1.
Programme or Pathway Title, and Award
MSc Biomedical Sciences (Cellular Pathology)
MSc Biomedical Sciences (Clinical Biochemistry)
MSc Biomedical Sciences (Haematology)
MSc Biomedical Sciences (Medical Microbiology)
2.
External Admissions Code if applicable
3.
Northumbria Programme Code
CHF17BM
4.
Mode of Delivery
On Site
5.
Mode of Attendance
Full Time
6.
Location of Delivery
Northumbria
YES
YES
Distance Learning
Distance Delivery
Sandwich
Part Time
YES
Other UK please
specify
Overseas please
specify
7.
Collaborative Provision if applicable
Franchised
Validated
Joint
Dual
Partner Institution
8.
Date(s) of Approval/ Review
Review May 2004
9.
QAA Subject Benchmark Group if applicable
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
10.
PSRB accreditation if applicable
INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
11.
Educational Aims of the Programme:
Biomedical Sciences is the scientific study of the causes, diagnosis & treatment of human disease, representing one of the most important areas of
applied science. The MSc Biomedical Sciences programmes at Northumbria University has been designed to provide students with an opportunity to
develop their knowledge & understanding of the laboratory investigation of disease at a postgraduate level, from the perspective of one of the specialist
disciplines of Biomedical Sciences. A distinctive feature of the programme is that it has been designed to meet the educational requirements of those
working in the hospital pathology service who wish to become specialist practitioners in a particular discipline, with the inclusion of material that forms
part of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) logbook for the specialist certificate within the taught modules in each discipline, in line with NHS
National Occupational Standards (NOS). A further important feature is the use of work-based learning modules, to enable students to gain credit for
specialist learning carried out in conjunction with the workplace, involving a learning contract drawn up in collaboration between the student, the
laboratory training officer and a member of the full-time teaching staff, thereby supporting the work of NHS laboratories across the North-East. This
partnership supports the University’s mission, by contributing to society through a strengthening of the economic life of the region. The programme
structure has been designed to give maximum flexibility, with students choosing between a minimum of 30 taught credits and a maximum of 60 taught
credits per year plus a 60credit project, to achieve an MSc qualification in 2-5 years, in line with the University's mission to provide opportunities and
access to students with a variety of ambitions from different circumstances.
Key features of the programme are: (i) the co-ordinated and sequential nature of the programme, with students completing the taught modules before
they embark upon their project; (ii) the inclusion of specialist subject modules alongside modules with a broader focus, e.g. Laboratory Management,
CH418) and Research Methods (CH404) (iii) the integration of subject-specific material in work-based learning modules alongside the taught
programme (iv) the embedding of personal development planning (PDP) within the programme, to enable students to develop to their full potential as
reflective practitioners.
Aims of the Programme:
1. To meet the educational requirements of biomedical scientists who wish to operate at the Specialist Practitioner level, and above, by providing
a sound basis of knowledge and understanding of their specialist subject and related material.
2. To enable students to gain credit for specialist learning at the workplace, through work-based learning modules.
3. To provide the student with a challenging opportunity to demonstrate continuing professional development (CPD) and thereby increase their
employability.
4. To enhance the student experience in Higher Education by providing part-time students with access to the full range of services and
opportunities the University has to offer.
5. To provide an opportunity to carry out an extended project in a topic related to the student's specialist discipline, thereby fostering an interest in
the ethos of research and its role in the development of Biomedical Sciences.
6. To provide a forum for interaction between postgraduate biomedical scientists in different hospitals/disciplines across the region.
12.
How Students are Supported in their Learning/Employability/Career Development
Support for Learning:
 The curriculum has been designed to provide an introduction to the requirements of postgraduate study from the outset. The induction programme
in week 1 gives students an outline of the key features of the programme & introduces key members of the teaching team, including the
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programme leader. A member of staff with expertise in the student’s chosen specialist discipline will act as guidance tutor for academic and
pastoral support throughout the programme, thereby ensuring continuity of guidance. Regular tutorial meetings enable students to reflect on their
progress to date & set new goals. All MSc module tutors and other members of the teaching team are aware of the needs of part-time students,
making every effort to be available on an informal basis, in person, via e-mail or by telephone, thereby providing a supportive learning environment.
Research Methods in Biomedical Sciences (CH404) provides first year students with an overview of study skills resources and related material,
with a peer-review exercise based on a current topic and designed to introduce students to the requirements of a postgraduate programme.
Sessions in the School's IT laboratories provide an introduction to data handling software (e.g. Excel), as part of the Project Preparation module
(CH407). Together, these two modules underpin the other aspects of the programme, and prepare the student for the final project.
Personal development planning is embedded within key modules of the programme, forming an important component of the taught programme
(e.g. Research Methods, CH404, Project Preparation CH407) & work-based learning modules (CH589 Work-based Learning 1 - Professional
Practice and CH590 Work-based Learning 2 - Laboratory Practice). Students are required to carry out self-evaluation on an annual basis during
the programme, reflecting on their progress to date & their future plans & aspirations – this will be used to determine module choices for the
following year, in consultation with the programme leader. The use of a PDP portfolio approach also provides evidence to meet national and
professional initiatives (e.g. National Occupational Standards, IBMS Specialist Practitioner Logbook, Agenda for Change), required as an integral
part of career development.
Students are provided with written support in the form of a programme handbook, giving key information, e.g. term dates, staff details, & more
general guidance, e.g. on assignments & examinations. Similarly, each module has a module guide, giving full details of the taught provision,
timetables, guided reading, assessments, submission deadlines.
The work-based supervisor (usually the laboratory training officer) is an important element of the learning support team, playing a key role in
drawing up the learning contract for each work-based learning module, in line with the specialist training that the student is undertaking at that time.
The information specialist (learning resources) is involved in key aspects of the programme, including the Research Methods module in year 1
(CH404), and in providing students with specialist guidance on an individual basis where necessary. The electronic gateway & hylife subject guide
for Biomedical Sciences provides students with web-based access to resources & information, with 24-hour access both on & off campus.
All teaching staff provide comprehensive & constructive feedback on coursework assignments & examinations, enabling students to reflect on their
performance & to develop their skills for subsequent assessments.
Regular meetings are held between staff & students across the whole programme (programme management meetings with teaching staff), to
consider the operation of current programmes & receive student feedback.
Blackboard (the University’s web-based learning platform) is being developed to support the taught programme, with tutors posting relevant
learning & teaching materials appropriate to the module & for providing general feedback, e.g. by posting the previous year’s module review, so
that students can see how the feedback of previous cohorts has altered the current provision.
Support for employability/career development:

The specialist subject taught modules and the work-based learning modules are designed to meet the needs of students wishing to gain
employment as specialist practitioners in the hospital pathology service, thereby enhancing their career development. Since a postgraduate
qualification is a pre-requisite for taking the higher specialist examination of the IBMS, the MSc programme will also satisfy local needs in the
North-East region.
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13.
The taught programme covers current developments across Biomedical Sciences, not only in the student's specialist discipline, but also in key
areas such as Applied Immunology & Molecular Genetics (CH599) and in Laboratory Management (CH418).
Students are introduced to relevant aspects of statistical method, data handling & IT, as part of the Project preparation module (CH407). The final
year project provides an opportunity for students to develop their skills in scientific research, experimentation, observation & interpretation, and
may serve as the basis for longer-term postgraduate research, e.g. to PhD level and beyond.
The course team has ensured that opportunities are provided for the development of a broad range of communication skills (e.g. with assignment
presentations in written, oral & poster formats in different modules), interpersonal skills & teamwork (e.g. in assignments, seminars, and case study
exercises).
Completion of the MSc Biomedical Sciences programme will enable students to further advance their career, since a suitable MSc is a prerequisite for the Advanced Practitioner examination of the IBMS and may form the initial component of a professional doctorate.
Learning Outcomes of Programme Specified in terms of performance capabilities to be shown on completion of the programme/pathway,
identified numerically to correspond to the map of learning outcomes in section 18.
Students completing this programme will have command of a complex body of core knowledge relating to Biomedical Sciences, including an
understanding of aspects at the current boundaries aspects of their specialist discipline. They will be able to evaluate scientific information, showing a
systematic approach, and originality in addressing problems and seeking solutions. Students will possess the ability to exercise initiative and take
responsibility for decisions based on complex information, and be able to communicate their findings effectively.
a) Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to:
1
Discuss the pathophysiology of the body and relate this to the student's chosen specialism.
2
Appraise the relative merits of relevant techniques and methods used in the student's chosen specialism, and appreciate the underlying
scientific basis and validity of the procedures.
3
Evaluate factors that influence the provision of a laboratory service, and how this is managed.
4
Analyse the impact of developments in immunology and molecular biology on laboratory-based medicine.
5
Discuss the role of the scientific method & experimental research in advancing our understanding of health & disease.
b) Intellectual Skills
Students will be able to:
1.
Gather & interpret information from various sources, including printed publications & electronic sources, with appropriate citation &
referencing.
2.
Use subject-specific knowledge to address problems & case studies in the student's chosen specialist discipline.
3.
Evaluate, criticise and debate current scientific literature & issues.
4.
Formulate opinions based on scientific knowledge, and support these opinions with reasoned argument and evidence.
5.
Formulate & test ideas/hypotheses & use research, reasoning & problem-solving skills as part of a postgraduate project on a topic within the
student's specialist discipline
6.
Consider moral, ethical and/or legal issues in Biomedical Sciences practice &/or research.
c) Practical Skills
Students will be able to:
1.
Demonstrate competent analysis of clinical samples using appropriate specialist techniques and equipment, with appropriate analysis and
interpretation of the information obtained, as an integral part of the work-based learning modules of the programme.
2.
Evaluate analytical methods, laboratory results and techniques in the context of the student's specialism.
3.
Demonstrate effective use of IT and computer-based data handling software in accordance with the requirements of the specialist
discipline.
4.
Design and execute scientific research as part of an extended postgraduate project, with appropriate interpretation and analysis of
outcomes.
d) Transferable/Key Skills
Students will be able to:
1.
Develop effective approaches to the requirements of part-time study, including self-management, time-management and prioritisation, and
self-evaluation.
2.
Communicate effectively using verbal, written and oral skills.
3.
Employ appropriate IT and date analysis skills in problem-solving and research.
14.
4.
Practice continual professional development (CPD) and appropriate life-long learning.
5.
Develop as a reflective practitioner, by evaluating incidents and reviewing personal practice and the actions of others.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy Specified to enable learners to achieve and demonstrate the above learning outcomes.
Superscipts indicate the learning outcome addressed by a statement:
The programme places considerable emphasis on student-centred learning, as appropriate for post-graduate study, and empowers the active learner c4
d1,d5.Each module will begin with the student determining their learning expectation of the module and then discussing how the teaching and
assessment will meet those expectations.d1,d5 The student will be encouraged to record this process and include it in a PDP portfolio of evidence that
can be used outside the University setting for career development (eg NOS, IBMS Specialist Practitioner Logbook, Agenda for Change). d4
The taught modules in the first 2 years of the programme are all of equivalent postgraduate level and the opportunity for students to reduce the number
of modules studied each year without failing to progress (taking between 2 and 5 years to complete) provides the flexibility to widen access to part-time
study by those in full-time employment and who often have family commitments, or who work unsocial hours that may be subject to change at short
notice. With the exception of the Research Methods (CH404) and Project Preparation (CH407), which will run every year, the modules will be taught
on a 2 year rolling programme with students able to start the taught component in either year. The student will complete Research Methods (CH404) in
their first year and Project Preparation (CH407) in a subsequent year. The ability for students to ‘step-off’ at various points caters to the aspirations of
individual students and the requirements of individual employers, e.g. in instances where a project is not envisaged, a student may complete the taught
programme only, achieving a postgraduate diploma. In the spirit of life-long learning and widening access to those who may not have the time to
commit to a complete programme, access to the modules will be provided on an individual basis at a nominal fee for CPD purposes, so that biomedical
scientists and other healthcare professionals can attend individual sessions (these will also be submitted for IBMS CPD accreditation).
Formal lectures will be used to disseminate essential knowledge a1-a4, which will then be used in seminars and discussion meetings, to generate
understanding, evaluation and formulation of opinions. b1-b6 The first module students will study is Research Methods (CH404) which will explain what is
expected of them and teach the student how to undertake effective literature searches, prepare notes and present written work.b1,c3, d2 The turn-around
time for the marking of the assignment associated with this module will ensure that the student receives appropriate feedback before any other written
assignments are due, and thereby can improve subsequent assignments. The work-based learning modules (CH589, 590) will recognise the student's
achievements during their specialist training in the laboratory, with the specific nature of the learning being determined by means of a learning contract,
drawn up between the student, University tutor and work-based supervisor. Due to the nature of some of the specialist laboratory equipment and the
problems of obtaining clinical material for university-based practical work, these skills will be addressed only in work-based learning modulesc1-c3 and
the projectc4. The detailed syllabus and assessment tasks will differ between disciplines and between laboratories within the same discipline, but the
aims and learning outcomes of the work-based learning modules will be generic.a2, c1-c3, d1 The project will be carried out in the student’s employing
laboratory and will allow the student to bring together many of the individual skills learned over the previous years and demonstrate the ability to
formulate a hypothesis, plan, manage and conduct research, with due regard for ethical considerations, including informed consent and patient
confidentiality.b5, b6, c2, d1, d3
In line with ‘Guidelines for good assessment practice at the University of Northumbria’, assessment will use a variety of formats intended to
demonstrate the student’s knowledge and understanding, written and oral communication skills, ability to evaluate scientific data and formulate an
opinion. Each assessment will have specified deadlines in the module guide which the student must meet and thus demonstrate effective time
management skills.d1
The student’s knowledge and understanding of their chosen specialism will be assessed by formal examination at the end of each year-long module.a1a3 The ability to critically evaluate the knowledge and formulate an opinion will be assessed using a written assignment and a seminar presentation, b3,
b4, c3, d2 each looking at a different part of the syllabus. An innovative feature of the seminar sessions is that they will be advertised as a CPD event,
open for colleagues and employers to attend, though marks for this component will be determined by the attending full-time academic staff. As well as
a written assignment in the Laboratory Management module (CH418), another novel assessment will be used - the student will present a brief
business case for the purchase of laboratory equipment or the introduction of a new technique to a panel of senior laboratory managers from the local
hospitals who will mark the presentation.a2, a3, b4, c2, d2, d3 This is the type of presentation a specialist biomedical scientist may be expected to perform in
their career and will enhance the student’s potential for promotion. To introduce another style of assessment, a poster will be prepared as one of the
assignments for the Applied Immunology & Molecular Biology module (CH599), based on one application of an immunological or molecular technique
in their chosen discipline. As in the previous example, the session will be advertised as a CPD event open to employers and colleagues to attend.a1, a4,
c2, d2 The poster will be marked by attending full-time academic staff. The project will be assessed by submission of a formal written report (dissertation)
marked by the work-based supervisor and a member of the academic staff.a5,b1-6,c4,d3, with the option of a viva voce examination with the External
Examiner for borderline cases.
15.
Programme Structure:
Year 1
Year 2
Programme Structure (see also attached diagram of programme structure)
Credit Requirements
Between 30 credits and 60 credits per year, from:
CH404 Research Methods in Biomedical Sciences (core: 10 credits)
CH599 Applied Immunology & Molecular Biology (core: 10 credits)
CH589 Work-based Learning A (core: 20 credits)
Option (one of the following specialist subject modules):
CH591 Clinical Biochemistry A (option: 20 credits)
CH593 Medical Microbiology A (option: 20 credits)
CH595 Haematology & Transfusion Science A (option: 20 credits)
CH597 Cellular Pathology A (option: 20 credits)
Maximum of 20 credits at level 6 & minimum of
40 credits at level 7.
Postgraduate Certificate awarded for 60 credits.
Between 30 credits and 60 credits per year, from:
Maximum of 30 credits at level 6; minimum of 90
credits & maximum of 120 credits at level 7.
Postgraduate Diploma awarded for 120 credits.
CH407 Project Preparation & Experimental Design (core: 10 credits)
All modules assessed at level 7
60 credits available
CH418 Laboratory Management (core: 10 credits)
CH590 Work-based Learning B (core: 20 credits)
Year 3
16.
Option (one of the following specialist subject modules):
CH592 Clinical Biochemistry B (option: 20 credits)
CH594 Medical Microbiology B (option: 20 credits)
CH596 Haematology & Transfusion Science B (option: 20 credits)
CH598 Cellular Pathology B (option: 20 credits)
All modules assessed at level 7
60 credits available
Total credits = 120 credits
CH320 Work-based Project (core: 60 credits)
Maximum of 30 credits at level 6; minimum of
150 credits & maximum of 180 credits at level 7.
Masters Degree awarded for 180 credits.
60 credit Project assessed at level 7
Total credits = 180 credits
Interim Awards Credit Structure and Programme Learning Outcomes for Interim Awards.
Award
Credit Structure
Postgraduate
Certificate
60 credits. Max 20 at level 6; min 40 at level 7.
60 credits at level 7
Programme Learning Outcomes May be completed with reference to
section 13
Learning outcomes a5, b1, b2, b3, c1, c2, d1, d2, d4 will be fully
met
Learning outcomes a1, a2, a3, a4, b4, b6, c3, d3, d5 will be partially
met
Learning outcomes b5, c4 will not be met
Postgraduate
Diploma
17.
120 credits. Max 30 at level 6; min 90, max 120 at
level 7.
Learning outcomes a1-5, b1-4, b6, c1-3 and d1-5 will be fully met
120 credits at level 7
Learning outcomes b5 and c4 will not be met
Variation From Assessment Regulations Provide details of any approved variations from the standard University regulations.
18 Mapping of Learning Outcomes
Key to symbols used in assessment map on following page: A= Assessed; T = Taught; P = Practiced (C = core module, O = option module)
a) Knowledge Understanding
MODULE
Level 7
CH404
1
2
C
3
AP
4
Research methods
CH589
5
TA
P
P
b) Intellectual Skills
1
TA
P
AP
2
3
TA
P
c) Practical Skills
4
TA
P
5
6
TA
P
1
2
AP
AP
3
TA
d) Transferable/Key Skills
4
1
TAP
2
T
AP
3
4
P
5
A
P
PA
C
AP
O TA
TA
AP
AP
AP
AP
TA
A
A
A
P
O TA
TA
AP
AP
AP
AP
TA
A
A
A
P
O TA
TA
AP
AP
AP
AP
TA
A
A
A
P
O TA
TA
AP
AP
AP
AP
TA
A
A
A
P
AP
AP
A
A
A
P
AP
AP
A
AP
P
A
TA
P
Work-based learning A
CH591
Clinical Biochemistry A
CH593
Medical Microbiology A
CH595
HaematologyA
CH597
Cellular Pathology A
CH599
C
CH418
C
Applied
Immunology &
Molecular Genetics
TA
TA
Lab Management
CH407
C
TA
P
Project Preparation
CH590
TA
P
TA
P
TA
P
TA
P
C
P
PA
P
Work-based learning B
CH592
O TA
TA
AP
AP
AP
AP
TA
A
A
A
P
O TA
TA
AP
AP
AP
AP
TA
A
A
A
P
O TA
TA
AP
AP
AP
AP
TA
A
A
A
P
O TA
TA
AP
AP
AP
AP
TA
A
A
A
P
P
A
A
AP
Clinical Biochemistry B
CH594
Medical Microbiology B
CH596
HaematologyB
CH598
Cellular Pathology B
CH 320
Work-based Project
C
AP
AP
AP
AP
AP
P
A
P
P
P
19.
Admission Requirements Please give details of specific programme requirements.
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences degree.
Other degree with appropriate ‘top-up’ of Biomedical Sciences subject material, as deemed acceptable for registration as a biomedical
scientist.
IBMS Special Examination, plus relevant experience deemed acceptable by the programme leader
HNC Medical Laboratory Science, plus relevant experience and evidence of recent post-graduate level study deemed acceptable by the
programme leader
20.
Application Procedure The appropriate procedure should be indicated.
1. Application for admissions form is made to University Admissions Office
2. Submission of the application form
3. Submission reviewed by Programme Leader
4. Result of application returned to applicant
5. Successful applicants enrol at MSc Biomedical Sciences enrolment session during induction week.
MSc Biomedical Sciences (programme structure)
The structure shown below is for a 3 year version of the programme
(note that students might take fewer or more credits than shown, to complete in 2-5 years).
Year 1
CH 589 Work-based learning A
(year-long 20 credits)
Option Specialist Subject A: either CH591 Clinical Biochemistry A, CH593 Medical Microbiology A,
CH595 Haematology A or CH597 Cellular Pathology A
(year-long 20 credits)
CH404 Research Methods in Biomedical Sciences
CH599 Applied Immunology & Molecular Biology
(semester 1:10 credits)
(semester 2: 10 credits)
Year 2
CH 590 Work-based learning B
(year-long 20 credits)
Option Specialist Subject A: either CH592 Clinical Biochemistry B, CH594 Medical Microbiology B,
CH596 Haematology or CH598 Cellular Pathology
(year-long 20 credits)
CH407 Project Preparation & Experimental Design
CH418 Laboratory Management
(semester 1:10 credits)
(semester 2: 10 credits)
Year 3
CH320 Work-based Project
(60 credits)