Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Course Overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
16 Sep 2024
Engage with innovative theory. This course has been designed to significantly expand both your practical expertise within the field of medical biochemistry and your transferable skills. Exposure to a range of techniques, including microscopy, spectroscopy and diagnostic assays, and their associated theories will significantly develop your understanding of medical biochemistry.
During your studies, you will prepare for, and undertake, an extensive independent project. You will discuss your project in detail with your supervisor before carrying out your research and writing up your study in a thesis. Additionally, you will study related subjects such as metabolism, physiology and the genetics of drug responses.
This course will develop your competencies in data analysis and statistics, science communication and professional development, enabling you to further your career as a confident medical biochemist or researcher.
This course has been designed in-line with the specific criteria required to go on to undertake the NHS Scientist Training Programme. As well as gaining an understanding of the practice and theory of advanced medical biochemistry, you will master other skills required to be a capable scientist. These include data analysis techniques such as using SPSS, and effective science communication, for example developing conference posters, delivering presentations, writing scientific papers and using social media to disseminate your research.
You will complete an extended lab module where you will work as a team in our research facility to complete biochemical projects. This will overlap with your other project work to mimic the high pressure environment a career in biomedical sciences would likely involve, giving you the chance to adapt your work ethic and develop sound organisational skills. Our guest lecture series sees external speakers share their insights and experience of working in the industry and the research community. Often these events offer valuable networking opportunities to our students. You can also join our student-led Biomedical Sciences Society, and share ideas with your peers and our academic community.
Why study Medical Biochemistry at Leeds Beckett University...
- Professionally accredited course
- Specialist facilities
- Research-led teaching
- Access to guest speakers and visiting professionals
Why Leeds for Health? Find out why studying a course at the School of Health is the right choice for you.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours (2.2) degree in a cognate subject, at least a second class honours (2.2) degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applicants should ensure the following requirements are addressed in their personal statement, using no more than 500 words: Commitment to the subject: you should include your reasons for applying for, and interest in, this specific MSc course. You should demonstrate that you have carefully considered your reasons for studying this course and how completion of the course will benefit you in your longer-term career planning. Prior lab experience: you should include an outline of your lab experience to date, in particular whether you have completed a lab-based research project as part of your undergraduate degree and what the title of your project was. Please also briefly detail what lab techniques you have experience of.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours (2.2) degree in a cognate subject, at least a second class honours (2.2) degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applicants should ensure the following requirements are addressed in their personal statement, using no more than 500 words: Commitment to the subject: you should include your reasons for applying for, and interest in, this specific MSc course. You should demonstrate that you have carefully considered your reasons for studying this course and how completion of the course will benefit you in your longer-term career planning. Prior lab experience: you should include an outline of your lab experience to date, in particular whether you have completed a lab-based research project as part of your undergraduate degree and what the title of your project was. Please also briefly detail what lab techniques you have experience of.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.0. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
Explore the different approaches to safely and ethically carry out a lab-based research project. The skills you will develop will allow you to work effectively in the lab and analyse research data using appropriate statistical tests.
Study the communication and dissemination of scientific research. You will cover the traditional route, including journal articles and conferences. In addition you will look at the presentation of science in the mass media and at newer routes of dissemination such as social media. You will also discuss the target audiences for each route of dissemination and thus consider the different techniques utilised and skills required.
Focus on the applied laboratory skills that are widely used in biomedical sciences - combining theory and practice for many modern experimental techniques used in biological, medical and chemical analysis. By completion of this module, you will have a better understanding of analytical methods, and also how they can be optimised, assessed and practical experience in the development of these skills.
Study current research in human physiology from a cellular, biochemical and molecular perspective. You will also be introduced to a variety of lab techniques currently used in research within the field, and develop skills in data analysis and presentation.
Gain an understanding of mechanisms involved in immunological disease and disorders, e.g. immunodeficiency, transplantation immunology, prophylaxis and immunotherapy. Underlying immunological mechanisms are linked to the clinical signs and symptoms of the disorders. You will evaluate the range of current and future laboratory tests and techniques used to diagnose and monitor treatment, and manipulate immunoregulatory mechanisms.
Develop your awareness of project management and leadership and enhance your skills as a reflective practitioner/researcher. This module will also aid you in the identification of needs for the development of a career plan.
Study the concept of human genetic variability and how this relates to an individual's response to drugs and other xenobiotics. You will discuss a range of pharmacological concepts associated with drug responses and consider these in terms of the use of genetic information for drug development.
Expand your knowledge regarding the organisation of metabolic pathways. You will introduced to the cell as a complex network which relies on the co-ordination of these various control mechanisms to function correctly and examine the various control mechanisms underpinning metabolic processes.
Study the basic properties of proteins and help them to understand enzymatic fluxes in the context of diseases. You will also learn about key technologies to characterise proteins.
You will undertake an extended, intense week of lab sessions where you will work in small groups to achieve specific aims. Your will plan your time independently and organise yourselves within groups to complete the stated tasks. You will also work autonomously, and the progression of work depends on achieving your independently set daily goals. The module is designed to simulate a real life lab and provides skills to you that are crucial to your future research/employment area.
You will engage in an extensive independent research project within the remit of the course team's expertise. Work independently on your research, with guidance from your supervisor, and you may also be working as part of a research team, alongside PhD and MSc students.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,900
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9900. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£17,500
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£9,900
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9900. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Biomedical sciences laboratories housing modern IT and AV facilities, our Biomedical Sciences laboratory provides important, contemporary facilities for our students, including a range of biochemical, microbiological, molecular and physiological analysis equipment
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£17,500
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Biomedical sciences laboratories housing modern IT and AV facilities, our Biomedical Sciences laboratory provides important, contemporary facilities for our students, including a range of biochemical, microbiological, molecular and physiological analysis equipment
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
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Moving on up
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Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
I acquired a wide range of lab skills through the practical sessions on my course, and I was able to further develop on my communication and presentation capabilities which really helped with my confidence. I’m now training to become a project manager, and it's so rewarding being involved in medical treatments that are helping to improve patients’ quality of life.
Esther Tagarira
Clinical Trials Administrator ACM Global Central Laboratory
Dr Donna Johnson
Course Director / School Of Health
Donna is the Course Director for the MSc courses in Biomedical Sciences.
Her background has predominantly been in molecular biology, using PCR-based techniques to investigate the role of epigenetic control in the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Career Prospects
This course will prepare you for a wide range of careers in the biomedical sciences. You will be well placed to study under the NHS Scientist Training Programme in order to become a clinical biochemist. You could also undertake a PhD and become part of the biomedical research community, or enter industry in related roles, including research scientist, lab technician or clinical trials assistant.
- Clinical trials assistant
- Research scientist
- Clinical biochemist
- Medical writer
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