of which are applicable to other disease states.
• Pharmacology (30 cp) - In this module, you’ll see how genes can influence our physiology, and hence our pharmacological response to drugs used to treat pathological conditions. You’ll develop the concept of tailoring therapeutic drugs as the future of drug design, enabling physicians to prescribe personalised medical treatments based on an individual’s genome.
• Molecular Biology and DNA Technology (15 cp) - This module provides valuable information for those who have not previously studied molecular biology, by developing your skills in one of the fundamental disciplines of modern theoretical and experimental biology. The aim of the module is to consolidate knowledge of the molecular biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and to illustrate how genomes are mutated, analysed and manipulated in the detection, study and therapy of disease.
• Cell Culture and Antibody Technology (15 cp) - You'll explore the scientific basis of cell culture and antibody technologies, and assess how they're used to solve problems in biotechnology, molecular biosciences, and biomedical sciences. You'll look at the relationship between cell and antibody technologies, as well as other technologies, particularly recombinant DNA technology and how these may develop in the future.
• Special Topics in Molecular Biology (15 cp) - You’ll explore the use of yeast and plant vectors and engineering for a variety of purposes, encompassing recombinant protein and metabolite production, research and crop improvement. Analysing how this knowledge can be applied to bioscience and biomedical sciences will enable you to make reasoned evaluations of the future scientific and commercial developments in both plant and yeast biotechnology.

In addition, you’ll be provided with an overview of and links to details of the molecular biological experimental techniques being used in industry today.

Students can choose one or more of these modules which run each year. These modules cover major disciplines of clinical pathology. You will learn the diagnostic applications in disease and develop a critical approach to the subject. The modules are assessed by coursework and online tests.

• Cellular Pathology eLearning (30 cp) - Through distance learning, you’ll explore the key topics in cellular pathology, with particular relevance to current medical and diagnostic practice. You’ll apply your specialist knowledge to critically analyse data and information. This will include an appreciation of the laboratory role in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, alongside the fundamental issues associated with modern laboratory.
• Clinical Chemistry eLearning (30 cp) - By distance learning and on-campus workshops, you’ll study a variety of disorders. You’ll cover clinical symptoms and biochemical/molecular defects, as well as diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the fundamental role of biochemical analysis in the achievement both of clinical diagnosis and disease management is central to this module.
• Haematology and Transfusion eLearning (30 cp) - This eLearning module aims to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the key topics in haematology and transfusion science. You’ll develop an appreciation of the importance of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease, and a high-level of understanding of the subject with particular relevance to current medical and diagnostic practice.
• Medical Microbiology eLearning (30 cp) - Interactive and interesting eLearning material will be the basis for the module. You’ll develop an appreciation of the importance of medical microbiology in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease, and gain a high-level of understanding of the subject.
• Cytology (30 cp) - On this module, you’ll explore the key topics in cytology, with a particular focus on current medical and diagnostic practices. This will include an appreciation of the laboratory role in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, alongside the fundamental issues associated with the modern laboratory. The two main areas of cytology – cervical cytopathology, and non-cervical cytopathology – will be covered.

These modules are for students who are studying or have completed the IBMS Specialist Diploma. The academic content is the same as the modules above with the same name but in addition there is advice on the types of evidence you can collect to complete your Specialist Diploma.

You cannot study one of these modules with the same name above e.g. you cannot study Cellular Pathology (30 credit points) and Cellular Pathaology with Professional Studies (45 credit points). Students would normally only study one of the professional studies modules.

You can choose only one Professional Studies module from:

• Cellular Pathology with Professional Studies (45 cp)
• Clinical Chemistry with Professional Studies (45 cp)
• Haematology and Transfusion with Professional Studies (45 cp)
• Medical Microbiology with Professional Studies (45 cp).