Part-time Courses and CPD in Biomedical Science
Single Modules available Autumn 2015
If you wish to take a single module [5 ECTS], you must apply using the part-time application
form, as on the School page. Entry to these modules is subject to the same entry pre-requisites
as the CPD Diploma. These modules are available in both autumn and spring, as they are taken
with the fulltime undergraduate students of Biomedical Science.
A CPD Certificate will be awarded for each module completed. If a candidate takes some of
these and subsequently wishes to take the CPD Diploma exemptions will be possible.
Modules Available – there are multiple modules available, but very limited places on each.
Modules currently approved for part-time CPD at
undergraduate level:
Autumn Semester
Physiology
Cellular Pathology 1,2
Clinical Chemistry 1,2
Clinical and Diagnostic Immunology
Haematology/Transfusion Science 1
Haematology 2
Medical Microbiology 1,2
Medical Microbiology
Transfusion Science
Transfusion Science 2
Spring Semester
[1st year]
[4th year]
[4th year]
[4th year]
[4th year]
[4th year]
[4th year]
[2nd year]
[2nd year]
[4th year]
Biological Basis of Disease
Methods in Biochemistry
Molecular Immunology
Haematology
Cellular Pathology
Clinical Chemistry
[3rd year]
[3rd year]
[3rd year]
[2nd year]
[2nd year]
[2nd year]
CPD Diploma in Medical Science [Accredited by DIT June 2012]
Qualification Awarded: CPD Diploma, Level 8.
Duration: One-two semesters Starting Date: 14th September 2015 Number of Places : 2-3.
This Diploma is a top-up programme of 30 ECTS [one semester] in the Medical Laboratory
Science subjects and is suitable for Biological sciences [Level 8] graduates who are working , or
intend to work, in Biomedical research or hospital and veterinary pathology departments. It
will provide the student with a broad overview of current practice in Pathology diagnostics,
disease investigations and associated methods and technologies in Ireland. Lectures will cover
method development, standardization and validation, and specimen management. Quality and
biohazard management will also be covered in this programme.
This programme will provide the graduate with additional education to their broadly-based
degree, that will enhance their knowledge and understanding of the key areas in Pathology
diagnostics. The CPD Diploma will cover extensive laboratory skills training, as each module has
a full programme of laboratory sessions, along with the lectures and tutorials.
In order to practice as a Medical Scientist/Biomedical Scientist, Academy of Medical Laboratory
Science or Institute of Biomedical Science [UK] approval requires appropriate education and
Clinical Laboratory Placement training in a hospital, through the AMLS or IBMS logbook training
systems. You may be advised to take additional modules to those covered in the CPD Diploma,
depending on the requirements of the AMLS/IBMS. The clinical laboratory placement must be
sourced by the student on completion of the CPD Diploma, and is not part of the DIT CPD
Diploma. The length, structure and governance of the placement is determined by the
professional bodies.The securing of a Clinical laboratory training placement is entirely a matter
for potential applicants to arrange; the School of Biological Sciences has no role in the securing
of clinical placements for successful applicants to the programme. It is the responsibility of the
applicant to ensure that their level 8 degree and additional education conforms to the
eligibility criteria published by the AMLS regarding the non-standard career pathways to
becoming a Medical Scientist.
Structure of the CPD Diploma
The 30ECTS consists of each student taking six modules of 5 ECTS. The modules available will
vary each year, depending on staffing and facilities and no module is guaranteed to be
available. If a student wishes to take a module not offered in their year, they may take it as an
additional module the following year [post-CPD Diploma].
The semester runs throughout the autumn, with exams at the end of the semester [Refer to DIT
calendar, on DIT webpage]. One module can be taken in the spring semester.
Module Selection
A selection of the following modules will be available each year:
Cellular Pathology 1, Cellular Pathology 2, Clinical Chemistry 1, Clinical Chemistry 2, Diagnostic
and Clinical Immunology, Haematology/Transfusion Science 1, Haematology 2, Molecular
Diagnostics, Medical Microbiology 1, Medical Microbiology 2 and Transfusion Science 2.
If you wish to take a module which is not available this year, you may defer completing the
CPD Diploma and take the final module(s) in autumn 2016.
Entry Requirements
There is a limited number of places and the applicants will be selected based on:
1. Qualification level [see Table below],
2. Relevant Laboratory-based experience.
For applicants with International qualifications, certification by NQAI or NARIC that the prior
degree is Level 8 is required.
Please Note: If you do not have all the modules covered, as required by our Entry
Requirements, other modules are available which you may apply for: Molecular Immunology,
Biological Basis of Disease and Methods in Biochemistry.
Each module costs approximately €435 [subject to change each year].
Further Information Dr Helen Lambkin helen.lambkin@dit.ie
Applications for the CPD Diploma will be reviewed in May of each year, and places
offered in early June.
Entry Requirements for CPD in Medical Science
1
Level 8 honours degree in Biological or Biomedical Science or equivalent. Applications from
persons with other level 8 degrees will be reviewed by the Programme Committee on an
individual basis.
2
Core subjects in Prior Level 8 Degree to include the following subjects or equivalent:
Cell and Molecular Biology,
Genetics,
Physiology/Histology,
Biochemistry,
Immunology,
Microbiology,
Research Methods,
Biostatistics.
Biological Basis of Disease
Where an applicant has undertaken additional studies (CPD modules for example) in the core
subjects following completion of the level 8 degree these credits will be reviewed by the
Programme Committee and if judged appropriate will be taken into account in the
assessment of the application.
3
Laboratory based Research Project during prior Level 8 Degree.
4
Prior appropriate Microbiology skills for those taking Medical Microbiology modules.
These will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Programme committee.
5
Hepatitis B vaccination. At least two of the vaccinations must be complete.
6
The language of instruction and communication is English. All applicants whose first language is not
English, and who have not been educated through the medium of English must comply with the DIT
requirement of an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 80.
Post-Graduate Part-time Courses.
The MSc in Clinical Laboratory Science is run as a two-year part-time course. All modules on the MSc
can also be taken as individual part-time CPD modules. Check the website for details.
MSc Modules available Autumn 2015
Research Methods and Biostatistics
Cell Biology and Immunology
Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Cancer in Cellular Pathology and Clinical Cytology
Automation and Point-of-Care Analysis
Red Cell Structure and Metabolism, Immunohaematology
Virology, Mycology and Infections in the Compromised Host
MSc Modules available Spring 2016
Haemostasis: Recent Developments, Diagnosis and Management
Advanced Diagnostic Methods and Bioinformatics
Microbial Pathogenesis, Immunity and Antimicrobial Resistance
Diagnostic Immunology and Transplantation