Biomedical Science - Clinical Biochemistry MSc

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.

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.

This module aims to give students a solid understanding of ethical principles and their application in biomedical science, cardiology and pharmaceutical science. Students will learn key concepts like autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, and how to apply these in real-world research and clinical practice. They will be encouraged to analyse and resolve ethical dilemmas using theoretical knowledge and decision-making models.

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.

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.

This module aims to enable students to integrate their knowledge of a range of different clinical disorders in order to investigate, diagnose and monitor human health and disease. This is an essential skill that is required to be able to unravel the complex and fascinating nature of human disease.

Students will also learn to critically evaluate the most up-to-date treatments that are available to patients. The focus will be on key Biomedical Science areas including cellular pathology, haematology, clinical biochemistry, clinical genetics, medical microbiology and Medical Immunology.  

Critical to all of this is an understanding of the procedures of quality control and quality assurance to ensure a high quality and consistent delivery of laboratory services.

This module aims to inspire students to understand the intricate workings of the human body and the cutting-edge laboratory techniques used to diagnose and manage a wide array of clinical disorders. Students will explore the functions and disorders of major organ systems, uncovering the biochemical basis of malignancies, and exploring the incredible physiology of pregnancy. They will discover how endocrine disorders and the biochemical challenges of malnutrition, malabsorption, and obesity are diagnosed and managed. 

Students will get hands-on experience with state-of-the-art assays. They will confidently perform and interpret tests that assess endocrine and nutritional status, all while honing their skills in bioanalytical techniques that are pivotal in biomedical research and clinical practice. 

This module isn't just about learning; it's about transforming students into skilled, knowledgeable, and innovative professionals ready to make a real impact in the world of clinical biochemistry.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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 receive constructive feedback on your work and progress from your tutors.