Biomedical Sciences - MSc/PgD/PgC

Professionally accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), this course aims to provide a high quality and professionally relevant postgraduate programme, with emphasis on both the theoretical knowledge and the practice of Biomedical Science. As well as completing a number of core modules, you will choose a specialist option to focus on in your studies (Medical Biochemistry; Medical Microbiology; Immunohaematology; Cellular & Molecular Pathology or Medical Genetics & Genomics), and your award on graduating will name your chosen specialism within the title of the postgraduate qualification that you will obtain, as follows:

• MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Biochemistry)
• MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology)
• MSc Biomedical Science (Immunohaematology)
• MSc Biomedical Science (Cellular & Molecular Pathology)​​​​
• MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Genetics & Genomics)

Throughout your studies, your personal and professional understanding of Biomedical Science will be enhanced through an academically coherent programme of directed and self-directed learning. This will empower you to engage in and critically evaluate relevant contemporary biomedical themes, and to engage in research at postgraduate level, through the analysis and application of practical laboratory based activities. 

Course Content​​

The programme will emphasise the development of analytical and critical skills and on problem identification and analysis within a Biomedical Sciences context. You will be taught by a team of experienced academics, researchers and professionally qualified staff. A number of the teaching team are also HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists.

Core modules are as follows:

• Molecular Biology
• Immunology
• ​Analytical and Diagnostic Techniques
• Research Methods in Biomedical Sciences

Option modules include:

• Medical Biochemistry and Advanced Topics in Medical Biochemistry
• Immunohaematology and Advanced Topics in Immunhaematology
• Medical Microbiology and Advanced Topics in Medical Microbiology and Infection
• Cellular and Molecular Pathology and Advanced Topics in Cellular and Molecular Pathology
• Medical Genetics & Genomics and Advanced Topics in Medical Genetics & Genomics

Please note there is no guarantee that all modules will be offered every year. Provision is subject to student numbers and viability. An additional three modules are required for the research dissertation.

If you are admitted to the Master's scheme but subsequently are unable or not permitted to progress, you may, depending upon the number of credits attained at the time of exit, qualify for one of the following awards:

• Postgraduate Certificate (PgC): No fewer than 60 credits
• Postgraduate Diploma (PgD): No fewer than 120 credits
• Master of Science (MSc): No fewer than 180 credits

In its full-time mode, the MSc BMS programme is undertaken as a series of timetabled sessions across an academic year, and also a research project. The programme can be completed in a minimum of one year or a maximum of two years. In its part-time mode, candidature is five years i.e. the taught elements of the course are undertaken over two years, while the dissertation element must be completed and the dissertation submitted within five years of registering.

Assessment

It is recognised that assessment is a necessary part of an evaluation of a student's suitability for an award and involves testing and developing the higher-level cognitive skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation. For this reason, assessment is designed to measure the extent to which the student is able to satisfy the intended learning outcome of each module. The learning outcomes are assessed within the modules through a variety of methods including:

• unseen examinations
• essays
• practical based laboratory exercises
• laboratory reports
• case studies
• poster presentation
• case study presentation
• abstract writing and journal article reviews

Time limited examinations are seen as an end of module check on student academic attainment in certain modules where a detailed understanding of contemporary scientific thinking, often research lead, is deemed to be an essential currency.

In addition, assignments are used either in addition to or as an alternative to written examinations in certain modules where they best reflect breadth of understanding.

The assessment schedule for the taught modules will be supplied by the programme director at the beginning of the programme. The module leader will supply the assessment titles and guidelines/criteria to undertake the assignments and provide feedback to the students. 

Employability & Careers​

The course will prepare you for the next stage of your career, whether pursuing further research, or professional study, or entering employment in the field of Biomedical Science. The course will also enhance the career prospects of those aspiring to middle and senior management positions within the NHS Pathology Service and the commercial sector.

Visit the Biomedical Sciences - MSc/PgD/PgC page on the Cardiff Metropolitan University website for more details!