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Biomedical Science (Clinical Biochemistry) MSc

Discover the secrets of the human body and save lives with a career in laboratories and research with our Biomedical Science Clinical Biochemistry MSc
Code
PGB90B (MSc)
Start
September 2024
Duration
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£10,500 (UK) *
£16,800 (INT) *
Course leader
Frank Hills

Why choose Biomedical Science (Clinical Biochemistry) MSc at Middlesex?

All our teaching staff are working in research and many are pioneers in their own field. Our courses have a strong international reputation.

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. The Haematology department is active in research into blood cancers, HIV and AIDS.

Clinical biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of the human body and how it is affected by disease. It's a fascinating subject combining theory with practical skills to diagnose and treat everything from endocrine disorders to antenatal complications.

Whether you're working in a hospital laboratory or researching new treatments, you'll be doing vital, rewarding work which will improve and very often save lives.

Accreditations

This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS). This means that the curriculum meets professional standards, which will help prepare you to work in modern healthcare, the pharmaceutical and diagnostics industry, as well as various career pathways in the biomedical sciences.

What you will gain

If you're currently working in clinical biochemistry, this masters degree will help you progress to a more senior position. You could also pursue an academic career or study for a PHd.

We'll help you build strong practical laboratory and diagnostic skills using the university's specialist laboratories, virtual laboratory simulation, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers and flow cytometers.

You'll apply these skills to roles within diagnostic laboratories in both the public and private health sectors, such as management, consultancy, lab supervision, and in local or international positions in hospitals, schools, and universities.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Cutting-edge research facilities
    Study at our £36 million Hatchcroft Building featuring state-of-the-art bioscience, cell and tissue culture, mass spectrometry, and medical engineering labs
  • Diverse career opportunities
    Previous graduates have gone into careers in hospital and university labs, biomedical research, the pharmaceutical industry, science education, publishing and the Law
  • Excellent reputation
    Top 2 university in the UK – Times Higher Education Young Universities, 2022

Find out more

Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.

Your studies will focus on the following areas:

  • the clinical disorders of the major organs and the bones, including malignancies as well as the clinical disorders associated with malnutrition, digestion, malabsorption and obesity
  • the effects of pregnancy on physiology, biochemical and metabolic problems that can affect new-born babies, and maternal, antenatal and neonatal screening
  • learning bioanalytical techniques, including biosensors and mass spectrometry.
  • the ethical and legal issues which can surround specific types of research such as assisted reproduction and genetics, and human or animal research.

You will also gain a sound understanding of

  • how to design and carry out experiments, statistical analyses as well as techniques for analysing samples and molecules
  • managing a laboratory, including people management, business plans and budgets, safety regulations, and quality management
  • established and emerging bioanalytical technologies and techniques, and how they are used to make diagnoses, and research methods.

Modules

  • Modules

    • Advanced Bioanalytical Techniques (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to examine advanced bioanalytical techniques that are used in biomedical research, for the analysis of products, for improving diseases understanding and for the analysis of disease biomarkers. It also provides a detailed understanding of the principles, theory and practice of bioanalytical techniques, including safety, instrumentation, sample preparation techniques together with analysis and interpretation of analytical data.

    • Bioanalysis and Toxicology (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to examine the bioanalytical techniques used in biomedical research, and in the diagnosis of disease. It also provides a detailed understanding of the theory, practice and application of emerging bioanalytical techniques. The translation from research to clinical laboratory setting is also examined.

    • Biomedical Ethics and Law (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide insight into a range of ethical and legal issues that relate to professional practice, to research with human and animal subjects and to human reproduction, particularly various forms of reproductive technology. It will also aim to give students a broad overview of the relevant current UK ethical and legal regulations for research using human tissues. The module will further explore the ethical issues present in the rapidly developing area of genetic technology, including genetic testing and selection, genetic engineering, and the concept of genetic disease. After an introduction to basic ethical theory and legal principles, the focus of the module will be on exploring ways in which, by applying theoretical considerations to practice, ethical and legal issues can be critically analysed and addressed.

    • Clinical Disorders (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to provide students with detailed knowledge and understanding of the clinical disorders of major organ function, along with the laboratory methods used in diagnosis and management. They will understand the aetiology and biochemical investigation of a range of malignancies and gain experience of performing and assuring a range of methods used in the investigation of major organ function and cancer. They will gain experience of the interpretation of patient results in a variety of clinical settings.

    • Developmental Biochemistry (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module examines the physiology of normal pregnancy and the impact on biochemical parameters. Students will gain a deep understanding of maternal and neonatal screening programmes and the investigation of neonates and children who may have inborn errors of metabolism. They will perform assays to assess maternal, neonatal and paediatric status using a range of methods and gain experience of the interpretation of results in a range of conditions.

    • Endocrinology and Metabolism (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the normal physiology and pathophysiology of the major endocrine organs in the body, emphasising the importance of clinical and biochemical parameters in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring patients. In addition students will gain an understanding of clinical disorders associated with malnutrition, malabsorption and obesity and the use of biochemical testing for diagnosis and management. They will perform endocrine and nutritional status assays and gain experience of the interpretation of hormone results in common endocrine and nutritional conditions.

    • Experimental Design and Statistics (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide students with the tools required to design effective and efficient experiments and to test scientific hypotheses. The module will also equip students with the tools necessary for statistical analysis in a hypothesis testing context.

    • Leadership and Management (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide students with current theories and approaches to leadership and management in order they can bring about effect positive change in the team or organisation that they lead or manage.

    • Research Project (60 credits) - Compulsory

      Module aims to develop students' skills in planning and execution of an analytical, laboratory-based study and critical evaluation of real research results drawing on their acquired knowledge from other modules. In addition, the module aims to develop students' communication skills to enable them to communicate their findings in written and oral form.

To find out more about this course, please download the Biomedical Science Clinical Biochemistry MSc specification (PDF).

How we'll teach you

The programme has a strong practical element, with an emphasis on developing the skills needed in a laboratory setting and in gaining hands-on experience of diagnostic techniques. Facilities include a fully equipped microbiology laboratory and access to cutting-edge equipment such as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers and flow cytometers.

The course is delivered by our academics and industry partners in person and via digital platforms. Our learning activities include lectures, presentations, webinars, one-to-one tutorials and group projects.

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

Where will you study?

You will study at our north London campus, often at the Hatchcroft building, one of the UK's best equipped laboratories.

Teaching vs independent study

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Timetable

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on campus sessions.

Typical weekly breakdown

A typical week looks like this:

Learning

Hours per week

On-campus

9

Online learning

3

Independent study

5

Learning terms

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like Skype or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.

Part-time study

You can also study this course part-time.

Academic support

We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.

Coursework and assessments

As well as your research project and dissertation, you’ll be assessed through presentations and written assignments, including essays, laboratory reports and logbooks, data analysis and problem-solving exercises, and papers composed of a literature review, hypothesis and research question. You will receive regular feedback on your work, including your assessed work, from your tutors and sometimes from fellow students. You will also be asked to evaluate your own work.

For your dissertation, you'll design, conduct, evaluate and present the results of your own independent and original research project. You can base your project at your workplace if you’re in relevant employment. You will present your finding through a 12,000 to 15,000 word report and a presentation to your tutors and fellow students.

Feedback

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.

Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.

How can the MSc Biomedical Science (Clinical Biochemistry) support your career?

Biomedical science is the second largest profession registered by the Health Professions Council and there is a high demand for well-qualified graduates.

This course will give you the skills to work in a range of roles such as management, consultancy, lab supervision, or in international roles within hospitals, schools and universities.

There are opportunities in sectors including the pharmaceutical industry, academia, education, biotechnology, and even areas like patent law, forensic science and science journalism.

Biomedical scientists also work with Public Health England, the Medical Research Council and the Health and Safety Executive.

Career paths

Graduates of this course have gone on to work in a variety of areas including pathology laboratories, research institutes, universities and the pharmaceutical industry.

MDXworks

MDXworks, our employability service, will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:

  • The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023 
  • A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023.

Global alumni network

You’ll be studying with students from 122 countries who’ll become part of your personal global network. You'll learn how to work with a global mindset and make invaluable connections on your course for your chosen industry.

Bioengineering and medical engineering labs

You’ll study in some of the best facilities in the UK. Housed within a new eco-friendly centre specially-built for science and technology, our 30-plus labs include:

  • A bio-modelling centre
  • Robotics and mechatronics equipment
  • Mass spectrometry suite
  • A confocal microscopy suite and live cell imaging.

Cell and tissue culture lab

This lab focused on the culture of mammalian cell lines. Its outstanding facilities include:

  • Biological safety cabinets for the sterile handling of cells
  • Phase-contrast microscopes
  • Several atmosphere-controlled incubators for growing cells
  • Specialised incubators for hypoxia studies and Chick Chorioallantoic membrane assay

Use the lab to discover new biomarkers which can be used to detect disease, as well as in vitro models to determine the efficacy of many potential treatments for disease. This facility is essential to cancer, reproductive, stem cell and nano-pharmaceutics research at Middlesex.

Mass spectrometry and analytical facilities

mass spectrometry facilities at middlesex university

Our exceptional array of high-end equipment can support your research in:

  • Investigative and diagnostic oncology
  • Urban pollution control
  • Biophysics and bioengineering
  • Molecular biology
  • Reproductive biology.

Microbiology and molecular biology labs

There's everything you need to develop advanced microbial techniques, infectious sample processing and the culture of microorganisms.

You can develop molecular biology techniques such as:

  • Cloning and analysing DNA and RNA sequences
  • Quantify RNA levels
  • Separate DNA molecules.

You’ll be able to use industry-standard equipment including:

  • A Leica SP2 confocal microscope for the high resolution analysis of protein sub-cellular distribution
  • Our tissue culture facility for the large scale production of monoclonal antibodies and proteins.
  • A Nikon live cell microscope system for time lapse imaging.

The Sheppard Library

Our library is open 24 hours a day during the term and includes:

  • Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
  • 350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
  • Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

The fees below refer to the 2024/25 academic year unless otherwise stated.

UK students*

Full-time students: £10,500
Part-time students: £70 per credit
Part-time students: £35 per dissertation credit

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide

For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.

The fees below refer to the 2024/25 academic year unless otherwise stated.International students*

Full-time students: £16,800
Part-time students: £112 per credit
Part-time students: £56 per dissertation credit

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide

For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.

Additional costs

We cover your costs for the day-to-day things that you need to do well in your studies.

  • Free – laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Financial support

We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.

Postgraduate scholarships

You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:

  • The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK/EU Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
  • The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
  • The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
  • The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
  • Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees

For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.

Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.

Help from your employer

Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.

Work while you study

If you are not currently working, we can help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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Biomedical Science (Haematology and Transfusion Science) MSc

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