Biomedical Science (Infection and Immunity) MSc

We have now seen the devastating effect that a global pandemic can have on our modern world. There is now a greater need for scientists who are able to understand both the transmission, aetiology and control of viruses, such as COVID-19, as well as be able to understand how the immune system responds to viruses.

Why study MSc Biomedical Science (Infection and Immunity) at Middlesex University?

This master's course combines the two disciplines of infection and immunity and equips you with the skills necessary to work in the NHS or in the pharmaceutical industries, for example in the development of vaccines. You'll be better enabled to compete for positions in academic research in the areas of infection and immunity, an area of research that is currently being expanded in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This degree is unique in that it couples Biomedical Science with Infection and Immunity, a combination which is not currently offered anywhere else in London, and will be of particular interest to applicants from a Biomedical Science background, who wish to work in the NHS, pharmaceutical industries or enter academic research. This is a great opportunity to better understand the complex and dynamic interplay between infection and immunity.

Due to the use of external lecturers recruited to the teach on the programme from the NHS, industry and academia, you will have a chance to make useful links with these potential employers.

Course highlights

• You will have the opportunity to undertake a research project combining both infection and immunity, which will be supervised by experts in the field
• You will be taught by external lecturers drawn from the NHS, industry and academia, who will put all learning into the context of the job environment
• You will be able to form links with institutions outside of Middlesex University
• The acquisition of expertise in a range of advanced analytical and technical skills that will equip you to pursue a range of career options that require specialist technical knowledge

What will you study on the MSc Biomedical Science (Infection and Immunity)?

You will come to understand the various mechanisms by which the immune system is able to respond to the great variety of different infectious agent that we are exposed to on a daily basis. You will also develop an advanced knowledge of bioanalytical techniques and gain the skills required to undertake your research project.

You will study the transmission, epidemiology and pathogenesis of human infectious diseases, as well as the control of these diseases. You will also study biomedical ethics and law and leadership and management.

You will then carry out your own independent research project under the supervision of experts in the area.

What will you gain?

You will develop specialist knowledge of the fundamental principles and recent advances in infection and immunity, which are required for careers in infection control, pharmaceutical industries and academia.

You will also be able to design and implement a research project involving the use of critical analysis and a range of specialist practical skills necessary to carry out an individualised experimental research project in the area of infection and immunity.

Finally, you will develop sufficiently detailed information about the modern technologies used in diagnostics, product development and research. This will enable you to apply these to complex problem-solving in the investigation of disease and development of new therapeutic treatments, as well as being able to use the principles of laboratory management safety, quality control, evaluation of ethics relating to research and use of statistical methods in your professional life.

Modules

How is the MSc Biomedical Science (Infection and Immunity) taught?

This programme will be delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and laboratory work, self-study (both directed and self-directed), flipped learning, problem-solving exercises and peer presentations.

You will learn research skills through undertaking a research project supervised by an appropriately trained and subject specific research supervisor.

Assessment

You will be assessed using both individual and group presentations, written assignments including laboratory reports, critical reviews and seen and unseen practical and theory examinations.

Your cognitive skills are assessed by written work incorporating problem solving, report and project writing including statistical analysis, examinations, and submission of a research dissertation.

Teaching and learning

Changes for students in 2020

If you’re starting university in 2020, we’ll be teaching you in different ways to make sure you get the best learning experience possible. You’ll learn through live sessions with teaching staff and have the chance to study independently too, with access to all the online resources you need through our globally available student portal.

We’re planning different scenarios for teaching so that we can be flexible. While we’re social distancing, we’re aiming to teach you through some small group sessions on campus, with other interactive teaching as well as larger lectures delivered online and recorded sessions available to you on-demand. If you’re unable to make it to campus at first, or we need to limit access to campus in the future, your course can be delivered fully online.

The table below shows current plans for your learning across a typical week, including scheduled live online teaching and an indication of what we hope to teach face to face, where you can make it to campus. While some weeks might look different to this, due to how we schedule classes and make arrangements for any face to face sessions (for example, in some cases these could take place every two weeks with an increased number of hours), the table gives you an idea of what to expect based on the overall number of teaching hours on your course.

You’ll receive final arrangements for your teaching and a full course timetable before you start.

Read more about our scenarios for returning to campus and what they might mean for your teaching and learning experience, and how you’ll be able to access student support.

Future plans for teaching

We’re developing our timetable for face to face teaching with current government advice on social distancing to keep you safe. If social distancing requirements are lifted, we’ll start to safely move back towards our usual teaching arrangements with more opportunities for face to face learning. Some learning and support might stay online in this scenario. If more restrictions are put in place, or there is another lockdown, we’ll be prepared to deliver your learning and support fully online, with alternative arrangements made for any required placements. We’ll always give you notice of any changes that we make.

Definitions of terms

• Live learning – Live learning will cover everything you’ll do with teaching staff like lectures, seminars, workshops and other classes, and we’ll schedule all of this for you. This might include some study outside your regular timetable, like taking part in discussion forums or online blogs where you’re supported by academic staff.
• Independent learning – Independent learning is all the studying you’ll do outside your live learning sessions with teaching staff. This self-paced study will give you the chance to learn, prepare, revise and reflect in your own time as you need to, and you’ll have access to on-demand resources and materials to help you do your best.
  • Self-paced study – Self-paced study will give you the chance to learn wherever and whenever you want to and at your own pace, outside your live learning sessions. This independent learning could include reading and reflection, preparation for classes, revision or homework along with access to other online activities such as quizzes.
  • On-demand resources – You'll have access to on-demand resources like pre-recorded video lectures and workshops as part of your independent study. You’ll be able to review and revisit whenever you need to at your own pace.
• Face to face sessions – Wherever it’s possible to do so, and we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure your safety, you’ll be able to attend scheduled sessions, workshops or appointments on campus as part of your live learning. The number of hours given in this scenario provides an indication of the number of hours of face to face learning you could expect, and a full timetable will be provided to you before the start of your course.

Support

You’ll 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 mainly be delivered online and you’ll 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’ll 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.

More on teaching for your subject in 2020/21

Read our guide to what’s been happening in your subject area recently and more about what to expect this autumn.

How can the MSc Biomedical Science (Infection and Immunity) 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. The range of roles open to graduates is vast and many have gone on to work in medical or pharmaceutical research, in primary care in surgeries and clinics, or in the community, identifying health risks, educating people about infection prevention and helping to stop the spread of disease.

Others have gone onto to in environmental health, investigating food poisoning outbreaks and ensuring that food and drink businesses meet health and hygiene standards. There are also opportunities in diagnostic laboratories within both the public and private sectors.

This particular programme should appeal to you if you’re interested in developing your knowledge and skills in the field of infection and immunity for a career in the healthcare sector, academia, or industrial research and development. You could also find employment in the fields of infection control and vaccine and assay development within the pharmaceutical Industry.