Clinical biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of the human body and how it is affected by disease. It's a fascinating subject which combines expert theoretical knowledge with practical skills to help with the diagnosis and treatment of 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.
This course is designed to enable you to build up strong laboratory and diagnostic skills. This is built around a practical element, with an emphasis on developing these skills. Where possible, you will be able to study and learn without the University's specialist laboratories. This will be augmented through the use of sophisticated virtual laboratory simulation. You'll also learn how to use cutting-edge equipment such as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers and flow cytometers.
The Biomedical Science courses at Middlesex have a burgeoning international reputation and the University's strong links with London hospitals, NHS laboratories and other universities and industrial partners ensures that you will be studying the latest developments, practices and research. 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.
*This course is currently being reviewed. Please check back regularly for changes
Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.
You will study 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. You will investigate the effects of pregnancy on physiology, biochemical and metabolic problems that can affect new-born babies, and maternal, antenatal and neonatal screening. You will learn bioanalytical techniques, including biosensors and mass spectrometry. You will also cover the ethical and legal issues which can surround specific types of research such as assisted reproduction and genetics, and human or animal research.
As well as in-depth knowledge of your subject, 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. You will also be proficient and capable in all aspects of managing a laboratory, including people management, business plans and budgets, safety regulations, and quality management. You will be aware of established and emerging bioanalytical technologies and techniques, and how they are used to make diagnoses, and research methods.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
See the course specification for more information:
Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.
We are regularly reviewing and updating our programmes to ensure you have the best learning experience. We are taking what we've learnt during the pandemic and enhancing our teaching methods with new and innovative ways of learning. Please regularly check this section of the course page for updates.
This programme will be delivered in a blended learning format using live face to face classroom and laboratory teaching. For specialist module teaching and for the core modules a mixture of live face to face and interactive sessions via a number of learning platforms (Zoom). These sessions will be recorded so that you can return to this learning in your own time and study at your own place.
Learning may be supplemented by pre-recorded lectures, demonstration of laboratory techniques or data analysis activity where students can access the information at any point. This wide range of teaching and learning approaches are used to build up your skills and knowledge
You will take part in problem solving discussions and exercises, and workshops. You will supplement all this with your own guided and independent reading. The mix of delivery modes will be varied and suitable to the content being delivered.
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.
Middlesex is committed to equipping and accommodating your learning where you cannot reach campus.
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.
We have developed new approaches to teaching and learning for the 2021/22 academic year, and have resumed the majority of our teaching on campus.
We are currently reviewing our approach to teaching and learning for 2022 entry and beyond. We've learned a lot about how to give you a quality education - we aim to combine the best of our pre-pandemic teaching and learning with access to online learning and digital resources which put you more in charge of when and how you study. We will keep you updated on this throughout the application process.
Your timetable will be built around on campus sessions using our professional facilities, with online sessions for some activities where we know being virtual will add value. We’ll use technology to enhance all of your learning and give you access to online resources to use in your own time.
The table below gives you an idea of what learning looks like across a typical week. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on campus sessions.
This information is likely to change slightly for 2022 entry as our plans evolve. You'll receive full information on your teaching before you start your course.
Learning structure: typical hourly breakdown in 2022/23 | ||
Live in-person on campus learning | Contact hours per week, per level: | 9 hours |
Tutor set learning activities | Average hours per week, per level: | 5 hours |
Outside of these hours, you’ll be expected to do independent study where you read, listen and reflect on other learning activities. This can include preparation for future classes. In a year, you’ll typically be expected to commit 1200 hours to your course across all styles of learning. If you are taking a placement, you might have some additional hours.
Definitions of terms
Support
You have a strong support network available to you to make sure you develop all the necessary academic skills you need to do well on your course.
Our support services will be delivered online and on campus and you have access to a range of different resources so you can get the help you need, whether you’re studying at home or have the opportunity to come to campus.
You have access to one to one and group sessions for personal learning and academic support from our library and IT teams, and our network of learning experts. Our teams will also be here to offer financial advice, and personal wellbeing, mental health and disability support.
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 equip you with the skills and expertise you need to work in a wide range of roles such as management, consultancy, lab supervision, or in international roles within hospitals, schools and universities.
If you're currently working in clinical biochemistry, this Masters programme will help you progress to a more senior position. You might also wish to explore your options in a research or academic career, or even complete further study at doctoral level.
There are many opportunities available in a variety of 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.
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.
Start: October 2023, September 2023 (EU/INT induction)
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Code: PGB900 (MSc)
Start: September 2023, September 2023 (EU/INT induction)
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Code: PGB90A (MSc)
Start: October 2023, September 2023 (EU/INT induction)
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Code: PGB90X (MSc)
