Biomedical Science MSc

If you would like to acquire an in-depth understanding of disease processes and complement this with the study of an elected specialist discipline within pathology (haematology or medical microbiology), this course is ideal. Academic knowledge is linked to the practical applications of biomedical science, particularly in relation to modern diagnostic methods.

Where appropriate, practising biomedical scientists who are experts in their fields, will share information about the latest developments, and visits to specialist laboratories will further enhance links with the working environment.

This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.

What will you study?

Core modules will familiarise you with:

• the theoretical and practical aspects of molecular medicine used in research and hospital laboratories;
• the molecular basis of immunological mechanisms; and
• cellular mechanisms of disease, the physiological manifestations and implications to public health.

You will also learn about the principles and practice of laboratory management in biomedical science, and study the skills required for researching and communicating in biomedical science. In each semester you will also study two modules in your elected specialist route.

In addition to subject-specific knowledge, the course aims to develop your communication and other skills. Your research project can be carried out either with one of the research groups within the School of Life Sciences, during a placement in a laboratory or with the NHS, or at your place of work.

Many of the staff in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

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Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Core modules

• Molecular Medicine

• Molecular Medicine

  This module familiarises you with the theoretical and practical aspects of molecular medicine as used in research and practice in hospital laboratories.

  
   
• Immunology

• Immunology

  This module covers the molecular basis of immunological mechanisms, and how to use this to approach contemporary problems in clinical immunology.

  
   
• Research and Organisation in Biomedical Science

• Research and Organisation in Biomedical Science

  This module introduces:

  • the principles and practice of laboratory management in biomedical science; and
  • the skills required for researching and communicating in biomedical science.
  
   
• Biology of Disease

• Biology of Disease

  Here you study the cellular mechanisms of disease. For specific examples, you also consider the physiological manifestations and public health implications.

  
   
• Research Project

• Research Project

  You can carry out your research project with:

  • one of the research groups within the School of Life Sciences;
  • as part of a placement in a laboratory in industry; or
  • as part of a placement in the National Health Service (NHS).

  If you are a part-time student, you can carry out the research project at your place of work, either alongside your taught modules or during a third year.

  
   

Haematology modules

• Haemostatis and Thrombosis

• Haemostatis and Thrombosis

  This module investigates the principles of blood coagulation.

  
   
• Blood Transfusion

• Blood Transfusion

  This module investigates the principles of blood transfusion. 

  
   
• Haemopoiesis and Anaemia

• Haemopoiesis and Anaemia

  In this module, you study the regulation and control of haemopoiesis and how dysregulation leads to anaemia.

  
   

Medical Microbiology modules

• Control of Infectious Diseases

• Control of Infectious Diseases

  This module looks at how to control micro-organisms in the environment and in the individual.

  
   
• Microbiology in Clinical Practice

• Microbiology in Clinical Practice

  This module addresses the theory and practice of modern clinical microbiology. You examine selected micro-organisms of current medical importance in depth.

  
   
• Structure, Taxonomy and Characteristics of Micro-organisms of Medical Importance

• Structure, Taxonomy and Characteristics of Micro-organisms of Medical Importance

  This module covers:

  • the structure of medically important micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, TSEs and parasitic protozoa);
  • the rationale and methods (both traditional and modern) used to assign them to taxonomic groups; and
  • the main characteristics relevant to their laboratory identification.
  
   

The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing holds a number of open day events throughout the year. These are a great opportunity to find out more about this course, the Faculty itself, and the facilities we offer.

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Learn more about the facilities available to you as a student of this course.

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Our links with industry provide a practical base for our courses. They also help us to ensure your studies are kept up to date and relevant to the working environment.

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