Course specification and structure
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PMBLOSCI - MSc Blood Science

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 School of Human Sciences
Subject Area Biosciences
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 1 YEARS  
Part-time 2 YEARS  
Course leader  

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

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).
Emphasis will be placed on self-directed and problem-based learning within a lecture/tutorial/ practical 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 the research literature.
Tutorial 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.
The North campus library offers specialised group study areas as well as access to a comprehensive range of textbooks, journals and online learning resources. There are also open areas on the ground floor of the Tower building and the green lounge at Benwell Road offering open study areas. These areas all have access to IT facilities with several terminals at each one.
Practical skills are an essential part of the MSc course and students have access to the unparalleled facilities in the Science Centre Laboratory. Practical classes are designed to reinforce the knowledge from the lectures and tutorials. The course aims to promote a good knowledge-skills balance enhancing the professional practice of the students. The science centre also provides an excellent facility to carry out the final research project. MSc project assessment will culminate in the presentation of a dissertation and a viva exam, which also explores knowledge and understanding.

Course aims

The Postgraduate taught 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 Blood 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) develop students’ knowledge and understanding of different theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches, research interests and practical applications within Blood Science.
iii) develop an informed and critical appreciation of recent scientific developments in relation to diagnostic laboratory pathology.
iv) enable students to gain, specialist knowledge in areas such as Haematology, Clinical Biochemistry, Transfusion Science and Immunology.
v) enable students to plan, conduct and report a masters level research project.
vi) enhance understanding of QA/QC, external quality assurance schemes, MHRA, GLP etc.
vii) explore and critique the clinical, diagnostic and research implications within the fields of Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology and Transfusion Science, within a clinical multi-disciplinary laboratory.
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 Blood Science areas at postgraduate level.

Course learning outcomes

By the end of the course students should be able to demonstrate
1. Critical understanding of Blood Science consistent with consolidation of advances in the subject within an existing knowledge framework and interdisciplinary operational differences between Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology and Transfusion Science
2. Critical understanding of technical developments, their advantages, limitations and implications and how research impacts on the diagnosis and treatment of disease (with particular emphasis on laboratory diagnostics and monitoring)
3. cognitive (thinking) skills by assimilating information and developing ideas on issues, methodologies or pathogenic processes and by explaining how a working hypothesis may be devised and tested within the constraints of a biomedical context;
4. cognitive (thinking) skills by critically evaluating material on a complex Biomedical Science topic in order to present a balanced review;
5. effective communication verbally, in writing, and by electronic means;
6. the ability to implement an advanced information search and extract relevant information;
7. the capacity for rational and balanced debate of complex biomedical issues including ethical issues as well as individual initiative, organisation and the capacity for independent learning and effective team-working
8. increased awareness of how changes in knowledge and technology may impact on professional practice in the subject area and require adaptability
9. practical skills, through experience of advanced or novel practical methodologies;
10. practical skills, through 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;
11. practical skills, through experience of IT software and data bases e.g. in bioinformatics, epidemiology and in searching the Blood Science literature and application of statistical analyses where appropriate;

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 are assessed through a variety of methods including problem solving exercises, in-class test, data analysis, practical reports, case studies, oral presentations, extended essays, examinations, oral examination and dissertation. The choice of assessment instrument chosen to test the specified learning outcomes and to support students’ different learning styles. These methods are aligned with the School assessment strategy and the assessment is the responsibility of the academic staff delivering the module. Assessment is part of the learning process and confirms the outcomes of the learning process. It also provides formative feedback on curriculum design and delivery and, via the on-going iterative process of module monitoring, makes a significant contribution to the continued development and improvement of the courses that links in with the School learning and teaching strategy. In light of this a variety of assessment methods will be used (see syllabi) including unseen written examinations, individual and group assignments.
Practical skills are summatively assessed through coursework assignments, including those in the project module. Data handling skills are summatively assessed by practical reports, problem solving exercises, oral presentations and examinations.
Formative assessments include group activities in tutorial classes, mini-tests and project workshops. Laboratory and computer-based investigations, poster and oral presentations and a MSc dissertation giving students the opportunity to show the knowledge understanding and skills they have developed.

Course specific regulations

PT students take BM7001 in their first year.

The course incorporates any requirements indicated by the Institute of Biomedical Science as part of their accreditation programme.

Modules required for interim awards

PGDip award cannot include BM7P05.

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Many students will have undertaken the process of PDP during their undergraduate career or in the workplace. At Masters level, PDP is designed to build on and enhance the skills which the student have developed during their undergraduate level studies or work experience and help them to critically review their learning experiences, set future personal and academic goals and evaluate their progress towards these goals.
PDP is designed to assist students develop as independent learners, identify their strengths and weaknesses not only whilst studying at MSc level, but will be of benefit throughout their future career.
During the induction phase of the programme students will be introduced to structured reflection on their development of Postgraduate Skills which constitute much as the substance of personal development planning. Progress with Postgraduate Skills will be articulated to students as the programme progresses through feedback from tutors and peers enabling them to reflect on their progress based on the evidence available. Other activities outside of the academic aspect of university life will also contribute to aspects of Postgraduate Skills. Students will be encouraged to develop their personal portfolio to critically review their learning experiences, set their future personal and academic goals and evaluate their progress towards these goals.

Other external links providing expertise and experience

Institute of Biomedical Science

Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditations & exemptions

Individual modules are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

The resources of the Careers Service are available to all Students, who, as Postgraduates, may already be pursuing defined career goals. Students are also made aware of the advantages of IBMS membership, its careers information and the employment opportunities advertised in its publications.

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 of the IBMS. The course develops professional skills which enhance employability.

Career opportunities

Your career opportunities may include working in areas such as National Health Service (NHS) hospital laboratories and other health-related departments. Our graduates have also gone on to apply for research studentships.

The course modules will also count towards IBMS top-up education for your competency portfolio and as evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).

Entry requirements

You will be required to have:

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

You are advised to discuss eligibility for credit with the course leader before completing a credit application form.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements. Please note, entry onto this course requires a higher IELTS score of 6.0 overall and 6.0 in each component.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

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 01 Sep 2013  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes 100912 (blood sciences): 100%
Route code BLOSCI

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 07 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BM7001 Scientific Frameworks For Research Core 20 NORTH AUT TUE AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
BM7043 Haematology Core 20 NORTH SPR THU AM
BM7044 Transfusion Science Core 20 NORTH SPR THU PM
BM7051 Clinical Biochemistry Core 20 NORTH AUT THU PM
BM7P05 Research Project Core 60 NORTH SUM NA  
          NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA  
BM7002 Integrated Pathology Option 20 NORTH SPR TUE PM
BM7004 Advanced Immunology Option 20 NORTH AUT WED AM
BM7042 Biomedical Diagnostics Option 20 NORTH AUT THU AM
BM7121 Genetic and Genomic Informatics Option 20 NORTH SPR WED PM
BM7122 Medical Genetics and Genomics Option 20 NORTH SPR MON PM

Stage 1 Level 07 January start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
BM7001 Scientific Frameworks For Research Core 20 NORTH SPR WED AM
BM7043 Haematology Core 20 NORTH SPR THU AM
BM7044 Transfusion Science Core 20 NORTH SPR THU PM
BM7051 Clinical Biochemistry Core 20        
BM7P05 Research Project Core 60 NORTH SUM NA  
          NORTH SPR NA  
BM7002 Integrated Pathology Option 20 NORTH SPR TUE PM
BM7004 Advanced Immunology Option 20        
BM7042 Biomedical Diagnostics Option 20        
BM7121 Genetic and Genomic Informatics Option 20 NORTH SPR WED PM
BM7122 Medical Genetics and Genomics Option 20 NORTH SPR MON PM