Course overview

This is a distance learning course designed for people who are working as biomedical scientists, either as part of a health service or in industry. People take the course for various reasons, but mainly for career advancement and/or continuing professional development.

As the course progresses, and after you have completed the core modules, you will have the opportunity to choose a specialist pathology area, which will enable you to tailor your studies - either to enhance your knowledge and understanding of your current field, or perhaps to open up a path into a new areas such as management.

By obtaining this Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited Masters qualification you will enhance your career prospects and also gain a qualification suitable for individuals wishing to become chartered scientists. It also serves as one of the entry criteria for the higher specialist examination.

This course will enable you to develop your skills and obtain IBMS accredited qualifications within the workplace. It has a formal Employers Liaison Committee (ELC) with committee links to the IBMS and NHS employers. MSc Biomedical Science student representatives are entitled to membership of this committee. There are regular ELC meetings throughout the year, culminating in an AGM. An employers' forum is also active via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Additional course information

As the course is entirely Internet-based (Virtual Learning Environment), it is a prerequisite that you have access to the internet. You must have at least weekly access and should be able to enter chat-room sessions. Module tutors will provide critical feedback to you prior to final submission of your portfolios of evidence at the end of the taught modules.

The aims of this course are:

• to provide ongoing professional training for NHS and private pathology laboratory professionals
• to enable you to develop and apply skills of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application in the biomedical field
• to enable you to develop a range of transferable skills relevant to a wider range of postgraduate employment opportunities
• to enable you to develop a range of practical skills and experience in the biomedical field
• to develop your awareness of the social, economic and ethical aspects in the biomedical field.

Module guide

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

• Appreciate the concept of Mastery
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge base of understanding of the function and role of management in biomedical science.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge base of understanding of the principles of biomedical research.
• Demonstrate the awareness of and ability to manage the implications of ethical dilemmas and work pro-actively with others to formulate solutions.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the factors governing the pathogenesis of disease.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the pathological changes associated with disease.
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of a variety of techniques/ methodologies utilised or being developed within their biomedical field.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how Public Health strategies can be used to prevent the spread of infectious disease.
• Demonstrate at Master's Level the acquisition of a body of knowledge relevant to an identified topic in order to complete the research project at the forefront of your academic discipline.
• Invoke the characteristics of Master's level thinking and learning.
• Identify and apply a strategy for integrating theory and practice within the profession.
• Apply the characteristics of Mastery to the compilation of a Portfolio of Evidence and demonstrate skills such as autonomy; the ability to analyse, evaluate, synthesis and apply; manage resources and information; problem-solve; communicate at this professional level and self-evaluation.
• Identify, apply and evaluate the appropriate management skills and techniques for problem solving and specific management tasks.
• Evaluate, apply and synthesis professional knowledge through research
• Apply a patient focussed approach and be able to communicate the advantages to professional colleagues.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding and management of the information relative to the operation of International Regulatory frameworks and ethical bodies.
• Appreciate the scientific and mathematical basis behind current strategies for the analysis of infectious disease spread.
• Demonstrate intellectual skills of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application and expertise in the execution of a research level project in Biomedical Science.

Assessment

Assessment of all modules (except dissertation module) consists of preparation of a 4,000 word portfolio to satisfy each modules learning outcomes. The final year requires the completion of a 60 credit dissertation/final project to achieve the total requirement of 180 credits.

Special features

This is a distance learning course that does not require attendance on campus. It is ideally suited to students in full and part-time employment wishing to advance their studies within their chosen specialism. Each cohort has their own dedicated tutor who can be contacted at any time. Similarly each module has its own tutor who can be contacted for academic advice. You can also talk online via chat-rooms.

Personal tutor support
You will have a dedicated personal biomedical science distance learning tutor who you can contact at any time.

Study at a pace to suit you
This course can be completed in three years, but depending on your personal, or professional, circumstances you can choose to take up to five years.

Links with industry and professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) - this accreditation will enhance career prospects and support those wishing to achieve chartered scientist status.

You will study this course online by accessing our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where you will find multimedia course materials and interact with your peers and course tutors. All you need is an internet connection.

Associated careers

Career paths associated with this course are varied. The Masters provides an academically challenging and vocationally relevant science education for those wishing to pursue careers as a biomedical scientist, in the health services, pharmaceutical or biotechnologies industries.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent, in Biomedical Science, FIBMS or Primary, HNC with bridging course, or HNC plus laboratory experience. Applicants must be employed in an appropriate laboratory as biomedical scientists. Each applicant is considered on an individual basis. All applicants are advised to contact Jocelyn Pryce (jocelyn.pryce@anglia.ac.uk) prior to application. Two references must be supplied.