Program Overview

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MSc Biomedical Science

Overview

This course is designed to enable you pursue a career as a biomedical scientist in a variety of research, development and leadership roles.

You'll be supported by an internationally-recognised and highly active biomedicine science group with varied research interests and links with healthcare industries, research institutes and the NHS.

Typical entry points to this course are in January and September.

Mode of Study:

• Full-time (available as Part-time)

Duration:

• 1 year

Start date:

• SepJan

Course details

During your study, you will develop a detailed knowledge of key concepts in immunology, toxicology, pharmacology and disease biology and learn how these disciplines are applied in biomedical science.

You’ll gain critical understanding of specialist research areas and unique insights into the challenges currently facing biomedical science.

You’ll also acquire an in-depth appreciation of research and development practices in the healthcare industries through guest lectures and site visits to specialised laboratories.

There is an emphasis on developing your practical laboratory skills with various opportunities for hands-on experience in a range of current techniques and practices.

In your final trimester you’ll undertake an independent project within a vibrant biomedical research team, allowing you to apply and further develop your technical, research and professional skills.

You’ll also develop key skills including communication, problem solving, team work, project management, and leadership.

How you’ll be taught

This is a full-time course and is split up into three trimesters. You can choose to start in either January or September.

Duration:

• September starts: 12 months
• January starts: 18 months with a three-month break over the summer (after the first taught trimester)

You’ll learn through interactive lectures, workshops, tutorials and laboratory sessions, and by engaging with guided independent study.

Site visits and/or guest lectures may also be arranged.

A variety of assessment tools are used to enhance and evaluate your learning.

Assessments

Your assessments are mapped out across your programme and include formative work to help practice your skills, as well as summative work which will build on this preparatory work.

These are carefully spaced out across each trimester to avoid clashes and include many different types of assessment such as essays, lab reports, posters, oral presentations, short discussions, class tests and exams.

Some of these assessments involve group-work, whilst others are individual.

For example: In the Advanced Immunology module, you will undertake a group poster assessment, and a class test.

In the Biology of Disease and Therapeutics module, you will undertake a data handling exercise, a case study analysis and an oral presentation.

Facilities

The MSc Biomedical Science programme is delivered at our landmark Sighthill Campus where students learn in state of the art laboratories equipped with, for example, cell tissue culture hoods; confocal microscopy; molecular biology; flow cytometry and histology equipment, to ensure we meet the needs of students entering employment and research roles in the biomedical science sector.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Advanced Immunology (BMS11100)

In this module you will gain a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the cells, molecules and functions of the human immune system.

You will learn about the role of the immune system in diseases such as autoimmune disorders and allergy.

You will also learn about immunotechnology aspects including blood typing, transplantation, monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, illustrating the value of immunology in diagnosis and therapeutics.

Biology of Disease and Therapeutics (BMS11101)

The module will introduce you to the concepts of health and illness, cell adaptation, inflammation, cell injury/death, and neoplasia.

Biological mechanisms underlying disease will be studied, including consideration of genetic causes of disease.

You will study the development of disease, together with the principles of disease pathogenesis, investigation and treatment.

You will be introduced to the general principles of pharmacology, identification of therapeutic targets, mechanisms of drug action, and the potential side-effects associated with medicines.

Drug Design and Chemotherapy (BMS11105)

This module is designed to deal with the different strategies and approaches of drug design of new chemotherapeutic candidates targeting different biological targets.

You will learn how to evaluate existing and new biological targets and contemporary drug design methods (chemical and biological) to combat these disease states.

Molecular Pathogenesis of Microbial Infection (MIC11100)

In this module you will compare and contrast ways in which different microbial pathogens cause infection in human hosts.

Through critical appraisal of current scientific literature, you will broaden your understanding of microbial pathogenesis and evaluate how we apply such knowledge to solve global problems, such as the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance.

Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology (BMS11110)

The module will provide you with an introduction to the major aspects of the scientific study of drugs in man, not just with respect to the design of optimum drug therapy, but also looking at the differences between pharmacology and toxicology.

You will learn about how drugs work, their limitations, and the variability of response.

You will study how cells transduce messages from the plasma membrane into the cell and nucleus.

You will learn about how the body’s endogenous signalling system works and how this informs drug development.

Research Skills (MIC11107)

The module will include an overview of the research process including hypothesis and research question design and the role of the research literature as evidence to assist in the development of research ideas relevant to practice.

You will also learn about analysis and interpretation of data and how to ensure data generated is robust and scientifically valid and will explore aspects related to the importance of research governance and ethics in research design.

• These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 2:2 or above, or equivalent.

We look for applicants to have a background in bio-molecular sciences such as biological sciences, biotechnology, molecular biology, immunology, virology, genetics, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, human biology, pharmacology, microbiology, forensic biology in order to be eligible for the programme.

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient relevant work experience.

English language

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course).

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Admissions policies

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• Students from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £7,280
• Overseas and EU: £20,395

Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next.

Careers

• Employment in hospitals, NHS, local government or health and safety divisions in various roles including research, Research & Development (R&D), management and consultancy.
• Employment in industrial settings from smaller medical biotechnology enterprises to global pharmaceutical companies.
• Progression to PhD to follow an academic career.
• If you currently work in the biomedical sector, this programme will enhance your prospects for career progression.