Masters Degrees in Pathology, United Kingdom

Laboratory medicine is facing an exciting era in the transforming Molecular Pathology landscape that aims to foster the delivery of high-impact innovation on the bases of complex informatics, for benefits to patient care, academic research and UK industry. With a vision of creating the next generation of leaders in Molecular Pathology, this programme will provide the state of the art training programme for Molecular Pathology, in order to facilitate the pathologists, clinical scientists, trainees, and to those in the related health professions, to acquire essential knowledge, skills and attributes in the current and future diagnosis that incorporates molecular knowledge.

Why this programme

● In August 2014, MRC published a review of the UK Molecular Pathology Landscape, in which the critical needs and challenges are pin downed in the delivery of improved diagnostics incorporating the molecular approaches.

● With a vision of creating the next generation of leaders, this programme provides state of the art training for Molecular Pathology

● We are one of the few centres where molecular pathology and diagnostic histopathology are amalgamated on one site, permitting the delivery of a clinically relevant molecular pathology course.

● The areas of main focus include diagnostic molecular pathology, clinical trials and translational research in molecular pathology, pathology bioinformatics and digital pathology. The core courses (PgCert) are designed to cover the intended learning outcomes within Royal College of Pathologists curriculum for Specialty Training in Histopathology 2015.

● The programme is led by the national leaders directly engaged in the various molecular pathology initiatives. Students are kept up-to-date with information and the current needs identified by the professional societies, research councils and charity organizations.

● You will be trained at the purpose-built Laboratory Medicine Building at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, which provides services to 52% of the Scottish population. This is one of the largest NHS department of pathology in Europe, accommodating about 50 consultant pathologists.

● The courses will be delivered by a range of professionals with expertise from geneticists, pathologists, clinical, lab scientists and academics, informaticians and clinicians provided across hospital practice and primary care. They are experts based in QEUH and those nationally and internationally recognized experts of molecular pathology.

Programme structure

The main aims of the MSc Molecular Pathology programme are to enable students:

• to fully provide a high quality service in molecular pathology diagnosis
• to participate in research in the area of molecular pathology
• to participate in the training of future generations of molecular pathologists

The "Blended Learning" programme offers the maximum flexibility for students who wish to study Molecular Pathology while on clinical duties and pathology training. "Moodle-Based Learning" sessions offer an advantage allowing clinicians to study within their own schedule. "In person review" sessions will enable active interactions with the course contributors and other students. Case-based and "hands-on" sessions facilitate the knowledge and skills acquired in clinical diagnosis as the programme proceeds, so it is easy to keep motivated throughout the course.

Core Courses

– 3 x compulsory, 20-credit courses; 1 per semester

• Fundamentals of Molecular Biology and Genetics for Histopathology (20 credits)
• Molecular Tests and Techniques for Histopathology (20 credits)
• Multidisciplinary Approaches to Molecular Pathology (20 credits)

The first three core components will provide the minimum requirement for students to apply molecular knowledge and skill in pathology diagnosis currently on-going and in the immediate future.

These courses will form the PgCert.

Advanced Courses

- Courses must be selected from the following options to obtain a total of 60 credits.

• Translational Medical Research Approaches (10 credits)
• Medical and Research Ethics (10 credits)
• Molecular Pathology (20 credits)
• Omics technologies for biomedical sciences: from genomics and metabolomics (20 credits)
• Frontiers in Cancer Science (20 credits)
• Disease Screening in Populations (10 credits)
• Governance and ethics in education research (10 credits)

In the advanced component, students will further their training of Molecular Pathology to acquire the knowledge needed to get involved in research, or development and improvement of diagnostics. There are options for learning of advanced technologies, wider disease areas, research methods, in-depth bioinformatics, and health professional education.

Successful completion of core and advanced courses will be awarded with the PgDip.‌

Dissertation

- 1 x 60-credit project-based course assessed by a dissertation of approximately 8,000 words followed by an oral presentation.

The Masters dissertation project gives students the opportunity to conduct research in an area of Molecular Pathology with supervisor(s) assigned to each project. For example, the opportunity to conduct an independent research project, audit or critical review of the literature in selected topics in the area of Molecular Pathology, current and future diagnosis, clinical and scientific research.

Successful completion of all core and advanced courses and the dissertation will lead to the award of the MSc.

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Molecular Pathology (MP) is a rapidly growing discipline in 21st century medicine. It integrates genomics and bioinformatics with modern pathology to underpin molecular diagnostics, theranostics as well as clinical trials delivery within the academic, health services and industry sectors in an era of precision medicine.

This MSc is an exciting, innovative blended learning programme aimed to enhance the participant’s theoretical knowledge and practical skills in MP and to empower them to pursue a career in academia, healthcare or industry. The course has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship; emphasising MP’s central role in molecular diagnostics, clinical trials and biotech/biopharma.

This Masters programme has been developed with a number of options in order to provide maximum flexibility of training. Candidates can take the Certificate/Diploma/MSc in Molecular Pathology of Cancer which will provide a solid foundation for those wishing to study MP at PhD level. The full-time MSc is also available as an intercalated degree for Medical and Dental students. Additionally, the three modules which are offered by Distance Learning are available as a ‘stand-alone’ Certificate in Pathology Informatics and Business Application.



Semester 1

All candidates will undertake traditional ‘face to face’ teaching for the three modules in Semester 1. This will be timetabled teaching. Some of the teaching sessions within the modules also form aspects of formal teaching for other PG programmes, providing the students with the opportunity to interact with other Masters students from different disciplines, which we feel enhances the student experience. Collectively, the modules would be sufficient for a Certificate in Molecular Pathology

(1) Cancer Biology, Immunology and Genomics (15 CATs)

(2) Molecular Pathology – Diagnostics and Technologies (25 CATs)

(3) Translational Research (20 CATs)



Semester 2

Candidates will complete three modules which will be available ‘online’ as distance learning modules. Successful completion of Semester 1 modules plus Semester 2 modules without the research dissertation would be sufficient for a Diploma in Molecular Pathology. Collectively, the modules in Semester 2 without the Semester 1 modules would be sufficient for a Certificate in Pathology Informatics and Business Application.

(1) Digital Molecular Pathology (20 CATs)

(2) Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (20 CATs)

(3) Academia/Industry Interface (20 CATs)



Research component

Students will be able to plan their research project and work on their literature review during semester 1; beginning the practical work for their research project in Semester 2. Research projects will be available across a variety of subjects. Potential project areas for the MSc will include – Molecular Neuropathology; Cancer Immunology; Liquid Biopsies; Digital Pathology; Biobanking; Molecular Diagnostics; Bioinformatics. A number of projects will be put forward from the network of CRUK Accelerator Partners for those students with CRUK Accelerator bursaries who may wish to undertake their research as a placement at one of the partner sites.

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Our flexible, blended Molecular Pathology MSc course will enable you to take advantage of growing opportunities within this field, which is critically important for translational medicine, both in cancer and non-cancer diseases.

The number of academic pathologists trained in molecular pathology has steadily declined over the past 20 years. As such, it has been identified as an area requiring support and development by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Royal College of Pathologists, creating careers opportunities for students and professionals alike.

Our master's course is aimed at medical students, biomedical scientists, medical practitioners and trainee pathologists who want to learn more about molecular pathology. Trainee pathologists can take our course as part of an existing training programme.

You will benefit from a unique focus on the molecular analysis of tissue samples and take optional units in various areas of laboratory medicine and emerging diagnostic methods, such as proteomics and chemical pathology.

Students will also become part of Manchester's world leading precision medicine research community, learning practical skills that will be directly applicable to this emerging field.

In addition, you will benefit from our association with the network of MRC and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council funded Molecular Pathology nodes, which have been partly established to train more scientists to work in this field. This will enable you to connect with colleagues and related opportunities across the UK.

Aims

This course aims to provide you with a wide and detailed understanding of the various aspects of molecular pathology.

Provided as part of The University of Manchester MRC/EPSRC Molecular Pathology node (Manchester Molecular Pathology Innovation Centre), we recognise the need for providing more training in molecular pathology among histopathology trainees, clinical scientists and biomedical scientists.

As such, the course addresses a wide audience, and has a broad range of both core and non-core course units to facilitate the different learning and training needs of different groups of professionals.

In addition to the taught components, which will give an in-depth understanding of molecular pathology and associated disciplines (including genomics and bioinformatics), the full MSc course will also develop your experience of and skills in scientific investigation, analytical thought and scientific criticism.

Special features

This course has been designed to take into consideration the training requirements of biomedical scientists, clinical scientists and medical histopathologists. We have consulted with local Postgraduate Deaneries, associated professional bodies including the Institute of Biomedical Scientists (IBMS), and the Royal College of Pathologists, to tailor its content appropriately.

The option to take the course over four years will particularly appeal to specialist trainee pathologists, who will be able to fit study around their clinical training.

They can also use Year 4 to undertake the research project over three months on a full-time, salaried basis, as per RCPath regulations and Deanery funding.

Teaching and learning

Teaching is largely delivered through face-to-face, interactive sessions, consisting of some lecture material, with discussions and group work, and with a range of audio-visual stimuli including PowerPoint slides, images and videos.

All units are supported by the use of Blackboard (a virtual learning environment) on which staff post lecture slides, reading lists and other accompanying material.

Each unit on Blackboard also has its own discussion board, where you can interact with staff and other students on the course, for example, by posting and responding to questions, and making comments related to the course.

For students completing the full MSc, a significant amount of teaching and learning will take place through the dissertation research unit (60 credits or 30 credits), in which you will be expected to take a lead role in developing a research project with regular support, input, and mentorship from your project supervisor.

Coursework and assessment

Formative assessments will be given throughout the taught component of the course and will take the form of MCQs, short answer questions, verbal presentations, data and method analysis exercises.

A range of summative assessments will be employed to assess your knowledge and understanding, and the development of your intellectual and transferable skills including:
-Verbal presentations
-Written assignments
-Data analysis and interpretation exercises
-Analytical method analysis
-Evaluation and formal unseen written examinations consisting of short answer questions and essays

The assessment methods employed by each unit will vary and will be tailored to match the material delivered and stated ILOs of that particular unit.

Your ability to gather information from a wide range of sources, evaluate and critically analyse information, make considered judgments about that information and synthesise material into logical and coherent pieces of work will all be assessed.

Examples of the marking proformas used in the assessment of verbal and written assignments will be provided in student handbooks and on Blackboard, the University's virtual learning environment.

As per the postgraduate taught degree regulations, students exiting with a postgraduate diploma (or postgraduate certificate) may be permitted to rescind this award and upgrade to a master's (or postgraduate diploma) by successfully completing the appropriate further component of the course, providing the following conditions are met:
-The rescinding occurs within five years of your initial registration on the original course, subject to the course still being available
-An overall pass at the appropriate standard to assure admission to a master's course has been obtained for the postgraduate diploma (or postgraduate certificate), including any capped or compensated grades

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This course will enable you to enhance your knowledge and understanding of modern cellular pathology through a range of option modules. In addition, the core modules in cellular pathology are designed to deliver a comprehensive overview of contemporary technical practice in the context of service delivery to the pathologist for diagnostic practice, or for the scientist engaged in cell and tissue-based research.

Our specialist cellular pathology modules are supported by the online use of interactive digital microscopy, for example in pathology case studies, to illustrate the applications of a range of visualisation methods in cellular pathology. Practical experience in research design and methodology is gained through the laboratory-based research project.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Core modules
-ADVANCES IN CELLULAR PATHOLOGY
-DIAGNOSTIC CELLULAR PATHOLOGY
-MOLECULAR SCIENCE AND DIAGNOSTICS
-POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH METHODS
-POSTGRADUATE PROJECT

Option modules
-AUTOMATION IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
-CELL SIGNALLING AND GENETICS
-EXTENDED POSTGRADUATE PROJECT
-IMMUNOPATHOLOGY
-IMMUNOTHERAPY
-MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR THERAPEUTICS
-PRINCIPLES OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE
-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY

Associated careers

As a graduate of this course you will possess a range of transferable skills that will enhance your employment prospects and your research opportunities in the UK or overseas. For those biomedical scientists (or international equivalents) undertaking continuing professional development, this course will enhance your knowledge base in your chosen specialist discipline and open up the potential for career advancement or moves towards involvement in research and development.

Successful completion of the course will enhance the career prospects of graduates for entering PhD programmes; you may also find employment in hospital laboratories, academia, research institutes, or in the pharmaceutical and related industries.

Professional recognition

The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

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Our Clinical and Health Sciences with Molecular Pathology course offers you the ability to tailor your educational needs to your professional interests. Designed for busy professionals, this online course offers a flexible, bespoke way for you to develop your career in Molecular Pathology.

The course is ideal for health professionals, clinical research support staff and people working in education and industry who wish to enhance their knowledge of contemporary methods of laboratory-based diagnosis and their applications in personalised and translational medicine. It will also be of interest to candidates who aspire to become independent researchers, clinical academics or clinical researchers.

This innovative course is aimed at those who already have a primary qualification (eg MBBS, BDS, BSc) and are working in health or life sciences field. It has been developed to provide a flexible approach, making it sustainable and compatible with modern career pathways whilst addressing the needs of a modern health service.

The courses are taught online, so you can choose to study anytime and anywhere. This flexibility means that you can fit your studies around your other commitments, plus develop your online literacy as a transferable skill. You can pick from over 30 modules in a diverse range of subjects to create your own bespoke course of study. You can choose to complete a single module for professional development or a full masters, working at your own pace in your own environment.

The e-learning course has been developed by Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust working in partnership under the MRC/EPSRC Molecular Pathology Node.

Delivery

You will be taught by academic staff with experience and expertise in Pathology and Molecular Pathology such as Dr Yvonne Bury, Consultant Histopathologist and Dr Julie Irving, Reader in Experimental Haematology.

You will be given an email address and an account on Blackboard, our managed learning environment. Blackboard is accessible across a variety of operating systems and browsers. Our materials and supporting reading are accessible across a variety of devices including desktop computers, tablets and mobile phones.

No campus attendance is needed, but you must have reliable access to a computer, internet connection, webcam, headset and printer. Recommended specifications:
-Operating system: Windows 7 and above (32 and 64 bit) or Mac OSX 10.6 and above
-Processor: Intel Pentium, Intel Celeron, Intel i3, Intel i5, Intel i7, or recent AMD processor
-RAM: At least 2GB
-Connectivity: broadband or mobile broadband
-Screen resolution: at least 1024 x 768 px

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About the course

This course will equip you with a critical, systematic understanding of oral pathological conditions that require diagnosis by histopathological methods. You’ll study the laboratory methods used to prepare oral diagnostic material for histopathological examination and the research tools used to advance the practice of diagnostic oral pathology.

We teach you competence in the microscopical diagnosis of common and significant oral pathological lesions. You’ll learn when further information or additional procedures are needed to confirm a diagnosis.

Your career

We offer clinical and non-clinical courses that will further your career and develop your interests. Many of our clinical graduates go on to specialist dental practice, hospital practice or academic posts.

World-leading dental school

Our internationally recognised oral and dental research is organised into two overarching themes: ‘clinical and person centred’ and ‘basic and applied’. These themes are supported by three interdisciplinary research groups: Bioengineering and Health Technologies, Integrated Bioscience, and Person Centred and Population Oral Health.

We believe that dental science should not be constrained by the traditional boundaries created by specific clinical disciplines and that progress derives from a multidisciplinary approach. Our research supports our teaching enabling a blended approach to learning.
Your course will make the most of virtual learning environments and advanced practical sessions, as well as traditional lectures and seminars.

Facilities

You’ll develop your clinical skills in one of our two clinical skills labs or in our new virtual reality Simulation Suite where you can use haptic technology to undertake a range of clinical techniques.

You’ll complete your clinical training in Sheffield’s Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, part of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. There are 150 dental units with modern facilities for treatment under sedation, a well-equipped dental radiography department, oral pathology laboratories and a hospital dental production laboratory.

We have new modern research facilities and laboratories for tissue culture, molecular biology, materials science and histology- microscopy. All laboratories have dedicated technical support and academic expertise to guide you.

Core modules

Basic Principles of Pathology; Basic Techniques in Histopathology; Research Problems and Approaches; Laboratory Research Methods; Diagnostic Oral Histopathology; Advanced Oral Histopathology; Current Concepts in Dentistry; Dissertation.

Teaching

Teaching is through an induction period, observational work- shadowing, supervised reporting, staff and student-led seminars, practical laboratory techniques, lectures, literature review, dissertation, independent directed self-study.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through introductory multi-choice assessment, examinations at the end of each semester consisting of written papers and a microscope-based exam, assessed essays and presentations at journal clubs and seminars, dissertation project.

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The course is designed to give graduates specialist knowledge (both theoretical and practical) of the strategies and techniques of cellular pathology as practised in research and clinical contexts. Graduates will gain up-to-date, relevant and applied experience of cellular pathology, acquire in-depth knowledge together with a broad knowledge of the subject base, and acquire skills for practice at Higher Specialist Level. The completion of a research project enables the graduate to understand the process and communication of scientific enquiry.

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.

Non means-tested loans of up to a maximum of £10,000 will be available to postgraduate master’s students.

Features and benefits of the course

-Our postgraduate Biomedical Science, Medical Microbiology, Cellular Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry and Haematology & Transfusion degree programmes are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
-Our biomedical research group is amongst the top 12 in the UK. In the 2014 national Research Excellence Framework, biomedical science research was rated highly with some of our research rated as world leading.
-Our Centre for Biomedicine represents one of the highest concentrations of health research excellence in the UK. We have an international reputation for research into the characteristics, limitations and adaptability of the human motor system in health and disease through an integrative approach that ranges from molecular biology to whole body studies of human movement.
-The School offers excellent facilities including specialist laboratories for blood biochemistry, biomechanics, motor control, exercise performance, cell & molecular biology and tissue culture.
-We collaborate extensively with hospitals in Greater Manchester and can offer opportunities for research projects in clinically relevant areas.
-The programme includes opportunities for flexible learning supported by tutorials.
-You will acquire an in-depth knowledge of a biomedical science specialism together with a broad knowledge of the subject base.
-We have strong links with the Institute of Biomedical Science, the Health and Care Professions Council, the NHS trusts and hospitals in Manchester and the North West region, which keep our biomedical science curriculum up-to-date.
-The programme includes opportunities for flexible learning supported by tutorials.
-You will acquire an in-depth knowledge of a biomedical science specialism together with a broad knowledge of the subject base.

About the Course

All of our postgraduate degree programmes in Healthcare Science are built on the core values of the NHS to develop professional, dedicated and compassionate healthcare science professionals and they are underpinned by the latest research within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

We collaborate extensively with hospitals in the Greater Manchester area and can offer opportunities for research projects in clinically relevant areas. This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.

You will be assessed by critical reviews, presentations, self-managed study, extended essays and examinations. Evidence based practice and a major research project complete the MSc.

Assessment details

You will be assessed by critical reviews, presentations, self-managed study, extended essays and examinations. Evidence based practice and a major research project complete the MSc.

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Molecular Pathology (MP) is a rapidly growing discipline in 21st century medicine. It integrates genomics and bioinformatics with modern pathology to underpin molecular diagnostics, theranostics as well as clinical trials delivery within the academic, health services and industry sectors in an era of precision medicine.

This Certificate is an exciting, innovative distance learning programme aimed to enhance the participant’s theoretical knowledge and practical skills in MP and to empower them to pursue a career in academia, healthcare or industry. The course has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship; emphasising MP’s central role in molecular diagnostics, clinical trials and biotech/biopharma.


Candidates will complete three modules which will be available ‘online’ as distance learning modules.

(1) Digital Molecular Pathology (20 CATs)

(2) Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (20 CATs)

(3) Academia/Industry Interface (20 CATs)

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This course introduces you to the principles of experimental pathology applied to oral disease. It is provides a grounding in experimental method for dental graduates who plan to follow either a career in academic dentistry or one of the clinical specialities. It also provides an opportunity for science graduates to learn about oral disease, in preparation for a career in dental research.

We offer you a fundamental training in the principles of laboratory research methods and the range of techniques used to study the behaviour of oral tissues in health and disease.

Programme outline
Your programme will be modular, focused on acquiring laboratory skills and knowledge. The taught modules provide the basic understanding to help with the research component. There is a structured course of seminars with associated practical work, dealing with the structure and behaviour of cells and tissues in health and disease. This core begins with fundamental and general concepts of cell biology and continues with the application of these concepts to a consideration of oral and dental disease. Related disciplines such as oral microbiology and immunology are also covered.

Throughout the programme, emphasis is placed on the evidence upon which the concepts are based and the way in which such evidence is obtained by observation and experiment. You are actively encouraged to take part in the seminars.

Running in parallel with the core programme are several related series of seminars dealing with research methods, statistics and techniques of fundamental importance to experimental pathology such as tissue culture, molecular biological techniques, immunocytochemistry, light and electron microscopy. You will undertake a laboratory-based research project in the final module of the programme, exploring any aspect of oral disease.

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This programme aims to respond to a national and international need for clinicians, scientists and allied health professions who can apply a molecular approach to the investigation, diagnosis and management of clinical disease.

We will provide you with theoretical and practical knowledge of modern molecular technologies as applied to human disease, with an emphasis on cancer, and train you in the application and interpretation of advanced molecular technologies.

Compulsory Modules

• Basic Pathology
• Cancer Biology
• Cancer Prevention & Screening
• Genomic Approaches to Human Diseases
• Molecular Diagnostic & Therapeutics
• Molecular Pathology of Solid Tumours
• Research Lab Skills
• Research Methods

Elective Modules

• Introduction to Bioinformatics
• Biological Therapies
• Molecular Targeted Therapies and Immunotherapy for Blood Cancers

Core Modules for MSc

• Lab project



Barts Cancer Institute is a Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence and one of the leading cancer institutes in the country.
Based in the heart of London, our programmes are all taught by experts in the field.

Find out more about the BCI at http://www.bci.qmul.ac.uk/study-with-us

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Cellular pathology is the study of structural and functional changes in cells, tissues and organs that underlie disease. It is a dynamic, fast-evolving specialism which saves many lives by providing rational clinical care and therapy in the fight against many serious diseases, particularly cancer.


Why study MSc Cellular Pathology at Middlesex?

Our Biomedical Science courses have a burgeoning international reputation, due to our world-class research in areas including biomarkers, public health and biomodelling. Our Centre for Investigative and Diagnostic Oncology has pioneered techniques for cancer diagnosis and treatment, including our breakthrough in the development of a vaccine for bladder cancer.

Our course has a strong practical element, with an emphasis on developing the skills needed in a laboratory and gaining hands-on experience of diagnostic techniques, and our teaching and research facilities surpass those at some UK medical schools. Our £3 million specialist labs are equipped with the most up-to-date technology; here you'll learn to use cutting-edge techniques and equipment for cellular and molecular analysis, such as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers, flow cytometers, DNA sequencing, real-time PCR, electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography, histology and confocal microscopy. We also have fully-equipped proteomics facilities, a histopathology lab and an incredibly modern cell culture facility.

Course highlights

- All our teaching staff are involved in research and many are pioneers in their own field. Course leader Professor Lucy Ghali is an expert in immunohistochemistry; other teaching staff include Dr Frank Hills, a former clinical scientist at St Bartholomew's Hospital; Dr Ajit Shah, a former principal scientist at GlaxoSmithKline; Sandra Appiah, a former research scientist at Leatherhead Food Research; and Professor Stephen Dilworth, Professor Lucy Ghali and Dr Song Wen are world experts on cancer and Biomarkers.
- The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, so on graduation you'll have fulfilled the academic requirement for Licentiate membership of the institute; you can apply for student membership while you study.
- We work with London hospitals and NHS laboratories to ensure you're fully versed in both the latest practice and the latest research. - You'll visit diagnostic laboratories and of course, our location gives you easy access to the British Library, the Science Museum, the Royal Institution and more.
- Our staff are supportive and hands-on – ever-ready with advice on your studies, they're also known for their strong pastoral care and for going the extra mile for their students.
- Our flexible timetable means you'll only spend two days a week at university if you're studying full-time, or one if you're part-time.

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This course is delivered by specialists, who are engaged in cutting-edge research, and a variety of visiting specialist lecturers, ranging from Hospital Consultants to Senior Biomedical Scientists. These sessions, which specifically focus on developing areas of biomedical science common to all associated disciplines, include recent advances in genetics and immunology, which will equip you with the skills necessary to either complement your clinical laboratory responsibilities if you are currently employed, or to provide you with essential skills needed for seeking future employment or starting a research career. The course is also a suitable stepping-stone for those considering a career in biomedical research.

IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science)-accredited

The course we provide leads to an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited MSc Award. As an Institution we have held accredited status for this award for over 25 years, and this is borne out by its continued accreditation by our professional body.

*Please note: although this MSc is accredited by the IBMS, completion of this course does not allow you to practice as a registered Biomedical Scientist. To do that, you would need to have studied out Accredited Undergraduate Award and completed your registration portfolio. If you are interested in our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science award please visit: http://courses.wlv.ac.uk/course.asp?code=BM021H31UVD.

What happens on the course?

Typical modules may include
- Molecular Genetics & Genomics
- Principles of Integrated Biomedical Science
- Clinical Immunology
- Specialist Module in Cellular Pathology
- Independent Study Module 1 or 2
- Research Methods in Biomedical Science
- Biomedical Science Research Project

Part-time students study core (and most optional) modules on one full day of the week, minimising the time away from work.

Why Wolverhampton?

- IBMS accredited for over 25 years
- Extensive local hospital links
- Cutting edge lectures from hospital consultants and senior biomedical scientists
- Innovative teaching methods
- Highly research-focused environment: you can take projects in the workplace or in our state-of-the-art new laboratories

Career path

The full-time MSc Biomedical Science route is attractive if you are seeking an academic research career and/or wish to make yourself highly employable in a research laboratory, University Laboratory or in the pharmaceutical industry. You may also wish to continue with a research career, and study towards a PhD.

The part-time route (also available as specialist routes in Medical Microbiology, Clinical Biochemistry, or Haematology) is designed for students in full-time employment in biomedical laboratories who are allowed day-release by their employers to improve their professional knowledge.

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The MPhil in Pathology is a full-time one-year research programme and is assessed by a written dissertation and an oral examination. Students will undertake a research project in an area of their choice in discussion with their selected supervisor. In addition to the research training provided by the Department, the Graduate School of Life Sciences offers students access to courses to widen their experience and to enable them to acquire generic skills. All students attend induction and safety training courses in the Department.

See the website http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpampbsc

Course detail

Competency in planning and executing biological research. A successful student gains a pass and there are no grades. There is no examined coursework. It is suited to those who wish to pursue research at a level beyond that of an under-graduate degree and will give a good basic training in laboratory work.

Format

The MPhil is a one-year full-time research programme and students are integrated into the research culture of the Department by joining a research group. Most research training is provided within the group structure and overseen by their research supervisor. Students are expected to attend the Department's research seminars and also graduate courses and skills training offered by the Graduate School of Life Sciences relevant to their training. All students are allocated a mentor.

Assessment

The word limit for the MPhil dissertation is 20,000 words. Two copies of your soft-bound MPhil dissertation must be submitted to the Degree Committee Office. This must be accompanied by a 'certificate of submission' form which is a signed declaration of word length, title and contact details. A viva is carried out.

Continuing

Those wishing to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to pass the masters degree at a sufficient level to satisfy the Departmental Graduate Education Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding Opportunities

There are no specific funding opportunities advertised for this course. For information on more general funding opportunities, please follow the link below.

General Funding Opportunities http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

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This exciting new course is designed to equip future scientists with the knowledge to make a difference in the understanding and treatment of cancer. The course will take the mechanistic understanding of cancer biology and apply it to the analysis of risk, prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. Building on a foundation of the understanding of basic cancer cell biology, translational coverage will consider design of treatment modalities, mechanisms of action of anti-cancer drugs, therapy resistance and biomarker discovery. The course will allow the students to gain expertise and knowledge in therapy, cancer chemoprevention, anti-cancer target discovery, clinical trials, imaging, cancer risk and epidemiology and biostatistics. A key component of the course is a five/six-month research project, which will give students an opportunity to study one of these areas in depth.

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Overview

The objectives of this course are to equip those intending to pursue a career in academic or industrial research with the required knowledge and skills, and to provide a solid foundation for those who aim to go on to study at PhD level.

During the course you will develop an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of viruses and the processes of viral infection and viral diseases at the molecular level.

The course also provides training in laboratory and research skills in a supportive learning environment.

Two parts of the course:

The course is comprised of two parts, a taught component, which is given over the first two terms (approximately 5 months) and a full-time laboratory based research project (7 months) which is carried out over the remainder of the session. The taught component is comprised of lectures, laboratory practical’s, tutorials and student presentations and covers the most important aspects of viruses and viral diseases under the 6 topic headings.

Testing of the knowledge acquired is through a combination of written examinations, assessed coursework in the form of laboratory write-ups and essays (Element 2), and the individual research project dissertation and viva (Element 2).

Course content

Introductory Core Lecture Programme

Virus Architecture and Virus Interactions with Cells

Virus Genomes, Gene Expression and Replication

Host Responses to Virus Infection

Diagnosis, Vaccines and Therapies

Epidemiology, Transmission and Evolution of Viruses

You can apply online

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/how-to-apply/

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