MSc/PgDip/PgCert Biomedical Laboratory Sciences
Attendance
Full-time, Part-time
Full-time one year to masters
Part-time typically two years to masters
The diploma and certificate are shorter
January and September intakes
At a glance
About this course
This course is for people wishing to develop their knowledge in the laboratory application of biomedical sciences. It is for graduates whose background is in biomedical science, biology, medicine and life sciences.
This course is suitable if you wish to upgrade your knowledge and skills and increase your competitiveness in the job market.
It is also suitable if you want to pursue a research career within hospital labs, industry labs or at PhD level.
The course gives you
advanced study of biomedical science, which underpins professional progression and development
knowledge of how alterations or defects in cellular processes may lead to disease
hands on expertise in techniques, such as flow cytometry, real-time pcr, immuno-histochemistry, histology and molecular diagnostic techniques
transferable skills needed to continue developing your knowledge
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.
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
The postgraduate diploma consists of the taught parts of the MSc course which includes
cell biology
molecular diagnostics
biomedical laboratory techniques
professional development
research methods and statistics
As well as studying the scientific basis of laboratory based disease diagnostics, you also choose one specialist subject from blood sciences infection and immunity cellular pathology. Your work focuses on the in vitro diagnosis of disease. MSc students also take a project module.
There is also an option in cellular and molecular basis of disease applied biomedical techniques cellular and molecular basis of cancer human genetics diagnostic laboratory control processes bioinformatics.
Associated careers
The course is for
biosciences graduates wanting a career in pathology or biomedical sciences
scientists working in hospital or bioscience-related laboratories who want to expand their knowledge and expertise
students who aspire to work within research laboratories investigating biology of disease and pathology, or new therapies
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.
Professional development
This module aims to extend your professional skills and improve your career prospects. It involves sessions on essential practical skills and problem solving, communication of scientific information and IT skills. Assessment includes a personal and professional development portfolio plus reflective self-evaluation of your progress on the course.
Research project
During this module you formulate, execute, describe and critically evaluate an extended research project and carry out considerable laboratory work.
Options
45 credits from
applied biomedical techniques (15 credits)
cellular and molecular basis of disease (15 credits)
cellular and molecular basis of cancer (15 credits)
human genetics (15 credits)
evidence based laboratory medicine (15 credits)
bioinformatics(15 credits)
blood sciences (30 credits)
infection and immunity (30 credits)
cellular pathology (30 credits)
Assessment
Assessment methods include written examinations and coursework, such as problem solving exercises case studies reports from practical work.
Research project assessment involves a written report and viva voce.
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
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 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