This course explores the contemporary understanding of disease pathophysiology, current and emerging diagnostic procedures and aspects of therapy.

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, this course will provide you with an enhanced portfolio of knowledge and skills relevant to biomedical science in clinical and research environments[ME1] . Benefit from the opportunity to tailor the course content specifically to your career interests by choosing optional modules in areas such as Cancer Biology, Nutrition, Environment and Public Health, Leadership and Quality Management, and Advanced Biotechnology.

During this course you will enhance your transferable skills and employability with teaching from a team of experienced research-active academic staff and practising biomedical scientists.

This course is an ideal post-graduate progression route for graduates of a BSc. in Biomedical Science or other relevant bioscience disciplines and will enhance your career prospects. Many of our recent graduates have progressed on to postgraduate research courses, leading to PhD or professional doctorates in Biomedical Science, while others who are HCPC registered biomedical scientists have increased their opportunities for progression within their speciality (subject to relevant training).

Key features

• Professionally accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, so you can enrich the skills and qualifications sought by employers
• Enables Health and Care Professions Council registered biomedical scientists to enhance their opportunities for progression within their practice
• Access extensive NHS links with NHS pathology centres to develop your understanding of the sector
• Developed in conjunction with local health trusts and taught by a team of experienced research-active academic staff and practising biomedical scientists ensuring your learning is relevant to current practice
• Benefit from major investment in state-of-the-art laboratories and specialist equipment equivalent to what is used in industry
• An ideal progression route for graduates of BSc. Biomedical Science or other bioscience disciplines, helping to enhance your career prospects in the bioscience and biotechnology industries

Structure and assessment

Course modules

2018/19 intake:

Semester 1:

You will study the following three modules

• Advanced Pathobiology and Diagnostics – this core module gives students a grounding in the specialist core biomedical laboratory discipline knowledge, as well as a deeper understanding of the principles behind normal and diseased processes
• Molecular Biology and Genomics –  gives insight into modern diagnostic techniques and a critical overview of current concepts
• Evidence-Based Practice – ensures biomedical practice is based on the best available evidence rather than personal opinion and past practices

Semester 2:

In the second semester, you will study one core module and three of four elective modules:

• Research Methods and Biomedical Techniques – provides advanced biomedical practical skills as well as preparing students for the research projects
• Nutrition, Environment and Public Health – this elective module teaches the latest updates on the impact of nutritional and environmental factors on biomedical science and public health
• Leadership and Quality Management – this elective module focuses on the development of quality standards for medical laboratories, and the regulatory and professional bodies in place to monitor these compliance with standards

• Advanced Biotechnology – this elective module is designed to discuss current concepts, controversies and the latest methodological advances in the medical and biomedical biotechnology area. The module will also explore the ethical issues associated with modern biotechnology
• Cancer Biology – students will be expected to understand and appraise the current developments in the field. In this elective module you will gain knowledge of cancer disease processes and the diagnostics

Semester 3:

• Research Project (Dissertation) – This will enable you to choose and research a particular topic in-depth. Projects are likely to be in areas such as microbiology, drug discovery, immunology, cancer biology, cell signalling and other advanced subjects. Following the submission of the dissertation there will be an oral presentation and questions.

Facilities and features