Biomedical Science (flexible learning) MSc

The MSc consists of a number of core modules including:

Advanced Topics in Biomedical Science - 20 credit points

It examines cutting-edge biomedical science themes using the latest technologies, practices, and research. Students will explore NTU and SHiMR research themes to keep the course fresh. The program covers bioinformatics, antibiotic resistance, and the molecular processes of chronic diseases including diabetes and cancer each year, adapting to the latest advances. Students will also learn about cancer biology, including indicators and therapies, and clinical pathology specialities such haematology, transfusion science, clinical biochemistry, cellular pathology, and medical microbiology.

Leadership and Professional Development - 20 credit points

This module equips graduates with the essential leadership and management skills required for careers in biomedical science. Students will explore leadership strategies, attributes, and competencies, with a focus on developing interpersonal skills and the ability to foster innovation through intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship.

Research Project for Biomedical Science by Flexible Learning- 60 credit points

This module requires students to conduct substantial research in their discipline and produce a research paper and poster. Structured activities will help students create a solid research proposal with a focus on rigorous experimental design.

The research project is either conducted in your place of work with joint supervision provided by your laboratory training officer or via an alternative dry project title.

The core modules are studied consecutively throughout the programme and underpin the technology, theories and professional practice of Biomedical Science.

Optional Modules

In addition to your core modules, you will need to choose additional option modules up to the balance of 180 credit points.

These include:

Quality Assurance in the Workplace - 20 credit points

This module is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate within established quality frameworks, ensuring they contribute effectively to the development and maintenance of a culture of quality within their organisations. Students will gain a thorough understanding of key aspects of quality management, including quality management systems, relevant standards, and the roles of internal quality control and external quality assurance.

Clinical Chemistry - 20 credit points

This module offers students a comprehensive exploration of Clinical Chemistry, emphasising its pivotal role in diagnosing, preventing, and treating disease. Students will gain a deep understanding of key topics related to contemporary medical and diagnostic practices, focusing on critical analysis of data and applying their specialised knowledge to clinical settings. Areas of focus include sample handling, laboratory testing, endocrine disorders, toxicology, tumour markers, inherited diseases, and nutritional investigations.

Haematology - 20 credit points

Students are taught to analyse haematological data and use clinical knowledge in this field of study. Laboratories are crucial to diagnosing and treating haematological diseases. Students will learn professional duties, quality assurance, governance, and IT system integration in sophisticated laboratories. Anaemias (iron deficiency, haemolytic, and megaloblastic), haematological malignancies, haemostasis disorders, and blood-borne parasites, especially malaria, are investigated and treated.

Transfusion Science -20 credit points

Students can grasp transfusion science's scientific and technological basis after completing this module. This comprises proper sample handling at all phases of analysis, a thorough understanding of blood type serology's biological principles, and expertise in standard and advanced testing methods and quality assurance practices. Students will also learn clinical and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe practice and good blood component manufacturing. They will also study the science behind transfusion-related concerns and learn how to use blood components and alternatives safely.

Cellular Pathology - 20 credit points

It covers Histopathology and Cytopathology in detail, with a focus on modern medical and diagnostic applications. Students must critically examine data and grasp cellular pathology's function in illness diagnosis and treatment. Fixation and fine needle aspiration, H&E staining, molecular markers, immunohistochemistry, and sophisticated diagnostics like electron microscopy and "Omics" are studied.

Medical Microbiology - 20 credit points

It covers key Medical Microbiology issues in light of modern medical and diagnostic methods. The laboratory's vital role in diagnosing and treating illnesses will be highlighted as students learn data analysis critically and advanced skills. Quality assurance and governance in modern microbiological labs will be reviewed.. Diagnostics for diseases impacting several body systems, healthcare-associated infection screening, and antibiotic susceptibility testing, including resistance detection, will also be covered.

Immunotherapeutics and Diagnostics - 20 credit points

This module covers how immunodiagnostic methods are used in biomedical science. It explores monoclonal antibody and cell-based immunotherapeutics and cancer vaccine development. Students will practise immunology topics in real-world contexts. Antibody construction and function, cellular immune responses, antigen presentation, and immunodiagnostic advances are reviewed.

Chronic Diseases - 20 credit points

It covers the pathobiology of biomedical science's major chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Students will study the genotypic and phenotypic alterations that cause cancer metastasis and the current treatments for these disorders. The module will critically examine the molecular processes of heart disease, notably atherosclerosis, and how food affects cardiovascular health. Students will also examine diabetes kinds, aetiologies, dietary effects, and new treatments.

Pharmacology  - 20 credit points

This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how drugs interact with macromolecules, such as receptors and ion channels, and the role of modern molecular techniques in pharmacology and drug discovery. Key topics include the classification and mechanisms of drug action, as well as how the disposition of drugs influences clinical responses. Students will explore drug effects at both organ and cellular levels through case studies and specific examples.

Clinical Molecular Biology - 20 credit points

This module equips students with the knowledge and skills to critically assess a wide array of molecular biology techniques used in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases within core biomedical science disciplines. Students will explore the clinical and diagnostic applications of key methodologies, including DNA extraction, gel and capillary electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) design, sequence-based typing, karyotyping, and cytogenetics as well as technologies such as fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), genomic microarray testing, next-generation sequencing, CRISPR, and the application of bioinformatics.

Further information

If you have questions regarding the course, please contact the course team at SST PG Enquiries.