Course overview

The construction of the word biomedicine indicates exactly what this course is about, a fusion of the natural and clinical sciences. Here at Portsmouth we see biomedicine as the application of the principles of the natural sciences, especially biology and physiology, to clinical medicine.

At the postgraduate level this fusion is achieved principally through formal lectures, seminars and research. Historically, clinicians would have researched their own tools and cures; however, in this post-genomic era, the level of technical skill is such that scientific researchers are responsible for making the breakthroughs required to advance medicine. To reach the level of skill needed to become an independent scientist requires intellect, motivation and, most importantly, training. This course is designed to provide you with the necessary training, as well as facilitate the development of your theoretical and practical skills to pursue a scientific career.

Accreditation

Our MSc Biomedical Science is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.

The School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences

The School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences is a well-known centre of excellence for both its biomedical science and pharmacy programmes. Our well equipped laboratories, teaching facilities and experienced staff all combined to win the School a full mark of 24 in the last Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) subject review. The high quality of research performed in the School was rated internationally excellent/world-leading (3* and 4*) in the recent Research Assessment Exercise (2008) under the area of Allied Health Professions and Studies, with Portsmouth being in the top three for funding in this subject area.

The Centre for Simulation in Healthcare will allow you to experience clinical settings in a safe, controlled environment, whilst close links with the Portsmouth Hospitals Trust allows you to experience real clinical situations. This programme is therefore designed to enable you to develop a certain skill set as well as a deep understanding of the path of biomedical research from bench to bedside.

Is this the right course for me?

This course will suit those who wish to develop understanding and skills applicable for research in health science or the pharmaceutical industry.

Course content

On this course you will examine the function, process and application of biomedical research and will have choice and flexibility in your studies. There are four mandatory units, two optional units and a major research project allowing you to design a course that most closely reflects your research interests.

Unit descriptions

Core units

Integrated Pathology provides an understanding of the relationship between diseases and organ systems and disciplines of pathology in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. It will also advance your ability to critically assess current literature and integrate your knowledge into written and oral reports.

Scientific Methods covers the philosophical and ethical basis of bioscientific research, the processes of experimental design, practical skills in the application of scientific enquiry, critical awareness of experimental validity and how to measure this using statistical methods. It will also develop the critical skills required to evaluate and disseminate research of a publishable standard.

Molecular Medicine looks closely at the molecular basis of disease, the clinical management of selected disorders, the current and emerging diagnostic, prognostic techniques and an appreciation of novel therapeutics.

Review gives you the chance to research and critically appraise a specific topic of biomedical science using a range of techniques. This develops the ability to critically appraise and synthesise information and enhances the ability to communicate a scientific topic effectively both orally and in writing.

Project makes up a third of the degree as it represents the culmination and synthesis of all aspects of the course. The project can be undertaken in a range of disciplines including:

• molecular medicine
• biomaterials and drug delivery
• molecular design
• pharmacology
• neuro-oncology
• oncology
• nutrition and sports science

You will identify a research area and be actively involved in the planning stages of the project. From this unit you will be able to initiate, design, conduct and report on research that makes a contribution to scientifi c knowledge and develop a critical awareness of current knowledge in a specifi c area of biomedical science.

Optional units

You will also be able to choose two of the following optional units:

• Neuroscience
• Drug Development and Clinical Trials
• Integrated Studies in Oncology
• Nutrition and Health

Teaching and assessment

Modules such as Scientific Methods and Drug Development and Clinical Trials are likely to develop your critical abilities to analyse scientific information as well contribute to your understanding of the design, conduct and interpretation of data from clinical trials.

Teaching on this course is undertaken in small lectures and practical or seminar groups with tutorial sessions to support coursework, study and revision. You will also be supported by elearning packages specifi to each unit. Assessment will be through a variety of media including essays, presentations, web discussions, formal examinations and portfolios. The project is assessed by poster and oral presentations and a dissertation that should represent a novel contribution to biomedical science and be of publishable standard.

The course utilises a number of practitioners from both research and clinical fields and receives an impressive amount of support from local, national and international institutions.

Career prospects

You will gain the theoretical and practical skills required to pursue a career in research, health services or industry.

Facilities and features

You will have access to excellent facilities including:

• a model pharmacy stocked with real drugs to gain practical skills in a simulated environment
• our Centre for Simulation in Healthcare complete with equipment and ‘human’ patients in a simulated ward, operating theatre and clinical laboratory to gain experience of clinical settings in a safe, controlled environment
• a microscope suite with a wide range of instruments
• high quality cell culture facilities
• large chemical synthesis suites
• a formulation and drug-delivery laboratory
• a range of molecular biology laboratories
• a radioisotope facility

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for MSc Biomedicine are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 5550
Email: sci-pgrad@port.ac.uk