PMBIOMDS - MSc Biomedical Science

The MSc course is designed to promote a deep understanding of Biomedical 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
Students have access to the Graduate centre to meet and discuss their courses. 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. This is in line with the NHS KSF (knowledge – skills framework). 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.

The Postgraduate taught Biomedical Science programme aims to:
i) provide graduates with advanced study of Biomedical 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) provide a high level of scientific knowledge and understanding of disease processes from the molecular to the body systems level;
iii) develop an informed and critical appreciation of recent scientific developments in relation to diagnostic laboratory pathology;
iv) enable students to gain, where options are taken, additional specialist knowledge in areas such as Epidemiology of Emerging Infectious Disease;
v) provide, where options are taken, the opportunity for study in areas unique to taught postgraduate Biomedical Science programmes such as Drug and Poison Analysis.
vi) enable students to plan, carry out and write up a masters level research project

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.

By the end of the course students should be able to demonstrate
1. Critical understanding of Biomedical Science consistent with consolidation of advances in the subject within an existing knowledge framework;
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 Biomedical Science literature and application of statistical analyses where appropriate.

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.

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.

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.

PGDip award cannot include BM7P05.

It is anticipated students will have chosen to study the MSc in Biomedical Science as part of their ongoing personal development plan. 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. Students will be encouraged to join relevant professional bodies, e.g. IBMS, Society of Biology etc and take advantage of their continuing professional development (CPD) schemes.

Institute of Biomedical Science

This course is accredited by the IBMS, the leading professional body of biomedical scientists with over 20,000 members in over 30 countries.

Successfully passing the course will also make you eligible to sit the IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma, which in turn allows you to upgrade and become a Fellow of the IBMS, a level of membership reserved for those working at the highest level of their profession.

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.

Graduates of this course have gone on to new roles and promotions including biomedical scientist and Oncologist at institutions such as Guy’s and St Thomas’ National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust and Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.

Many of our graduates are also well placed to apply for a Research Degree.

You will be required to have:

• a 2.2 UK undergraduate degree in biomedical science, although applications are welcome from other related subjects and will be considered on an individual basis