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Biomedical Science (Infection and Immunity) MSc

Following the pandemic, there has never been a greater need for scientists who understand how infection and immunity impact the human body
Code
PGB90P
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
Dr Sue Outram

We have now seen the devastating effect that a global pandemic can have on our modern world. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to tackle this issue professionally.

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

Following the global pandemic, there has never been a greater need for scientists who understand the transmission, aetiology and control of infectious organisms such as viruses, and how the immune system responds.

Our degree is unique. It combines Biomedical Science with Infection and Immunity which is not offered anywhere else in London. If you have a Biomedical Science background this is a great opportunity to develop your understanding of the complex interplay between infection and immunity.

This master's course 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.

What you will gain

Many of your guest lecturers work in the NHS, industry and research organisations, so you will always be learning about the latest insights and have the opportunity to connect with potential employers.

For example, you will be taught by experts working in the area of infection control, such as for the UKHSA - National Infection Service as well as Infection Control Services, University College London Hospital. You will also be taught by a parasitologist from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

You will have opportunities to:

  • undertake a research project combining both infection and immunity, which will be supervised by experts in the field
  • form links with institutions outside of Middlesex University
  • acquire 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.

During your research project, you will gain experience in techniques such as flow cytometry, cell culture, ELISAs and isolation and culture of microorganisms.

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, flow cytometry, and medical engineering labs
  • Life-saving work
    You can work in vaccine and other pharmaceutical research or health care identifying health risks and helping people stay well
  • Postgraduate success
    95% of our postgraduate students go on to work or further study – Graduate Outcomes, 2022.

Find out more

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

You'll study how the immune system fights infections, and how diseases spread and how to control them.

You'll learn advanced bioanalytical techniques and research skills, biomedical ethics and law, leadership and management.

We will also share with you the best practice principles of laboratory management for safety and quality control.

For your own research project which will be supervised by an expert, you will develop critical analysis, specialized practical skills and a good understanding of the modern technology used for diagnostics, product development and research. You can apply this knowledge to develop new treatments.

  • Modules

    • Immunology (30 credits) - Compulsory

      Text

    • Human Infectious Diseases (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to provide you with sound knowledge of the transmission, epidemiology and pathogenesis of human infectious diseases.

    • Control of Infectious Disease (15 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to provide you with sound knowledge of the means of controlling the transmission of, and exposure to, infectious agents, the means through which the human body limits infection by the innate and adaptive immune response and the theoretical and practical aspects of immunisation and antimicrobial chemotherapy.

    • 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 disease 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.

    • 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 involving  research with human and animal subjects. 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.

    • Experimental Design and Statistics (15 credits) - Compulsory

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

    • Leadership and Management (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide you with the knowledge of current theories and approaches to leading and managing people so that they can bring about a positive change in their team or organisation.

    • Research Project (60 credits) - Compulsory

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

To find out more about this course, please download the Biomedical Science (Infection and Immunity) MSc specification (PDF).

How we'll teach you

This course 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. The course is delivered by our academics and industry partners —such as UKHSA - National Infection Service and Infection Control Services, University College London Hospital— in person and via digital platforms.

Our learning activities include lectures, presentations, laboratory practical sessions 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 I study?

You will be based at our north London campus in Hendon, and use our state-of-the-art laboratories in the Hatchcroft building.

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.

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.

Typical weekly breakdown

You'll receive full information on your teaching before you start your course. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on campus sessions. A typical week looks like this:

Learning

Hours per week

On-campus

7

Online

7

Independent study

4

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 over two years.

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

There are no exams but your coursework will be assessed using 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.

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.

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
  • Four phase-contrast microscopes
  • Several atmosphere-controlled incubators for growing cells.

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.

woman seated looks down microscope in Cell and tissue culture lab at middlesex university

Flow cytometry facilities

We have two flow cytometers located within the laboratories in the Hatchcroft building. Students will be taught how to use flow cytometry to:

  1. Immunophenotype immune cells
  2. Determine apoptosis induced by cancer-treating drugs.
  3. Determine the impact of various hormones and growth factors on the proliferation and differentiation of cells of the immune response.

Mass spectrometry and analytical facilities

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.

mass spectrometry facilities at middlesex university

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.

How can the MSc Biomedical Science (Infection and Immunity) support your career?

Our postgraduate courses have been recognised for their ability to support your career.

95% of our postgraduate students go on to work or further study – Graduate Outcomes, 2022.

Career paths

This course will be ideal 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students1

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

International students2

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

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.

The following course-related costs are not included in the fees, and you will need to budget for these:

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.

Dr Sue Outram
Programme leader

Dr Outram's specialist research area includes the role of human chorionic gonadotrophin in inducing suppression of the immune response both during pregnancy and by hCG secreting tumours.

Dr. Thamarai Janganan
Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology

Thamarai (Tham) K Janganan is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology, Department of Natural Sciences at Middlesex University, London. He is a trained Microbiologist, having worked as a Clinical Microbiologist and Lecturer at various higher education institutions and hospitals in India since 1995. Later, he moved to the UK and received his PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Durham University in 2008. Following this, he held senior post-doctoral positions at Durham, Sheffield and Essex Universities and subsequently worked as a lecturer in Microbiology at the University of Bedfordshire before moving to Middlesex University.

Tham's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms contributing to antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, aiming at elucidating the mechanism of how Gram-negative bacteria expel antimicrobial compounds.


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 (Medical Microbiology) MSc

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Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Code: PGB900 (MSc)

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