MSc/PgDip/PgCert Biomedical Sciences
Attendance
Full-time, Part-time
Full-time – one year to masters
Part-time – typically two years to master
The certificate and diploma are shorter
January and September intakes
At a glance
About this course
This course is for people wishing to develop their knowledge in selected areas of biomedical science. It is for graduates whose background is in biomedical science, biology, medicine and life sciences.
You gain advanced level knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of disease, with focus on the underlying cellular processes that lead to disease. You also learn about the current methods used in disease diagnosis and develop practical skills in our well-equipped teaching laboratories.
As well as studying the scientific basis of general pathology, you choose one specialist subject from • cellular pathology • infection and immunity • blood sciences. Your work focuses on the in vitro diagnosis of disease. MSc students also take a project module.
You develop the professional skills needed to further your career. These skills include • research methods and statistics • problem solving • the role of professional bodies and accreditation • regulation and communication.
There is also an option module in • cellular and molecular basis of disease • applied biomedical techniques • cellular and molecular basis of cancer • human genetics • bioinformatics.
Associated careers
The course is for biosciences' graduates wanting a career in pathology, biomedical sciences or research labs and industry within the biomedical field, it is also for scientists working in hospital or bioscience-related laboratories who want to expand their knowledge and expertise in this area.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) who commended us on
• the excellent scientific content of our courses
• the supportive nature of the staff which provides a positive student experience
• the laboratory and teaching facilities, which provides an excellent learning environment
Course content
Core modules
Cell biology
This module gives you an advanced knowledge of cellular organisation and cellular mechanisms in both health and disease. You also analyse cellular interactions including cell signalling, signal transduction, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.
Molecular diagnostics
During this module you study the foundations of molecular biology, then examine how genetic abnormalities are detected within diagnostic and research laboratories. You explore techniques including cytogenetics, DNA fingerprinting, PCR amplification and mutation detection, together with the ethical considerations of molecular testing.
Biomedical laboratory techniques
You examine a wide range of techniques used in the modern laboratory, from processing tissue samples, histology, immunohistochemistry and microscopy to flow cytometry, blotting techniques and mass spectrometry. You also gain experience of a number of these techniques within the laboratory setting.
Research methods and statistics
You develop the skills needed to formulate, execute and report an advanced research and/or development project. These skills include creativity or invention as well as more formal skills such as acquisition of knowledge and searching the literature. Statistical analysis of experimental results and database searches also form an important part of this module.
Evidence based laboratory medicine
Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) is defined as 'the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of the current best evidence in making decisions about the care of patients'. Having been initially applied to therapeutics, EBM is increasingly being applied to the practice of laboratory medicine. This module aims to explore the current thinking around the assessment of laboratory investigations in terms of analytical validity and clinical utility and considers management and accreditation issues which impact on the successful implementation of an evidence based approach to laboratory medicine.
Research project
During this module you formulate, execute, describe and critically evaluate an extended research project and carry out considerable laboratory work.
Optional modules
45 credits from
• blood sciences (30 credits)
• infection and immunity (30 credits)
• cellular pathology (30 credits)
• cellular and molecular basis of disease (15 credits)
• applied biomedical techniques (15 credits)
• cellular and molecular basis of cancer (15 credits)
• human genetics (15 credits)
• bioinformatics (15 credits)
Assessment
Assessment methods include written examinations and coursework such as • problem solving exercises • case studies • reports from practical work • presentations. Research project assessment includes a written report, presentation and portfolio.
Entry requirements
You need one of the following
• an honours degree in a biological subject or equivalent
• a professional qualification of equal standing to an honours degree, for example MIBiol by examination, FIML
• other qualifications such as HND, HNC or unclassified degree in biological subject, plus significant relevant work experience
Non-native English speakers need to be proficient in English, typically shown by an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.5 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
Full-time – typically £4,590
Part-time – typically £1,530 a stage for PgCert, PgDip and MSc stages
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £11,340 for the course
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,650 for the course
How to apply
Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form
Contact details
For further information contact the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Sheffield S1 1WB, phone +44 (0)114 225 3468, fax +44 (0)114 225 3066, email Biosciences@shu.ac.uk