Course specification and structure
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PMBLSCDL - MSc Blood Science (Distance Learning)

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Master of Science Level Masters
Possible interim awards Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, Advanced Diploma in Professional Development
Total credits for course 180
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School Faculty of Life Sciences and Computing
Subject Area School of Human Sciences
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Part-time Distance Learning 2 YEARS 6 YEARS
Full-time Distance Learning 1 YEARS 6 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The MSc Blood Science (Distance Learning) course is an equivalent offering to the existing campus-based MSc Blood Science, but with an entirely distance learning delivery mode.

The MSc course is designed to promote a deep understanding in the emerging mixed disciplinary area of Blood Science. Students will develop knowledge and skills which will empower them to be autonomous professional practitioners. The course will foster high level reasoning skills and promote lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD). CPD top-up modules: individual modules are offered for CPD and career progression purpose.

Emphasis will be placed on self-directed and problem based learning within a lecture/extension activity framework. Students will explore case studies to promote high level reasoning in a professional context. They will compare laboratory diagnostic methods, consider new methodologies and examine research literature. Students have access a comprehensive range of journals and online learning resources via the library catalogue.

Summative assessment of students’ knowledge base and their understanding will be incorporated into formal in-course tests/exercises and the individual presentation completed at the end of each unit. The personal learning log included in most modules will enhance the students ability to reflect on their learning and professional development.

The offering of MSc/PGDip Blood Science (Distance Learning) makes it possible for the course to be taken by students who due to their work or personal commitments, could not leave their employment, their home country, or simply prefer the flexibility to study for the course anywhere and anytime without having to attend the traditional campus-based classes. Students will still receive effective and timely guidance and support throughout the course.

The University’s state-of-art Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and other appropriate tools are used to provide a highly interactive, supportive and collaborative learning experience for the students. A wide range of synchronous and asynchronous facilities are used where appropriate for the effective delivery and assessment of the modules. Among these facilities are WebLearn learning materials, video lectures, discussion board and online forum, and online presentation, viva and feedback. Students are encouraged to become active participants, rather than passive recipients, of this learning process.

There are many facilities available on Weblearn and via other tools that can make the successful delivery of the course by distant teaching not only possible but also highly effective. The examples of the range of synchronous and asynchronous facilities on VLE are listed in the table provided in the course specification, grouped according to their potential roles in learning and teaching, assessment, and student support.

Course aims

The Postgraduate Distance Learning Blood Science programme aims to:
i) provide graduates with advanced study of Blood Science, which underpins career progression and development; an appreciation of the depth and breadth of Biomedical Science, the remit of the HCPC and IBMS, the attributes and roles of the practitioner and requirements for laboratory safety, QA, QC, and accreditation bodies
ii) examine different theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches, research interests and practical applications within Blood Science.
ii) provide an informed and critical appreciation of recent scientific developments in relation to diagnostic laboratory pathology.
iii) explore specialist knowledge in areas such as Haematology, Clinical Biochemistry, Transfusion Science and Immunology.
iv) enable students to plan, conduct and report a masters level research project.
v) enhance understanding of QA/QC, external quality assurance schemes, MHRA, GLP etc.
vi) )explore and critique the clinical, diagnostic and research implications within the fields of Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology and Transfusion Science, within the a clinical multidisciplinary laboratory.

Additional generic postgraduate aims:
i) to develop research and development skills for use in project work and production of research reports.
ii) to develop students’ intellectual, practical and personal skills in the area of Biomedical Science consistent with masters level study.
iii) to undertake a substantial individual project which utilises current and up-to-date Biomedical Science techniques and research tools.
iv) to encourage students to reflect critically on their own experiences, to develop their own capabilities and to regard themselves as life-long learners.

Professional development and the practice of managerial skills are also to be supported on the course. The distance learning delivery mode offers significant flexibility whereby all teaching and learning materials are provided in the most advanced Virtual Learning Environment. In addition to the general programme aims above, the individual modules provide CPD opportunities for extending knowledge, updating skills, or gaining new skills in specialist Biomedical Science areas at postgraduate level.

Course learning outcomes

The MSc, PgDip and PgCert have common core modules.
Delivery and assessment of the common core provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the learning outcomes listed in 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d. These outcomes are reinforced in the additional optional modules taken for each award. Where single modules are taken for CPD or other purposes the learning outcomes are specified in each unit outline.

11a. Knowledge and understanding
Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
i) Biomedical Science focusing on Blood Science consistent with consolidation of advances in the subject within an existing knowledge framework
ii) technical developments, their advantages, limitations and implications
iii) how research impacts on the diagnosis and treatment of disease (with particular emphasis on laboratory diagnostics and monitoring)
iv) interdisciplinary operational differences between Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology and Transfusion Science
v) the rationale for an extensive Research Project (MSc only)

Emphasis will be placed on self-directed and problem based learning within a lecture/extension activities framework. Students will explore case studies, compare laboratory diagnostic methods, consider new methodologies and examine the research literature.

Exercises and short phase tests will be used to provide students with feedback on their progress. Summative assessment of students’ knowledge base and their understanding will be incorporated into formal in-course tests/exercises (30%), personal learning log (40%) and end of module assessment completed at the end of each unit (30%). MSc project assessment will culminate in the presentation of a dissertation and a poster presentation (via Face-to-face messaging system/or similar technology), which also explores knowledge and understanding.

11b. Cognitive/intellectual skills
Students should be able to demonstrate cognitive (thinking) skills by:
i) assimilating information and developing ideas on issues, methodologies or pathogenic processes
ii) explaining how a working hypothesis may be devised and tested within the constraints of a biomedical context
iii) critically evaluating material on a complex Biomedical Science topic in order to present a balanced review
iv) planning the execution of an extensive Research Project and assessing the outcome (MSc only)
Intellectual skills will be developed through reflection, example and practice during delivery of the course.

Cognitive skills will be assessed in those in-course assessments, such as abstracting exercises or those requiring critical appreciation or development of solutions to problems, which implicitly target them. The individual presentation completed at the end of each module will also provide the opportunity to assess students’ ability to negotiate complex issues and to interpret and integrate diverse information from a variety of sources.

11c. Subject-specific practical skills
Students should be able to demonstrate development of practical skills, through
i) experience of advanced or novel practical methodologies
ii) the application of knowledge to practical problems, including test selection and the design of appropriate experimental protocols with due regard to safety and quality control issues
iii) experience of IT software and searching the Biomedical Science literature
iv) comprehension and application of statistical analyses where appropriate
v) the organisation and execution of practical work in an extensive Research Project (MSc only)

Practical laboratory skills are not taught though some observation of demonstration material will also be utilised. Problem-based exercises will require exploration of practical issues in Blood Science such as the merits of alternative diagnostic strategies, comparison of alternative methodologies and experimental design. Tutorial style case studies will also incorporate exploration of practical issues, including quality control criteria and the operation of national/international quality assurance schemes.

IT skills will be assessed by the use of in-course tests and exercises and by the depth of understanding of experimental work brought to bear in the final research module. In the MSc Research Project practical skills will be assessed by the results obtained and their contribution to the overall standard of achievement.

11d. Key/transferable skills including employability and professional practice
Students should be able to demonstrate superior transferable skills and competencies, which support employability and professional practice, including:
i) effective communication verbally, in writing, and by electronic means
ii) the ability to implement an advanced information search and extract relevant information
iii) the capacity for rational and balanced debate of complex biomedical issues
iv) individual initiative, organisation and the capacity for independent learning
v) increased awareness of how changes in knowledge and technology may impact on professional practice in the subject area and require adaptability
vi) effective team working
vii) production of a 9,000 word dissertation (MSc only)

Transferable skills will be developed through discussion, practice and advice centring on tutorial work and assignments. For example, seminar presentations with visual aids such as power point and discursive written exercises requiring selection, integration and presentation of relevant material will be used to develop communication skills. Controversial issues, the problem of incomplete data, and changing practices, will be debated. The learning process will provide opportunities for students to develop individually and as members of a team. Parts of the course, as in life, will be problem-based and will develop students’ initiative, use of conventional and electronic information sources, and scholarship.

Transferable skills will be assessed integrally within the set assessments

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

Knowledge and understanding

Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Biomedical Science focusing on Blood Science consistent with consolidation of advances in the subject within an existing knowledge framework.

Technical developments, their advantages, limitations and implications.

How research impacts on the diagnosis and treatment of disease (with particular emphasis on laboratory diagnostics and monitoring).

Interdisciplinary operational differences between Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology and Transfusion Science.

The rationale for an extensive Research Project (MSc only)

BM7115DL Bioethics, Research and Grant Proposal, BM7116DL Clinical Biochemistry, BM7117DL Haematology, BM7118DL Transfusion Science, BM7119DL Advanced Immunology, BM7P20DL Research Project (Biomedical Sciences).

Cognitive/intellectual skills

Assimilating information and developing ideas on issues, methodologies or pathogenic processes.

Explaining how a working hypothesis may be devised and tested within the constraints of a biomedical context.

Critically evaluating material on a complex Biomedical Science topic in order to present a balanced review.

Planning the execution of an extensive Research Project and assessing the outcome (MSc only):

BM7115DL Bioethics, Research and Grant Proposal, BM7116DL Clinical Biochemistry, BM7117DL Haematology, BM7118DL Transfusion Science, BM7119DL Advanced Immunology, BM7P20DL Research Project (Biomedical Sciences).

Subject-specific practical skills

Students should be able to demonstrate development of practical skills, through:

Experience of advanced or novel practical methodologies

The application of knowledge to practical problems, including test selection and the design of appropriate experimental protocols with due regard to safety and quality control issues

Experience of IT software and searching the Biomedical Science literature

Comprehension and application of statistical analyses where appropriate

The organisation and execution of practical work in an extensive Research Project (MSc only)

BM7116DL Clinical Biochemistry, BM7117DL Haematology, BM7118DL Transfusion Science, BM7119DL Advanced Immunology, BM7P20DL Research Project (Biomedical Sciences).

Key/transferable skills including employability and professional practice

Students should be able to demonstrate superior transferable skills and competencies, which support employability and professional practice, including:

Effective communication verbally, in writing, and by electronic means

The ability to implement an advanced information search and Extract relevant information

The capacity for rational and balanced debate of complex biomedical issues

Individual initiative, organisation and the capacity for independent learning

Increased awareness of how changes in knowledge and technology may impact on professional practice in the subject area and require adaptability

Effective team working

Production of a 9,000 word dissertation (MSc only)

BM7115DL Bioethics, Research and Grant Proposal, BM7116DL Clinical Biochemistry, BM7117DL Haematology, BM7118DL Transfusion Science, BM7119DL Advanced Immunology, BM7P20DL Research Project (Biomedical Sciences).

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Although there are no QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) benchmark statements for Biomedical Science at Postgraduate level, course outcomes are in line with Generic QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) guidelines on Masters level qualifications.

Assessment strategy

Students will undertake a variety of assessment techniques from self diagnostic testing, debates, group work, coursework, essays, and cumulative exams. Practical skills are summatively assessed through the coursework assignments, including those in the final Project module. Data handling skills are assessed by, practical reports, problem solving exercises, information abstracting and reviewing exercises, poster presentations, exams and seminar presentations.
Assessment is undertaken by a variety of formative and summative assessment methods, including:
i) individual research projects;
ii) individual work on case studies;
iii) the development of public information leaflet;
iv) the development of scientific poster;
v) assessments including quizzes that are negatively marked;
vi) the reviewing of journal articles;
vii) demonstrations and oral presentations;
viii) the compilation of workbooks;
ix) the authoring of a Personal Learning Log.

Formative assessment such as small individual assignments, formative quizzes, abstracting, report writing, and online presentations will assess the level of cognitive skills acquired by the students throughout the course. Summative assessment such as negatively marked quizzes, module long coursework (including personal learning logs) and end of course assignments will provide concrete evidence of the level that these cognitive skills have been learnt.

As students progress through the levels of study they will be confronted with more complex cognitive skill assessment such as research reports, project proposal, research skills and components of the final MSc project. The process of project development is facilitated by the tutors and assessed formatively and summatively.

Both formative and summative feedback is provided to the students at various and appropriate stages of their study for the module.

Among the key issues in a distance learning delivery course are authentication and plagiarism detection of student work.

In the QAA Code of practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education, Collaborative provision and flexible and distributed learning (including e-learning) – Amplified version October 2010, it stated: “In some FDL environments, there may be particular issues relating to the authentication of a student's work, especially when assessment is conducted on-line or remotely. As a starting point, students should at least be provided with a statement which explains the awarding institution's position on the use of unfair means and the penalties which may ensue, and requires them to confirm acceptance of the terms of that statement.”

To address these issues, each student on this course is required to electronically sign the acceptance of the “academic honesty statement” at the beginning of each module. The statement will specify the university's position on the use of unfair means and the penalties it may impose on any student misconduct.

Authenticate student identity:
i) The authenticated copy of the students’ photo ID must be submitted to the University as part of the enrolment process.
ii) The student photographs will be made available to all online tutors to verify and confirm the identity of the students during any required oral assessments.

Authenticate student work:
i) Regular online communication takes place between students and online tutors. This allows the tutors to not only monitor student’s performance but also identify any unusual patterns of achievement.
ii) Online viva/presentations are organised for all modules, partly to authenticate/evidence student work.
iii) A suitable plagiarism-detection tool, Turnitin (within Weblearn), will be used for all essay type coursework submission to identify and prevent plagiarism and collusion.

Enhance student retention
i) Provide prompt pastoral supports: course leader provides academic support from the course level, and course administrator acts as the first point of contact for students for non-academic matters.
ii) Identify “at risk” students as soon as possible and provide adequate support: Module leaders will identify “at risk” students who fail to complete the given tasks or fail to make reasonable progress in any learning unit. These “at risk” students will be contacted promptly via telephone or email and appropriate support given.
iii) Maintain regular interaction between the students and tutors: Module leaders will maintain regular communication with the students throughout the module, including provide formative feedback for each learning unit and summative feedback at the end of the module.
iv) Build a strong sense of learning community: a discussion board will be set up for each module. This discussion board will enable students to build a supportive and interactive learning community.
v) Organize regular events (tutorials via online streaming or off-line videos, best poster award etc) to further enhance students motivation and encourage best practice.

Course specific regulations

The course conforms to both the University’s Postgraduate Scheme and the University Academic Regulations and incorporates any requirements indicated by the Institute of Biomedical Science as part of their accreditation programme.

Modules required for interim awards

This course has a mixed core and designate structure. Students are required to take all five 20-credit core modules, select one 20 credit or two 10 credit designate modules and a 60-credit MSc Project module as specified in the course structure (see details in the course structure diagram).

PGCert – 60 credits; any 3 modules;
PGDip – 120 credits; 6 modules (not including Research Project);
MSc – 180 credits; 6 modules plus Research Project.

Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditations & exemptions

This course is accreditated by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), enabling students to take full advantage of the opportunities for knowledge and career development that this affords.

Students are eligible for eStudent Membership of the IBMS.

Single modules taken for CPD obtain 100 points per 10 credits with the IBMS.

It is also recommended by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).

Career opportunities

This course provides an extension of knowledge allowing practising biomedical scientists to be considered for promotion at work. Healthcare scientists are training in this discipline area too.

Career opportunities include employment in NHS hospital laboratories and other health-related areas. Graduates will also be well placed to apply for research studentships.
This course allows students to be considered for promotion at work.

Graduates with two years relevant professional experience can apply for the Member grade of membership

PhD research, pharmacology, biotechology and similar employment opportunities are available.

Entry requirements

You will be required to have:

  • A first or second class honours first degree, or equivalent, in biomedical or life sciences subjects (that included appropriate biomedical content), although other less relevant subjects may be considered.

Lower grades, or non-degree qualifications supplemented by substantial work experience may be considered at interview.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2013/14 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 01 Sep 2013 Last validation date 03 Sep 2013  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes B100 (Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology): 100%
Route code BLSCDL

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 07 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BM7115 Bioethics, Research and Grant Proposal Core 20        
BM7116 Clinical Biochemistry Core 20        
BM7117 Haematology Core 20        
BM7118 Transfusion Science Core 20        
BM7119 Advanced Immunology Core 20        
BM7P20 Research Project (Biomedical Science) Core 60        
BM7104 Introduction to Cellular Pathology Option 10        
BM7105 Introduction to General Microbiology Option 10        
BM7106 Introduction to Medical Microbiology Option 20        
BM7108 Introduction to Molecular Biology and Genetics Option 10        
BM7109 Introduction to Clinical Genetics Option 20        
BM7110 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology in Healt... Option 20        
BM7111 Introduction to Cell Biology Option 10        
BM7112 Introduction to Toxicology Option 10        
BM7113 Haemoglobinopathies Option 10        

Stage 1 Level 07 January start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BM7115 Bioethics, Research and Grant Proposal Core 20        
BM7116 Clinical Biochemistry Core 20        
BM7117 Haematology Core 20        
BM7118 Transfusion Science Core 20        
BM7119 Advanced Immunology Core 20        
BM7P20 Research Project (Biomedical Science) Core 60        
BM7104 Introduction to Cellular Pathology Option 10        
BM7105 Introduction to General Microbiology Option 10        
BM7106 Introduction to Medical Microbiology Option 20        
BM7108 Introduction to Molecular Biology and Genetics Option 10        
BM7109 Introduction to Clinical Genetics Option 20        
BM7110 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology in Healt... Option 20        
BM7111 Introduction to Cell Biology Option 10        
BM7112 Introduction to Toxicology Option 10        
BM7113 Haemoglobinopathies Option 10