PMBLOSCI - MSc Blood Science

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.

The Postgraduate taught Blood Science programme aims to:

1. 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
2. Develop students’ knowledge and understanding of different theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches, research interests and practical applications within Blood Science.
3. Develop an informed and critical appreciation of recent scientific developments in relation to diagnostic laboratory pathology.
4. Enable students to gain, specialist knowledge in areas such as Haematology, Clinical Biochemistry, Transfusion Science and Immunology.
5. Enable students to plan, conduct and report a masters level research project.
6. Enhance understanding of QA/QC, external quality assurance schemes, MHRA, GLP etc.
7. 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 Biomedical Science areas at postgraduate level.

By the end of the course students should be able to demonstrate

1. Knowledge and 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. Knowledge and 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; develop leadership and management skills.
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 teamworking
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;1
12. Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible professionals in their discipline

Although there are no QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) benchmark statements for Blood 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.

Digital literacy is developed through the use of digital media are used to learn and to present the outcomes of learning – presentations, coursework, laboratory data management, statistical calculations. Finding, analysing and using digital data – research based modules, self-directed learning, literature reviews, projects . Taking part in authentic digital research or professional practice – use of specialised software for data collection in several modules

PT students take BM7001 in their first year

Students must pass all modules to gain the award title “MSc Blood Science”
If they have one 20-credit module fail at 40% then the award will be MSc Biosciences”

PGDip award cannot include BM7P05

Students must pass all modules to gain the award title “MSc Blood Science”
If they have one 20-credit module fail at 40% then the award will be MSc Biosciences”

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. Students will be encouraged to join relevant professional bodies, e.g. IBMS, etc and take advantage of their continuing professional development (CPD) schemes. Students will also develop leadership & management skills as the progress through the course in multiple modules using real experiences and activities.

Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

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 careers information and the employment opportunities advertised in the publications of the IBMS.

This course allows students to be considered for promotion at work. The course develops professional skills which enhance employability.

With the growing demand for biomedical expertise, our graduates will be embark on a career paths such as Health Care Scientists/Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Scientist, Researcher and within other scientific laboratories. Some students go onto complete a PhD.

The MSc Blood Science course is Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

https://www.ibms.org/home/

Students are encouraged to join the IBMS and are eligible for eStudent Membership.

Kick-start your biomedical science career and show your commitment to the profession

Being an IBMS eStudent member looks great on your CV and shows future employers that you are committed to the profession.

What's included in your membership?

For just £13 a year you will have access to our benefits:

https://www.ibms.org/join/join-ibms/estudent/

After graduating students can become a fully registered Biomedical Scientist if they have an accredited BSc Biomedical Science degree and after the complete the Competency Portfolio in an accredited lab in the NHS or private Sector.

Students without an accredited BSc degree can get their degree assessed by the IBMS and can complete top-up moudules where required.

https://www.ibms.org/registration/become-a-biomedical-scientist/

To work as a biomedical scientist in the UK you are legally required to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

To register as a biomedical scientist with the HCPC, you must meet their Standards of Education and Training. This requires you to complete an IBMS Accredited biomedical science degree (or HCPC approved Healthcare Science/Life Sciences degree) and successfully complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio in an IBMS approved training laboratory

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

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 as evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).

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.