Masters Degrees (Functional Medicine)

Our master’s program appeals to those interested in a more patient-centered approach to helping people achieve and maintain optimal wellness through focus on the whole person, rather than simply their symptoms.

Highlights:

- Accredited program offered in collaboration with the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)
- Rigorous, clinically-applicable curriculum that is continually reviewed and updated with new research and findings
- 100 percent online format with flexible schedule options
- Engaging online learning experience featuring distinguished and dedicated instructors and an expert support network to reinforce clinical and academic skills
- Program satisfies educational requirements to sit for many national nutrition certification exams

Don’t miss your chance to enroll in our spring term!

MISSION

The mission of the UWS master’s in human nutrition and functional medicine (HNFM) program is to prepare learners to serve as outstanding health care clinicians, consultants, educators, administrators and researchers in the field of human nutrition and functional medicine.

PROGRAM

Our clinically-oriented human nutrition and functional medicine program is the only fully accredited master’s degree in functional medicine, having been granted regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the highest level of academic accreditation available in the U.S. This program is 100 percent online as offered as a collaborative endeavor between UWS and the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), the organization which founded and developed the key functional medicine concepts used today.

Functional medicine is a science-based, patient-centered and systems-oriented approach to helping people achieve and maintain excellent health. This is accomplished primarily through natural methods, with diet and nutrition as a central focus. It is a forefront model for health care practice that seeks to address the causes of disease and dysfunction rather than suppressing symptoms. Founded on a holistic view of health, functional medicine delves deep into the biochemical and genetic individuality of each patient.

Why choose UWS for a master’s in nutrition?

This program includes advanced instruction in clinical nutrition, similar to other master’s level nutrition programs, but it goes far beyond by also presenting extensive educational content on functional medicine principles and practices derived from the Institute for Functional Medicine. These include important interdisciplinary and evidence-based perspectives, patient assessments and clinical interventions designed to enhance the function of the whole person.

It is primarily a clinically focused degree, with emphasis on treating individual or multiple conditions and their risk factors using dietary and nutritional interventions. Every course contains elements of clinical assessment and diagnosis. There is also a strong focus on wellness promotion and general health in order to meet the clinician’s primary goal of preventing disease and metabolic dysfunction before they occur.

SCHEDULE

The program consists of 50 quarter-credits of graduate coursework (33 semester credits) and can be completed in seven quarters (under two years) if taken at the recommended pace of 7-8 credits (usually two courses) per quarter, though students may move more quickly or more slowly through the program. We recognize that the life situations of our students vary considerably in terms of their family, employment and community commitments, thus we are flexible with regard to speed and prefer that students take the time they need in order to learn the material well.

Additionally, it is possible to take a leave of absence for a quarter or more if needed. As long as the intended schedule is communicated with the registrar, it is possible to extend the program to better suit a student’s individual needs.

Classes are admitted twice per year, with Fall (October) and Spring (April) starts.

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Are you interested in broadening your skills in Sports Medicine?

This new Masters course is designed to provide enthusiastic professionals with practitioner-led training in the Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM).

Benefits:

• Provides specialised knowledge in sport and exercise medicine disciplines; functional sports anatomy, clinical assessment, musculoskeletal (MSK) medicine, sports injuries, exercise physiology and health, sports nutrition, physical activity and health, exercise prescription.
• Strong emphasis on the development of technical skills necessary for SEM practice
• Hands-on training in MSK clinics and pitch-side experience.
• Access to brand new sports facilities and labs.
• Wide range of supervised practical experience available via club placements and clinics
• Extensive employment opportunities exist within: NHS Musculoskeletal, private sports medicine clinics and sports clubs

Sports and Exercise Medicine is now a recognised training route by the GMC for clinicians. SEM is a key deliverable in new government strategies, demand for training has increased with portfolio GPs and GPwSI specifically interested in training for Sports Medicine, and an increasing expectation amongst professional sports clubs that team doctors should have undergone structured training programmes to Masters Level.

Recognising that some trainees may not be in a position to finalise postings by that date, if places are available we will accept further applications up to a second deadline of Friday 2nd June 2017. 

Course content

This masters is a three year part-time course to begin with and in 2018 will be available full-time. The course attendance is approximately one day a month with focus on the following modules:

• Functional sports anatomy and clinical assessment
• Musculoskeletal medicine and sports injuries
• The sport and exercise medicine practitioner
• Exercise physiology, health and sports nutrition
• Physical activity, health and exercise prescription
• Project work and dissertation

Students will also be expected to attend a 2 day Immediate Care in Sport course in induction week, and arrange MSK clinics and club placements in weeks where attendance at university is not scheduled.

You will have access to our brand new sports facilities and labs, where Olympic athletes train. The course is interdisciplinary in nature, and will equip students to work in teams of professionals with complementary expertise e.g. strength and conditioning, team coaches, physiotherapists, acute injury settings.

Course structure

We will initially offer part time registration for a September 2017 start, with content spread over two years; a one year full time course will be available in 2018.

Year 1 Compulsory modules

• Musculoskeletal Medicine and Sport Injuries 30 credits
• Functional Sports Anatomy and Clinical Assessment 20 credits
• The Sport and Exercise Medicine Practitioner I 15 credits

Year 2 Compulsory modules

• Project Work and Dissertation 60 credits
• Exercise Physiology, Health and Sports Nutrition 20 credits
• Physical Activity, Health and Exercise Prescription 20 credits
• The Sport and Exercise Practitioner II 15 credits

Year 3 Compulsory modules

• Project Work and Dissertation 60 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Sport and Exercise Medicine MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Attendance is compulsory and will be approximately one day/month (students will not be expected to be in every week). Recorded lectures of shared modules with other courses will be available to be viewed online, along with specified eLearning material.

Seminars will be recorded, where appropriate. Some practical sessions, group tutorials and specific teaching sessions will be compulsory. Placements at appropriate professional clubs and NHS clinics will be organised, with some flexibility to negotiate clinic dates and times, and contacts will be provided for self-organised additional experience opportunities. Predominantly we use a case based approach; the eLearning each week will have a relevant case or scenario identified, and required reading and practical tasks set.

Assessment

There will be a variety of assessments, appropriate for vocational character of the course and the nature of the subjects studied. These will include

• tutor observed assessment (case study presentation)
• reflective log
• summative MCQ
• short essay
• clinical competency sign-off
• pre-hospital qualification
• eLearning completion (e.g. FIFA diploma in football medicine, World Rugby concussion, WADA doping course)
• OSCE stations
• project dissertation.

A wide range of supervised experience is available via placements. They are available at NHS Bradford & Airedale MSK clinics; York City FC, Leeds United FC, Hull City FC; options also include GB Swimming, GB Basketball etc.

Career opportunities

The programme is designed to train enthusiastic professionals wishing to pursue a career in the relatively new discipline of sports and exercise medicine (SEM). On completion of the Masters, you will be able to apply what you have learned to any physical activity, exercise or sporting event that requires qualified SEM cover, with immediate effect. Overall, the programme aims to equip students with the skills and expertise to enhance the value of previous training to those organisations.

Employment opportunities exist within NHS musculoskeletal and private sports medicine clinics, as well as sports clubs. Sports and Exercise Medicine is now a recognised training route by the GMC for clinicians.

Sport and Exercise Medicine is a key deliverable in new government strategies, demand for training has increased with portfolio GPs and GPwSI specifically interested in training for Sports Medicine, and an increasing expectation amongst professional sports clubs that team doctors should have undergone structured training programmes to Masters level.

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Our Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) programme is internationally renowned for providing high quality distance learning exclusively to doctors. The programme is designed to provide relevant knowledge for doctors involved, or wishing to be involved, in the full or part-time management of recreational and elite athletes. By studying this programme you will develop practical skills that can be applied to both primary and specialist care.

The highly interactive, flexible, online learning and hands-on clinical teaching provide you with expert knowledge and skills, while also enabling you to remain in practice.

Programme features:
- Flexible and online, allowing you to study alongside your clinical practice.
- Recognised by the Faculty of Sport & Exercise Medicine (FSEM) (http://www.fsem.co.uk/).
- You will become part of an international online community of SEM specialists.
- A problem-solving and reflective approach to sport and exercise medicine.
- Benefit from a reduced membership rate to the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine (BASEM) (http://www.basem.co.uk/) for the first year.

View a video about this programme (http://www.bath.ac.uk/health/postgraduate/)

Programme structure

This is a flexible programme. The Diploma can be completed in two years, but students have the option of taking up to four years. The MSc can be completed in 3.5 years: again, students have the option of taking up to 5 years.

The following events take place on the University of Bath campus:
- Induction Event (two days) – Year One (September)
- Sports Science Residential Week - Year One (January)
- Clinical Residential Week - Year Two (June)
- OSCE (Examination Event) (1 day) – Year Two (June or October)

Years one and two (Diploma):
- Sport & Exercise Medicine in Practice 1 - 6 Credits (ongoing throughout Diploma)
- Sport & Exercise Medicine in Practice 2 - 6 Credits (ongoing throughout Diploma)
- Sports Doctor - 6 Credits (3 month unit)
- Exercise Physiology - 6 Credits (3 month unit)
- Functional Anatomy and Sporting Movement Analysis - 12 credits (6 month unit)
- Sports Injuries & Rehabilitation - 12 credits (6 month unit)
- Psychology of Sport and Exercise - 6 Credits (3 month unit)
- Exercise for Health - 6 Credits (3 month unit)

Year three (MSc):
- Research Project Design
- Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Project

View summary table (http://www.bath.ac.uk/health/images/sem-programme-structure.jpg) or Programme & Unit Catalogue (http://www.bath.ac.uk/catalogues/2015-2016/hl/hl-proglist-pg.html#F) for further information.

Learning and teaching

Our programmes are modular, consisting of self-contained units, taught and assessed on a semester basis. As you progress through each semester and successfully pass the examinations, you will receive credit for the units, thus providing you with a clear indication of your academic progress.

The majority of the content of the programme is delivered online to allow you to engage in flexible study alongside your clinical practice. To complement the online teaching there is a face-to-face induction event at the University and residential teaching weeks in the first and second years of the programme. Reflective, practice-based elements are provided through professional experiential learning and online virtual workshops.

Methods of assessment

You will be assessed through written assignments and case studies, a portfolio of clinical experience, the OSCE Examination and a Dissertation. Each unit is assessed individually.

Assignments are delivered online and must also be submitted online. The formative assessment includes moderated online discussions, self-assessment questions and online multiple choice tests.

Summative assessment will vary between units but will typically include some of the following:

Compilation of portfolio of evidence [SEM in Practice]
OSCE examination [SEM in Practice]
Maintaining a reflective practitioner portfolio [SEM in Practice]
Essays
Case studies
Short answer questions
Recorded consultations

- Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL):
If you have a previous qualification, or undertaken postgraduate units from another institution, you may be eligible to transfer credit for this prior learning.

Depending on the programme of study, you can gain APL for up to 50% of the total credits required (this credit must have been obtained within the previous five years).

- Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
You may also apply for APEL by submitting a portfolio of evidence, demonstrating that you have successfully achieved the learning outcomes for the specific unit(s) you seek exemption from.

We recommend you discuss this with the Director of Studies first to ensure this is suitable, as creating your portfolio can be very time consuming.

We will not permit exemptions of fractional units, and so the minimum threshold for the applications of APEL procedures will be a single, free standing unit (including three credit units). The maximum threshold for exemption will normally be 50% of the total credits required for a programme of study, for example, a 45-credit exemption towards a 90-credit Masters degree.

About the department

The School for Health was established within the University of Bath in 2003, to centralise the high profile research and teaching in the health-related disciplines already taking place throughout the university, so creating a single entity through which links with the health sector at national and international level can be channelled, co-ordinated and developed.

In 2010 the School joined the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences and became the Department for Health, providing excellent opportunities for academic teaching and research collaborations with other departments, such as Psychology and Social & Policy Sciences. The Department's postgraduate teaching and research programmes now form part of the Faculty's new Graduate School, also launched in 2010, providing postgraduate students with dedicated support and a strong community in which to base their studies - whether on campus or by distance learning.

In keeping with government initiatives surrounding population health and more general public concerns, the Department divides its activities between two main pillars: Healthcare and Population Health – one focuses on the NHS, healthcare and health services research and the other focuses on population health, healthy living, sport & physical activity and tobacco control; each of these groups, in turn, contain both teaching programmes and research activities. Furthermore, there is a bridging spine between both pillars and which houses the Professional Doctorate in Health, Research in Health Practice and the administrative, finance, learning & teaching development, marketing and support activities of the Department.

The Department’s aims are:

- To develop a research portfolio that is both of the highest academic standard and has applications in the real world
- To build on external links with the public services and other bodies concerned with health and society
- To innovate design and delivery of healthcare services
- To change corporate approaches to healthy organisations
- To support government reform of health and social care provision
- To identify and facilitate opportunities for academic collaboration and new developments.

The Department's postgraduate taught programmes combine academic excellence with flexible and innovative design and delivery; our postgraduate portfolio is distinguished by the provision of a number of Professional Masters and a Professional Doctorate programme designed to be studied part-time by learners working in a wide range of healthcare roles from all around the world. All our postgraduate courses are taught online and this has proved to be one of our unique selling points, with students able to continue within their practice area or working environment whilst gaining a further qualification.

The Department is renowned for its exemplary attention to educational design, integrating knowledge with research evidence and resulting in programmes which are highly relevant to contemporary practice; in addition, the Department boasts some of the most innovative and successful approaches to online and part-time education, recognised through a number of awards.

At all levels, learning and teaching in the Department provides a strong focus on high quality education for real world situations and produces graduates with skills and knowledge relevant to professional roles and in high demand from employers.

Teaching programmes on offer within the Department include:

- Sport & Exercise Medicine, the world renowned flexible masters programme exclusively for doctors
- Sports Physiotherapy, a specialist programme designed by physiotherapists for physiotherapists
- Research in Health Practice, a programme launched in 2008 aimed at health and social care professionals interested in conducting their own research
- The innovative Professional Doctorate in Health which focuses on both Population Health and Healthcare within the Department, providing a doctoral level programme to develop expert practitioners and researchers in practice.

Facilities, equipment, other resources
Sport and exercise science and medical science laboratories. Close links with the English Institute of Sport and the Department of Sports Development and Recreation.

International and industrial links
There are current links with primary care trusts, strategic health authorities, the two hospitals in Bath and colleagues in industry. The Department works closely with esteemed international academic institutions, and individual health practitioners, in order to meet the regional, national and global challenges facing health and social care.

Careers information
Postgraduate research students gain a wealth of experience to assist them with their next step and are offered personal career advice at the University. The Department has an established research training skills programme for all research students. The taught programmes enable students to extend their health and social care career pathways and to build important networks for further professional opportunities.

Find out more about the department here - http://www.bath.ac.uk/health/

Find out how to apply here - http://www.bath.ac.uk/hss/graduate-school/taught-programmes/how-to-apply/

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We are pleased to deliver an innovative Level 7 Masters, MCh in Surgery with four individual awards in the specialist surgical pathways of:
-Orthopaedics and Regenerative Medicine
-Otorhinolaryngology
-Urology
-Ophthamology*

*Subject to validation

Surgical pathways such as in General Surgery and Gynaecology and Emergency Obstetrics are planned to be included for the near future.

The theme of regenerative medicine and the teaching of practical skills through simulation runs through each of the specialist pathways and modules.

Orthopaedics and Regenerative Medicine

The specialist surgical field of orthopaedics has been central in the use of regenerative medicine. The focus in modern orthopaedics is changing as research exposes ever greater knowledge widening the spectrum of therapeutic options encompassing reconstruction, regeneration and substitution (Kim, S-J. and Shetty, A.A., 2011; Shetty, A.A. and Kim, S-J., 2013; Kim, J-M., Hans, J.R. and Shetty, A.A., 2014).

Research methods, studies in regenerative medicine and other emerging technologies feature poorly in the standard curriculum of the orthopaedic trainee. This limits the quality of research output, reduces the potential for innovation and slows the rates of adoption of transformative treatments for patients, while leaving the surgeon unable to critically evaluate new treatments.

This programme targets this deficiency with a strong emphasis on research methodology and critical analysis that is based on a platform formed of in-depth scientific knowledge and proven by translation into clinical practice.

Otorhinolaryngology

Otorhinolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat surgery – ENT) is a diverse surgical specialty that involves the management of both children and adults. In contrast to other surgical specialties the management of a significant number of conditions requires a non-surgical approach. An understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of pathology is essential. This surgical specialty is rapidly evolving. Significant progress has been made through regenerative medicine and technology, some locally through mobile platforms.

Entry into Otorhinolaryngology is competitive. This is often despite the fact that whilst at University many medical students may have had little, if any, formal training in ENT. Some junior trainees entering the specialty have had limited exposure which may affect their decision making.

The MCh in Surgery (Otorhinolaryngology) course aims to prepare a trainee to meet the challenges of the current and future challenges in Otorhinolaryngology. It provides an evidence based approach for the management of patients, and provides a foundation for those who will eventually undertake formal exit examinations in this specialty.

Urology

Urology is a surgical specialty dealing with the problems associated with the urinary tract and it deals with cancer, non-cancer, functional problems and diseases (Khan, F., Mahmalji, W., Sriprasad, S. and Madaan, S., 2013). In urology many problems can be managed with medications (for example treating erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms have become largely by pharmaceutical agents) and this underpins the importance of understanding the basic science and molecular biology as applied to the specialty.

This surgical field is constantly evolving with technology being the main driver. Improvements have been made through lasers, optics, gadgets and robotics (Jeong, Kumar and Menon, 2016). Regenerative medicine is fast evolving in urology. The architectural simplicity of hollow structures (such as bladder) and tubes (such as the ureters and urethra) make them particularly amenable.

Despite the fact that many medical students may not have had a urology placement during their training (Derbyshire and Flynn, 2011) the specialty is very much sought after. Getting into urological training is very competitive. Doctors typically undertake research, obtain higher degrees and publish papers in peer-reviewed journals in order to advance their surgical training. A MCh in Surgery (Urology) will therefore be significantly valuable to you for not only your professional knowledge and skills but also to help you reach your goals of becoming a Consultant.

The MCh in Surgery (Urology) will prepare you to meet the challenges of current and future urologic medicine and surgery. All this provides a platform for further advancement of your scientific knowledge, innovative and forward thinking, career progression and camaraderie with fellow students.

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology is a surgical specialty dealing with disorders of the eye and visual pathways. Although the treatment of eye conditions involves a range of therapeutic options, including medicine, laser and surgery, the surgical field in particular is constantly evolving with technology being the main driver. Improvements are being made through lasers, optics, and minimally invasive surgical procedures with enhanced outcomes for patients.

There is very little ophthalmology teaching in modern medical school curricula. However, the speciality is highly sought after with intense competition for a limited number of training positions. Therefore, doctors typically undertake research, obtain higher degrees and publish papers in peer-reviewed journals in order to advance their surgical training and improve their chances of achieving a training number. A MCh in Surgery (Ophthalmology) will provide you with a solid foundation and valuable qualification to enhance selection onto a career pathway in this highly competitive field, culminating in a Consultant appointment. The MCh in Surgery (Ophthalmology) will prepare you as a trainee surgeon to meet the challenges of current and future ophthalmology. Specifically, you will be taught to critically analyse and evaluate data through learning research methodology. You will then learn to apply this to clinical practice and to evaluate the different treatment options and new technologies with respect to patient benefit and outcomes. There will be the opportunity of studying a range of conditions and treatments in depth. All this provides a platform for further advancement of your scientific knowledge, innovative and forward thinking. A unique aspect of the MCh programme is the teaching of regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine is fast evolving in ophthalmology, and this programme will help you to appreciate this area of medicine as applied to eye conditions. This is especially so in retinal conditions, optic neuropathies and glaucoma. The knowledge gained is critical not just for the local students from the United Kingdom but to any trainee from anywhere in the world.

The theme of regenerative medicine will run through each of the specialist pathway modules with its application, research and emerging technologies being critically explored. Although a key component and theme through this programme will be regenerative medicine, a further theme that will run through each of the modules is the teaching of practical surgical skills in each of the pathways and modules through simulation.

Aims of the Course

In order for you to be able to think in an innovative manner and to be prepared for modern challenges in surgery, this programme aims to develop your scientific insight into current and emerging technologies that will inform your clinical practice and help you to apply basic scientific discoveries to your clinical work for the benefit of your patients.

It aims to facilitate you to develop a critical understanding of current novel and potentially beneficial therapies that use regenerative medicine and digital health platforms in a way that will inspire and encourage you to use this knowledge and develop your own ideas. To be a competent, safe and compassionate surgeon, you need to be able to develop your critical, analytical and problem solving abilities.

The programme therefore will enable you to critically and analytically consider the evidence base presented to you, to confidently challenge this evidence and make comprehensive, considered and robust decisions on patient care. In doing so you will be enabled to think and work creatively and intellectually which in turn will stimulate you to search for new knowledge for the benefit of your patients and health care provision.

Further, this programme will enable you to be a lifelong learner, having developed critical, analytical and evaluative skills at Masters level, to undertake your own high quality research and search for innovation, which in turn will further progress your area of expertise. Integral to the programme is the need to develop and enhance a culture in you that ensures a willingness to challenge poor or bad clinical practice, improve service delivery and effect change.

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Molecular medicine is transforming the way we understand and treat human diseases, from cancers to neurodegenerative disorders. Combining contemporary medical studies with biochemistry and molecular biology, this rapidly advancing area creates a bridge between the subjects, and draws on other fields such as physics, chemistry, biology and medicine.

This course examines how normal cellular processes are affected by disease. You gain an understanding of the core foundations of molecular medicine, studying the topics most relevant to the real world, and how this science may be used in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.

You learn about and appraise the approaches that can be used to address global health problems, including cancer as well as genetic and infectious diseases. The foundations that support investigations of molecular disease mechanisms and the search for new diagnostic tools and treatments will be laid, as you explore topics including:
-Gene and protein technology.
-Synthetic biology
-Bioinformatics
-Genomics

This course has a very high proportion of practical and bioinformatic work that provides valuable experience for your career. This includes our optional module Creating and Growing a New Business Venture, which challenges you to think creatively and increases your value to organisations, including small enterprises, which are a growing part of the biopharmaceutical sector.

Your research project is a major component of your course, in which you perform novel laboratory and/or bioinformatic research in one of our academic laboratories or (subject to approval) carry out research in an industrial or hospital setting.

Two-thirds of our research is rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (REF 2014), and you learn from and work alongside our expert staff.

Our expert staff

As one of the largest schools at our University, we offer a lively, friendly and supportive environment with research-led study and high quality teaching. You benefit from our academics’ wide range of expertise and research on important national and international problems using cutting-edge techniques.

The University of Essex has a Women's Network to support female staff and students and was awarded the Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award in November 2013 in recognition of its continuing work to support women in STEM.

Specialist facilities

Recent investment has provided modern facilities for functional genomics, computational biology and imaging biological systems. On our course you have the opportunity to:
-Work in an open and friendly department, with shared staff-student social spaces
-Conduct your research alongside academics and PhD students in shared labs
-Learn to use state-of-the-art research facilities, from protein purification, to cell culture and imaging, to molecular modelling

Your future

Contribute to a growing industry and gain the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in biomedical research and industry, or continue your studies further in postgraduate science and medical degrees.

Advances in molecular medicine will continue to drive growth of new services and products in health care, biomedical and pharmaceutical organisations and companies, and our graduates are well placed to take advantage of employment opportunities in the life science, biotech and pharmaceutical industries and hospitals.

Many of our Masters students progress to study for their PhD, and we offer numerous studentships to support our students in their studies.

We work with our university’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Example structure

-Research Project: MSc Molecular Medicine
-Protein Technologies
-Gene Technology and Synthetic Biology
-Professional Skills and the Business of Molecular Medicine
-Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology
-Genomics
-Advanced Medical Microbiology (optional)
-Human Molecular Genetics (optional)
-Cancer Biology (optional)
-Creating and Growing a New Business Venture (optional)
-Rational Drug Design (optional)
-Molecular and Developmental Immunology (optional)
-Cell Signalling (optional)
-Mechanisms of Neurological Disease (optional)

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Overview

The MSc in Biomedical Engineering at Keele is a multidisciplinary course that will prepare you for an exciting career across a wide range of areas of engineering in medicine, be that in academic or industrial research, the medical devices sector or in the clinical arena. The course is professionally accredited and suitable for people with both engineering and life science backgrounds, including medicine and subjects allied to medicine.

Course Director: Dr Ed Chadwick ([email protected])

Studying Biomedical Engineering at Keele

The course will cover the fundamentals of engineering in medicine, introduce you to the latest developments in medical technology, and expose you to the challenges of working with patients through clinical visits. Learning and teaching methods include lectures and demonstrations from medical and engineering specialists, practical classes using state-of-the-art facilities and seminars with leading national and international researchers.

Graduate destinations for our students could include: delivering non-clinical services and technology management in a hospital; designing, developing and manufacturing medical devices in the private sector; working for a governmental regulatory agency for healthcare services and products; undertaking further postgraduate study and research (PhD); pursuing a university-based, academic research career; or providing technical consultancy for marketing departments.

See the website https://www.keele.ac.uk/pgtcourses/biomed/

Course Accreditation by Professional Body

The course is accredited by the Institute for Physics and Engineering in Medicine, whose aims are to ensure that graduates of accredited programmes are equipped with the knowledge and skills for the biomedical engineering workplace, be that in industry, healthcare or academic environments. Accreditation gives you confidence that the course meets strict suitability and quality criteria for providing Masters-level education in this field.‌‌‌

About the department

Now delivered through the Keele Medical School and the Research Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, the course dates as far back as 1999, when it was established in partnership with Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics at the University Hospital. Most teaching now takes place in the Guy Hilton Research Centre, a dedicated research facility located on the hospital campus. The medical school is one of the top-ranked in the UK, and the research institute has an international reputation for world-leading research.

The centre was opened in 2006 and offers state-of-the-art equipment for translational research including newly-developed diagnostic instruments, advanced imaging modalities and additive manufacturing facilities. Its location adjacent to the university hospital ensures that students experience real-world patient care and the role that technology plays in that. Students also have access to advanced equipment for physiological measurement, motion analysis and functional assessment in other hospital and campus-based laboratories. The School embraces specialists working in UHNM and RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital Oswestry, covering key medical and surgical subspecialties.

The course runs alongside its sister course, the MSc in Cell and Tissue Engineering, and an EPSRC and MRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training, ensuring a stimulating academic environment for students and many opportunities for engaging with further study and research.

Course Aims

The aim of the course is to provide multidisciplinary Masters level postgraduate training in Biomedical Engineering to prepare students for future employment in healthcare, industrial and academic environments. This involves building on existing undergraduate knowledge in basic science or engineering and applying it to core principles and current issues in medicine and healthcare.

Specifically, the objectives of the course are to:
- provide postgraduate-level education leading to professional careers in biomedical engineering in industry, academia and a wide range of healthcare establishments such as medical organisations, medical research institutions and hospitals;

- provide an opportunity for in-depth research into specialist and novel areas of biomedical and clinical engineering;

- expose students to practical work in a hospital environment with hands-on knowledge of patient care involving technological developments at the forefront of the field;

- introduce students to exciting new fields such as regenerative medicine and novel technologies for physiological monitoring and diagnostics.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course is taught through subject-centred lectures and seminars, supported by tutorials and practical exercises. Collaborative learning and student-centred learning are also adopted giving widespread opportunity for group work and individual assignments. Students are required to conduct extensive independent study, and this is supported by full access to two libraries, online journal access and a suite of dedicated computers for exclusive use by MSc students on the course. In addition, students are supported by the guidance of a personal tutor within the department, as well as having access to university-wide support services. This includes English language support where appropriate.

Assessment

Modules will be assessed by a mixture of assessment methods, including lab reports, essays, and presentations, and final examination. This ensures the development of a range of transferrable employability skills such as time management and planning, written and verbal communication and numeracy as well as technical and subject-specific knowledge. The project dissertation forms a major component of the student’s assessed work.

Additional Costs

Apart from additional costs for text books, inter-library loans and potential overdue library fines we do not anticipate any additional costs for this postgraduate programme.

Find information on Scholarships here - http://www.keele.ac.uk/studentfunding/bursariesscholarships/

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About the course

A multi-disciplinary course, students will be introduced to the field of biomaterials, and important factors in the selection, design, and development of biomaterials for clinical applications. You’ll develop an understanding of biomaterials science, engineering, regenerative medicine and associated specialisms.

This course will be of particular interest to students interested in facilitating their development into the medical field aiming to contribute in the health care sector.

A welcoming department

A friendly, forward-thinking community, our students and staff are on hand to welcome you to the department and ensure you settle into student life.

Your project supervisor will support you throughout your course. Plus you’ll have access to our extensive network of alumni, offering industry insight and valuable career advice to support your own career pathway.

Your career

Prospective employers recognise the value of our courses, and know that our students can apply their knowledge to industry. Our graduates work for organisations including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, the National Nuclear Laboratory and Saint-Gobain. Roles include materials development engineer, reactor engineer and research manager. They also work in academia in the UK and abroad.

90 per cent of our graduates are employed or in further study 6 months after graduating, with an average starting salary of £27,000, the highest being £50,000.

Equipment and facilities

We have invested in extensive, world-class equipment and facilities to provide a stimulating learning environment. Our laboratories are equipped to a high standard, with specialist facilities for each area of research.

Materials processing

Tools and production facilities for materials processing, fabrication and testing, including wet chemical processing for ceramics and polymers, rapid solidification and water atomisation for nanoscale metallic materials, and extensive facilities for deposition of functional and structural coatings.

Radioactive nuclear waste and disposal

Our £3million advanced nuclear materials research facility provides a high-quality environment for research on radioactive waste and disposal. Our unique thermomechanical compression and arbitrary strain path equipment is used for simulation of hot deformation.

Characterisation

You’ll have access to newly refurbished array of microscopy and analysis equipment, x-ray facilities, and surface analysis techniques covering state-of-the-art XPS and SIMS. There are also laboratories for cell and tissue culture, and facilities for measuring electrical, magnetic and mechanical properties.

The Kroto Research Institute and the Nanoscience and Technology Centre enhance our capabilities in materials fabrication and characterisation, and we have a computer cluster for modelling from the atomistic through nano and mesoscopic to the macroscopic.

Stimulating learning environment

An interdisciplinary research-led department; our network of world leading academics at the cutting edge of their research inform our courses providing a stimulating, dynamic environment in which to study.

Teaching and assessment

Working alongside students and staff from across the globe, you’ll tackle real-world projects, and attend lectures, seminars and laboratory classes delivered by academic and industry experts.

You’ll be assessed by formal examinations, coursework assignments and a dissertation.

Core modules

Materials for Biological Applications; Scientific Writing and Health Informatics; Polymers Materials Chemistry; Biomaterials II (Advances in Biomaterials); Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; Structural and Physical Properties of Dental and Biomaterials.

Examples of optional modules

Group Projects in Bioengineering; Dental Materials Science; Tissue Structure and Function; Design of Medical Devices and Implants; Introduction to Digital Dentistry and Dental Manufacturing.

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This programme offers the opportunity to study functional, comparative and clinical anatomy to a higher level of critical understanding. The programme is designed for ambitious clinicians who will have studied anatomy at undergraduate level to extend their knowledge and understanding of the subject in a functional context in an academically stimulating environment whilst maintaining their clinical careers rather than having to interrupt their career path. Students come from all parts of Great Britain including: Wales, Dublin, Belfast, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Lincoln as well as locally.work in clinics and laboratories where internationally recognised research and treatments are being developed.

This programme offers the opportunity to study functional, comparative and clinical anatomy to a higher level of critical understanding. Advanced skills in learning as well as practical skills used during this programme will support your career development and introduce you to higher skills for clinical practice. It has been designed to allow participating students to maintain their clinical experience whilst studying for a highly relevant MSc level qualification.

This will give you the opportunity to work in clinics and laboratories where internationally recognised research and treatments are being developed.

The flexibility in choosing a dissertation project gives students the opportunity to explore an area of interest and may result in further publications or posters to improve their CV.

About the College of Medical and Dental Sciences

The College of Medical and Dental Sciences is a major international centre for research and education, make huge strides in finding solutions to major health problems including ageing, cancer, cardiovascular, dental, endocrine, inflammatory diseases, infection (including antibiotic resistance), rare diseases and trauma.
We tackle global healthcare problems through excellence in basic and clinical science, and improve human health by delivering tangible real-life benefits in the fight against acute and chronic disease.
Situated in the largest healthcare region in the country, with access to one of the largest and most diverse populations in Europe, we are positioned to address major global issues and diseases affecting today’s society through our eight specialist research institutes.
With over 1,000 academic staff and around £60 million of new research funding per year, the College of Medical and Dental Sciences is dedicated to performing world-leading research.
We care about our research and teaching and are committed to developing outstanding scientists and healthcare professionals of the future. We offer our postgraduate community a unique learning experience taught by academics who lead the way in research in their field.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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Overview

Located within a European Centre of Excellence for Tissue engineering, and based on Keele University’s local hospital campus, the MSc in Cell and Tissue Engineering provides support and development to enhance your career within this rapidly expanding field. The multidisciplinary environment enables close interaction with leading academics and clinicians involved in cutting-edge, and clinically transformative research.

Course Director: Dr Paul Roach ([email protected])

Studying Cell and Tissue Engineering at Keele

Our MSc Cell and Tissue Engineering programme has tracked alongside the strongly emergent global Regenerative Medicine industry and will prepare you for an exciting future within a range of medical engineering areas, be that in academic or industrial research, medical materials, devices, or therapeutics sectors, or in the clinical arena. The modular structure to the course enables flexibility and personalisation to suit your career aspirations, build upon strengths and interests and develop new understanding in key topics. The selection of modules on offer is professionally accredited by the Institute for Physics and Engineering in Medicine.

Graduate destinations for our students could include: undertaking further postgraduate study and research (PhD); pursuing a university-based, academic research career; providing technical consultancy for marketing and sales departments within industry; working within biomedical, biomaterials, therapeutic and regenerative medicine industries or working for a governmental regulatory agency for healthcare services and products.

See the website https://www.keele.ac.uk/pgtcourses/cellandtissueengineering/

‌The course provides support from the basics of human anatomy and physiology, through to development of novel nanotechnologies for healthcare. Due to the teaching and research involvement of clinical academic staff within the department, there are exciting opportunities to be exposed to current clinical challenges and state-of-the-art developments. Clinical visits and specialist seminars are offered and students will be able to select dissertation projects that span fundamental research to clinical translation of technologies – a truly ‘bench to bedside’ approach.

Learning and teaching methods include lectures and demonstrations from medical and engineering specialists, practical classes using state-of-the-art facilities and seminars with leading national and international researchers. Full-time study will see the course completed in 12 months; part-time study will allow you to complete it over two years.

About the department

Now delivered through the Keele Medical School and the Research Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, the course dates as far back as 1999, when it was established in partnership with Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics at the University Hospital. Most teaching now takes place in the Guy Hilton Research Centre, a dedicated research facility located on the hospital campus. The medical school is one of the top-ranked in the UK, and the research institute has an international reputation for world-leading research.

The centre was opened in 2006 and offers state-of-the-art equipment for translational research including newly-developed diagnostic instruments, advanced imaging modalities and additive manufacturing facilities. Its location adjacent to the university hospital ensures that students experience real-world patient care and the role that technology plays in that. Students also have access to advanced equipment for physiological measurement, motion analysis and functional assessment in other hospital and campus-based laboratories. The School embraces specialists working in UHNM and RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital Oswestry, covering key medical and surgical subspecialties.

The course runs alongside its sister course, the MSc in Biomedical Engineering, and an EPSRC-MRC funded Centre for Doctoral Training, ensuring a stimulating academic environment for students and many opportunities for engaging with further study and research.

Course Content

The aim of the course is to provide multidisciplinary Masters level postgraduate training in Cell and Tissue Engineering to prepare students for future employment in healthcare, industrial and academic environments. This involves building on existing undergraduate knowledge in basic science or engineering and applying it to core principles and current issues in medicine and healthcare.

Specifically, the objectives of the course are to:
- provide postgraduate-level education leading to professional careers in Cell and Tissue Engineering in industry, academia and a wide range of healthcare establishments such as medical organisations, medical research institutions and hospitals;

- provide an opportunity for in-depth research into specialist and novel areas of Biomaterials, and Cell and Tissue Engineering;

- expose students to the clinically translational environment within an active medical research environment with hands-on practical ability and supporting knowledge of up-to-date technological developments at the forefront of the field;

- introduce students to exciting new fields such as regenerative medicine, nanotechnology and novel devices for physiological monitoring and diagnostics.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course is taught through subject-centred lectures and seminars, supported by tutorials and practical exercises. Collaborative learning and student-centred learning are also adopted giving widespread opportunity for group work and individual assignments. Students are required to conduct extensive independent study, and this is supported by full access to two libraries, online journal access and a suite of dedicated computers for exclusive use by MSc students on the course. In addition, students are supported by the guidance of a personal tutor within the department, as well as having access to university-wide support services. This includes English language support where appropriate.

Assessment

Modules will be assessed by a mixture of assessment methods, including lab reports, essays, and presentations, and final examination. This ensures the development of a range of transferrable employability skills such as time management and planning, written and verbal communication and numeracy as well as technical and subject-specific knowledge. The project dissertation forms a major component of the student’s assessed work.

Additional Costs

Apart from additional costs for text books, inter-library loans and potential overdue library fines we do not anticipate any additional costs for this postgraduate programme.

Find information on Scholarships here - http://www.keele.ac.uk/studentfunding/bursariesscholarships/

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This new Master’s course provides academic, laboratory and research training in the methods and strategies used to elucidate which and how potential targets identified through Omics technologies- genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics- may be relevant to human disease. Students will gain insight on target selection given a large data set, and the in vitro and in vivo techniques that could be applied to study an identified target in the context of disease. The emphasis will be on critical analysis of data and published information, and the design of experimental protocols/pipeline to answer specific scientific questions.

Programme structure

The course is organised as follows:
•October - February: 5-month taught section – 5 modules
•March - September: 7-month laboratory-based research project

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Materials are at the forefront of new technologies in medicine and dentistry, both in preventative and restorative treatment. This programme features joint teaching within the School of Engineering and Materials Science and the Institute of Dentistry, bringing together expertise in the two schools to offer students a fresh perspective on opportunities that are available in the fields of dental materials.

* This programme will equip you with a deep understanding of the field of dental materials and the knowledge necessary to participate in research, or product development.
* An advanced programme designed to develop a broad knowledge of the principles underlying the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of Dental Materials.
* Special emphasis is placed on materials-structure correlations in the context of both clinical and non clinical applications.
* Provides an introduction to materials science, focusing on the major classes of materials used in dentistry including polymers, metals, ceramics and composites.
* Provides up-to-date information on dental materials currently used in Clinical Dentistry and in developments for the future It covers the underlying principles of their functional properties, bioactivity and biocompatibility, and also covers specific dental materials applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering and regulatory affairs.

Why study with us?

Dental Materials is taught jointly by staff from the School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD), and School of Engineering and Materials Science (SEMS).

Our school of medicine and dentistry is comprised of two world renowned teaching hospitals, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, which have made, and continue to make, an outstanding contribution to modern medicine. We are ranked sixth in the UK for medicine (Complete University Guide 2012), and Dentistry was placed at number two in the UK in last Research Assessment Exercise (2008). Our Materials Department was the first of its kind established in the UK, and was placed at number 1 in the UK in the 2011 National Student Survey.

This degree is aimed at dental surgeons, dental technicians, materials scientists and engineers wishing to work in the dental support industries, and the materials health sector generally. On completion of the course you should have a good knowledge of topics related to dental materials, and in addition, be competent in justifying selection criteria and manipulation instructions for all classes of materials relevant to the practice of dentistry.

There has been a general move away from destructive techniques and interventions towards less damaging cures and preventative techniques. This programme will update your knowledge of exciting new technologies and their applications.

* The programme is taught by experts in the field of dentistry and materials; they work closely together on the latest developments in dental materials.
* Innovations in medical practice, drug development and diagnostic tools are often tested in the mouth due to simpler regulatory pathways in dentistry.
* The programme allows practitioners the opportunity to update their knowledge in the latest developments in dental materials.

Facilities

You will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, including:

* Cell & Tissue Engineering Laboratories; five dedicated cell culture laboratories, a molecular biology facility and general purpose laboratorie
* Confocal microscopy unit incorporating two confocal microscopes, enabling advanced 3D imaging of living cells
* Mechanical Testing Facilities
* NanoVision Centre; our state-of-the-art microscopy unit bringing together the latest microscope techniques for structural, chemical and mechanical analysis at the nanometer scale
* Spectroscopy Lab
* Thermal Analysis Lab.

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Study under Australia's leading occupational researchers and make a difference to the lives of individuals and communities affected by environmental and work-related injury and illness with this practical master's degree.

You will gain the skills and knowledge to prevent and manage occupational risks and related health problems. This degree provides you with the skills necessary to evaluate health problems in communities thought to be associated with industrial activities, and control related hazards and risks.

It is particularly suitable for medical practitioners, nurses, allied health personnel, scientists and occupational health and safety managers.

Most of the course is offered by off-campus learning, with compulsory block requirements each semester. The program comprises nine core units and three electives.. The core units cover OHS, epidemiology, biostatistics, chemical and biological hazards, workplace hazard assessment and control, ergonomic and physical hazards, the psychosocial work environment, environmental influences on health, safety management systems, and research methods.

You can exit early with a Graduate Diploma in Occupational and Environmental Health or a Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health if you meet the requirements.

Visit the website http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/occupational-and-environmental-health-2312?domestic=true

Career opportunities

Graduates may seek employment in occupational medicine, occupational nursing, management positions within industry, government or independent professional practice. This course is recognised by the Australasian Faculty of Occupational Medicine.

For more information visit the faculty website - http://www.study.monash/media/links/faculty-websites/medicine

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

The Faculty is also home to a number of leading medical and biomedical research institutes and groups, and has contributed to advances in many crucial areas: in vitro fertilisation, obesity research, drug design, cardiovascular physiology, functional genomics, infectious diseases, inflammation, psychology, neurosciences and mental health.

Notwithstanding the relatively short history of our University, the Faculty is ranked in the top 50 in the world for its expertise in life sciences and biomedicine by the Times Higher Education and QS World University 2012 benchmarks.

Courses offered by the Faculty include medicine, nursing, radiography and medical imaging, nutrition and dietetics,emergency health studies, biomedical sciences, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and social work. A range of research and coursework postgraduate programs is also offered.

The Faculty takes pride in delivering outstanding education in all courses, in opening students to the possibilities offered by newly discovered knowledge, and in providing a nurturing and caring environment.

Further details may be found at: http://www.med.monash.edu.au/about.html

Find out how to apply here - http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/occupational-and-environmental-health-2312?domestic=true#making-the-application

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Whether you want to get ahead in your career faster, or improve your knowledge, a Monash postgraduate degree can give you a distinct advantage.

Visit the website http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/public-health-0046?domestic=true

Overview

Public health skills and knowledge are fundamental to addressing many of the 21st century's complex health problems and to achieving public health objectives for improving the health of populations, communities and individuals.

This 12-unit course provides students with the full range of quantitative, analytical and communication skills necessary to work in the broad domain of public health. It especially focuses on developing skills in the quantitative methods of the population-based health sciences and their problem-solving application for public health, health care and emerging health issues in Australia, developing countries, and globally.

Our program offers you flexibility, with a range of unit choices and the opportunity to specialise in clinical epidemiology, clinical research, health economics, health services management, international health, public health, occupational and environmental health and research streams.

Undertaking the Master of Public Health at Monash University, a Group of Eight University and one that is ranked in the Top 100 Universities worldwide, will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the broad domain of public health and a postgraduate qualification that is recognised around the world.

Graduate Jeff Davey, former CEO of one of Victoria's largest aged-care, not-for-profit organisations, chose the course because of its reputation and his desire for skills to gather evidence, measure outcomes, evaluate policies and work better with government.

"My experience, particularly within the aged-care sector, is that there are lot of people doing a lot of good things, but much of it is not evidence based. I believe there is a tremendous opportunity for managers and leaders to have a much more rigorous basis for their management and professional practice, and the MPH is a fantastic way to get that."

Undertaking a case study and practical experience can be specifically developed and supported as part of your program, which gives you further opportunity to improve the hands on skills required to work in this growing field of health.

Teaching is structured as a combination of face to face, including block days, teaching and on-line educational delivery, to suit working professionals and those who balance other responsibilities in their lives.

There are also specified exit points for both a Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma qualification if you meet the requirements.

Career opportunities

Graduates may move into careers in a diverse range of areas within the public health and wider health sector, or further develop and extend their current working career. These may include professional practice, research, public health management, health care facilities' management, international aid organisation roles and professional roles within developing countries.

The Master of Public Health is an internationally recognised qualification for working in the field of public health. The Monash degree fulfills the core discipline requirements of a Master of Public Health for the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine.

Professional recognition (Australian)

This degree is recognised as a public health qualification in a number of professional fields. It fulfills the core discipline requirements of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine

For more information visit the faculty website - http://www.study.monash/media/links/faculty-websites/medicine

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

The Faculty is also home to a number of leading medical and biomedical research institutes and groups, and has contributed to advances in many crucial areas: in vitro fertilisation, obesity research, drug design, cardiovascular physiology, functional genomics, infectious diseases, inflammation, psychology, neurosciences and mental health.

Notwithstanding the relatively short history of our University, the Faculty is ranked in the top 50 in the world for its expertise in life sciences and biomedicine by the Times Higher Education and QS World University 2012 benchmarks.

Courses offered by the Faculty include medicine, nursing, radiography and medical imaging, nutrition and dietetics,emergency health studies, biomedical sciences, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and social work. A range of research and coursework postgraduate programs is also offered.

The Faculty takes pride in delivering outstanding education in all courses, in opening students to the possibilities offered by newly discovered knowledge, and in providing a nurturing and caring environment.

Further details may be found at: http://www.med.monash.edu.au/about.html

Find out how to apply here - http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/public-health-0046?domestic=true#making-the-application

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The Department of Oncology and the Department for Continuing Education’s CPD Centre offer a part-time MSc in Experimental Therapeutics that brings together some of Oxford's leading clinicians and scientists to deliver an advanced modular programme designed for those in full-time employment, both in the UK and overseas.

The Programme draws on the world-class research and teaching in experimental therapeutics at Oxford University and offers a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of the principles that underpin clinical research and to translate this into good clinical and research practice.

Visit the website https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/msc-in-experimental-therapeutics

The first deadline for applications is Friday 20 January 2017

If your application is completed by this January deadline and you fulfil the eligibility criteria, you will be automatically considered for a graduate scholarship. For details see: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/graduate-scholarships.

Programme details

The MSc in Experimental Therapeutics is a part-time course consisting of six modules and a research project and dissertation. The programme is normally completed in two to three years. Students are full members of the University of Oxford and are matriculated as members of an Oxford college.

The modules in this programme can also be taken as individual short courses. It is possible to transfer credit from up to three previously completed modules into the MSc programme, if the time elapsed between commencement of the accredited module(s) and registration for the MSc is not more than two years.

Programme modules:

- The Structure of Clinical Trials and Experimental Therapeutics
- Drug Development, Pharmacokinetics and Imaging
- Pharmacodynamics, Biomarkers and Personalised Therapy
- Adverse Drug Reactions, Drug Interactions, and Pharmacovigilance
- How to do Research on Therapeutic Interventions: Protocol Preparation
- Biological Therapeutics

Course aims

The aim of the MSc programme is to provide students with the necessary training and practical experience to enable them to understand the principles that underpin clinical research, and to enable them to translate that understanding into good clinical and research practice.

By the end of the MSc programme, students should understand the following core principles:

- Development, marketing and regulations of drugs
- Pharmaceutical factors that affect drug therapy
- Pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics and pharmacodynamics
- Adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, and pharmacovigilance
- Designing phase I, II and III clinical trials for a range of novel therapeutic interventions (and imaging agents).
- Application of statistics to medicine
- Laboratory assays used to support trial end-points
- Use of non-invasive imaging in drug development
- Application of analytical techniques

By the end of the programme, students should be equipped to:

- demonstrate a knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques for solving clinical research problems and translate this into good clinical and research practice
- apply skills gained in techniques and practical experience from across the medical and biological sciences
- develop skills in managing research-based work in experimental therapeutics
- carry out an extended research project involving a literature review, problem specification and analysis in experimental therapeutics and write a short dissertation

Guidance from the UK Royal College of Physician's Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine

The Faculty have confirmed that if enrolled for Pharmaceutical Medicine Specialty Training (PMST), trainees may be able to use knowledge provided by Experimental Therapeutics modules to cover aspects of a module of the PMST curriculum. Trainees are advised to discuss this with their Educational Supervisor.

Experimental Therapeutics modules may also be used to provide those pursuing the Faculty's Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine (DPM) with the necessary knowledge required to cover the Diploma syllabus. Applicants for the DPM exam are advised to read the DPM syllabus and rules and regulations.

Members of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine who are registered in the Faculty's CPD scheme can count participation in Experimental Therapeutics modules towards their CPD record. Non-members may wish to obtain further advice about CPD credit from their Royal College or Faculty.

Assessment methods

To complete the MSc, students need to:

Attend the six modules and complete an assessed written assignment for each module.
Complete a dissertation on a topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor and the Course Director.

Dissertation:
The dissertation is founded on a research project that builds on material studied in the taught modules. The dissertation should normally not exceed 15,000 words.

The project will normally be supervised by an academic supervisor from the University of Oxford, and an employer-based mentor.

The following are topics of dissertations completed by previous students on the course:

- The outcomes of non-surgical management of tubal pregnancy; a 6 month study of the South East London population

- Analysis of the predictive and prognostic factors of outcome in a cohort of patients prospectively treated with perioperative chemotherapy for adenocarcinoma of the stomach or of the gastroesophageal junction

- Evolution of mineral and bone disorder in early Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): the role of FGF23 and vitamin D

- Survey of patients' knowledge and perception of the adverse drug reporting scheme (yellow cards) in primary care

- The predictive role of ERCC1 status in oxaliplatin based Neoadjuvant for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) to the liver

- Endothelial Pathophysiology in Dengue - Dextran studies during acute infection

- Literature review of the use of thalidomide in cancer

- An investigation into the phenotypical and functional characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells for clinical application

- Identification of genetic variants that cause capecitabine and bevacizumab toxicity

- Bridging the evidence gap in geriatric medicines via modelling and simulations

Teaching methods

The class-based modules will include a period of preparatory study, a week of intensive face-to-face lectures and tutorials, followed by a period for assignment work. Attendance at modules will be a requirement for study. Some non-classroom activities will be provided at laboratory facilities elsewhere in the University. The course will include taught material on research skills. A virtual learning environment (VLE) will provide between-module support.

The taught modules will include group work, discussions, guest lectures, and interaction and feedback with tutors and lecturers. Practical work aims to develop the students' knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford

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Undertaking the Master of Clinical Research Methods at Monash University, a Group of Eight University and one that is ranked in the Top 100 Universities worldwide, will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the broad domain of clinical research and a postgraduate qualification that is recognised around the world.

This 12-unit course provides students with the full range of quantitative and analytical skills necessary to work in the broad domain of clinical health. It especially focuses on developing skills in the quantitative methods of clinical research and application to patient care.

Students must complete 9 core units, plus either 3 electives or 1 elective and a 12 credit point project.

Teaching is structured as a combination of on-line educational delivery, and face to face block days which suits busy professionals and those who balance other responsibilities in their lives.

Students may quality for entry into a PhD by the following pathways:

Successfully completing the Master of Clinical Research Methods including a Distinction average in: chronic diseases: epidemiology and prevention; regression methods for epidemiology; advanced statistical methods for clinical research; clinical measurement and systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

OR

Completing the Master of Clinical Research Methods including the 12 credit point project and achieve a Distinction average in epidemiology and prevention; regression methods for epidemiology; advanced statistical methods for clinical research; and clinical measurement.

Exit points: Students may be eligible to alternately exit from the Master's program with a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research Methods or Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research Methods provided the requirements of the alternative exit have been met.

Visit the website http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/clinical-research-methods-2311?domestic=true

Career opportunities

Graduates may move into careers in a diverse range of areas within research and the wider health sector. These may include employment within clinical research units in medical, nursing or allied health science; work in industry sponsored trials; applying their skills in investigator initiated studies in public health, primary care, infection control, chronic disease and clinical medicine, or they may implement their skills in their usual employment.

For more information visit the faculty website - http://www.study.monash/media/links/faculty-websites/medicine

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

The Faculty is also home to a number of leading medical and biomedical research institutes and groups, and has contributed to advances in many crucial areas: in vitro fertilisation, obesity research, drug design, cardiovascular physiology, functional genomics, infectious diseases, inflammation, psychology, neurosciences and mental health.

Notwithstanding the relatively short history of our University, the Faculty is ranked in the top 50 in the world for its expertise in life sciences and biomedicine by the Times Higher Education and QS World University 2012 benchmarks.

Courses offered by the Faculty include medicine, nursing, radiography and medical imaging, nutrition and dietetics,emergency health studies, biomedical sciences, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and social work. A range of research and coursework postgraduate programs is also offered.

The Faculty takes pride in delivering outstanding education in all courses, in opening students to the possibilities offered by newly discovered knowledge, and in providing a nurturing and caring environment.

Further details may be found at: http://www.med.monash.edu.au/about.html

Find out how to apply here - http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/clinical-research-methods-2311?domestic=true#making-the-application

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