MSc in Transfusion and Transplantation Sciences
The course aims to develop interest, knowledge and understanding of the theory,
practical techniques and research methodology relating to the clinical sciences
underpinning transplantation and transfusion medicine.
To achieve this, the course is split into five units (A-E).
A with C1 and D1 (year 1 of the part time course) = PG Certificate
Certificate plus B with C2 and C2 (year 2 of the part time course) = PG Diploma
Diploma plus E = MSc
In Units A, B and D the students are given formal teaching and assignments to
complete, supplemented with tutorials. Unit C comprises of practical sessions and
presentations, and during TTS-E they plan, execute and analyse an original piece of
research work and write up a thesis. The structure, aims and objectives of each unit
are summarised below:
Unit A (TTS-A): The Principles of Transfusion and
Transplantation Science
TTS-A is a unit of approximately 70 hours of lectures and tutorials. The unit
addresses the scientific principles underlying the practice of transfusion and
transplantation. It Includes topics such as blood group molecular genetics,
immunology, haemolytic anaemias, neonatal immune thrombocytopenia, In
addition, tutorials ensure familiarity with the library, computer-aided learning
and use of the Internet and have a clear understanding of the content of the
lectures. The Unit is assessed by written examination and two assignments.
40 credits
Unit B (TTS-B): The Application of Transfusion and
Transplantation Science
TTS-B is also a unit of approximately 70 hours of lectures and tutorials. This
unit provides the essential knowledge needed to apply the basic science to
clinical and laboratory practice. It includes topics such as blood donation,
donation testing, stem cells transplants, ethics, provision of blood in special
situations, antibody identification and tissue engineering. The Unit is assessed
by written examination and two assignments. 40 credits
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Unit C (TTS-C): Transfusion and Transplantation in Practice
The unit comprises practical classes designed to expose students to many
different types of technology used in transfusion and transplantation
laboratories (total 100hrs). Students write up practicals in a logbook. 20
credits
Unit D (TTS-D): Research Methods and Biostatistics Design
This unit teaches the principles of experimental design including basic,
intermediate and some advanced statistical methods required to interpret
published data and to analyse new data generated from clinical and
laboratory research. This unit comprises 96 hours of interactive workshop
teaching sessions dealing with planning, design of experiments, preparing a
grant application and the statistical analysis of results. The Unit is assessed
by written examination and one assignment. 20 credits
Unit E (TTS-E): Research Project
This unit consists of a three month (or equivalent) supervised research project
which enables students to develop an understanding of biomedical research
and scientific methods. The Unit is assessed by examination of the thesis
and defence of the thesis in an oral presentation before an audience and
examiners. 60 credits
MODULES
Each module is completed in one week except for statistics and immunology
which are two week modules.
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Introduction to the course
Basic Science
Blood donation
Blood components
Immunology
Transfusion: Testing and issue
Clinical transfusion
Statistics
Platelets and coagulation
Stem cell transplantation
Blood groups
Haematological diseases
Organ transplantation
Tissue engineering
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Intellectual skills and attributes of students will be developed so they will be
able to:
Critically review published papers, summarising and analysing the
findings.
Plan, conduct and report a programme of original research with a
defined aim and a structured design that addresses this aim.
Apply biostatistical methods to problems arising in transfusion and
transplantation.
Recognise when a process or test is out of control, suggest possible
reasons for this and select an appropriate solution from a range of
alternatives.
Have a basic knowledge of other disciplines related to transfusion and
transplantation science in order to be able to integrate information into
a wider context.
Evaluate and question current practices in terms of cost, health benefit,
regulatory requirements and feasibility.
Practical and transferable skills of students will be developed so they will be
able to:
Plan and execute safely a series of experiments.
Analyse experimental results and determine their strength and validity.
Give scientific presentations to a small group.
Use the scientific literature effectively.
Take notes effectively.
Communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and statistical
software packages.
Work as a member of a team.
Learn effectively and independently in the spirit of critical enquiry.
Manage resources and time.
Apply on line at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply
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