MSc in Biomedical Sciences

Key information

Duration of programme: Full-time: 12 months

Start date: September

Deadline for September 2013 entry is Friday 2nd August 2013

Distance learning available: No
Intake: Approximately 10 per year

Fees for 2013 entry:
UK/EU students: £5,300
International students: £15,600

Application & contact:
Apply for this course online

LHS Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0) 121 204 4161
Fax: +44 (0) 121 204 4187
Email: lhspgt@aston.ac.uk

This taught MSc Biomedical Sciences programme is designed to provide training and experience in Biomedical Sciences. The specific aims are to:

provide a high level of scientific knowledge and understanding of disease processes from the molecular to the body/systems level
develop an informed and critical appreciation of recent scientific developments in relation to diagnostic laboratory pathology
enable students to gain, through a research project, additional specialist knowledge and practical expertise
prepare students for a broad spectrum of career opportunities spanning academic, commercial, industrial and healthcare applications of biomedical sciences. The course is also an excellent foundation for further studies leading to a PhD.

Download the course flyer PDF >

Modules
The programme is based around a core of six modules and a research project that provide detailed study and practical experience in key areas of biomedical sciences and in the development of professional skills.

The topics include outlines and profiles of major human diseases, topics in infection, immunology, cell culture techniques, research methods, exploiting research and obtaining drugs from natural sources.

The supervised research project will last for four months and be at the level expected for the first year of PhD studies. Examples include diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, mechanisms of immunity, and studies on key human diseases.

Modules are as follows:

Entry requirements

Potential students must hold at least a 2nd class honours degree in a biological, biomedical or biochemistry based subject from a UK University, or, when outside the UK, a degree or qualification deemed to be at least of equivalent standing.

International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate a satisfactory command of English language. They should meet our minimum English language requirement by taking one of the following tests:

IELTS. Minimum requirement - 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each area.
TOEFL IBT. Minimum requirement - 100 overall, (21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking).
Pearson Academic. Minimum requirement - 61 overall, 59 in each area.

We do not accept a Password test.

Learning, teaching & assessment

The course is assessed by a mixture of coursework, examinations, practical work, oral and written presentations. The research project module will be assessed on the basis of a submitted project report and an oral defense of a poster.

Professional accreditation

N/A

Career opportunities

The MSc in BMS provides an ideal foundation for entering the pharmaceutical industry, the Scientific Civil Service and is a valuable qualification to apply for a PhD.

It must be emphasised that the course is NOT accredited by an outside organisation; however it may be possible to take top-up modules which lead to BMS accreditation.

Personal development

The transferable skills acquired on this course include written and oral communication skills, team working, report writing, critical analysis and IT skills.

Facilities & equipment

Lectures and seminars are conducted in modern audio-visually equipped lecture theatres and classrooms.

‘Wet’ practicals are conducted in newly-refurbished laboratories equipped with a range of pharmaceutical and analytical instruments.
Teaching and organisational material is supplemented with a virtual learning environment.
Access to journals is provided via Aston University’s library, including a mixture of hard-copy publications and electronic access to several large scientific databases.