Biomedical Science (Blood Science)

Biomedical Science (Blood Science) - MSc

Specialising in the emerging field of blood science, you’ll help diagnose, advise on and monitor treatment for patients with blood and bone marrow disorders, such as leukaemia and related blood cancers, anaemia, haemophilia and other bleeding and clotting problems. Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), our MSc draws on the experiences of practicing health professionals to examine clinical and research applications within clinical biochemistry, immunology, haematology and transfusion science. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll develop advanced laboratory techniques, and core practical skills in areas such as project management, writing grant proposals and business plans.

Month of entry

September, January

Mode of study

Full time, Part time

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area

Health and Rehabilitation, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Science

Fees for 2024/25 academic year

UK - Full time £11,000 per year. Part time £6,000 per year.
International - £20,700 per year.

Duration of study

1 year full time, 2 years part time

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Why study Biomedical Science (Blood Science) at Keele University?

Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) – the leading professional body for scientists, support staff and students in biomedical science.

£45m investment in state-of-the-art science facilities with fluorescence microscopes, electron microscopes and tools for molecular biology.

Teaching is consolidated to support workplace or personal commitments – you'll only spend two days a week at the University if you're studying full-time, or one day if you're part-time.

Engage with world-class researchers and biomedical scientists with expertise in parasitology, bacteriology and virology.

Opportunity for holders of the IBMS Specialist Diploma to enrol with accredited prior certified learning, gaining exemption from two of seven modules.

Course summary

This IBMS-accredited MSc Biomedical Science (Blood Science) course focuses on the diagnostic, research and clinical techniques that rely on blood or its components to successfully identify, treat and manage medical conditions.

Blood analysis helps to identify markers of disease and health conditions such as diabetes, HIV, cancer and coronary heart disease, while transfusions – of red blood cells, platelets and plasma – are used to treat patients having surgery or with medical conditions such as anaemia, cancer blood disorders.

Comprising of all aspects of human health and disease, biomedical science is one of the broadest areas of modern science and medicine. By developing new treatments and uncovering new knowledge which can save and improve lives, it is arguably one of the most important too.

Blood Sciences is one of four different and distinct laboratory disciplines within the field of Biomedical Science, as outlined by the IBMS, alongside Infection Sciences, Cell Sciences, and Genetics and Molecular Pathology. At Keele, we also offer a MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) comprising of all aspects of human health and disease, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Science.

Building on existing, undergraduate knowledge in basic science, you’ll undertake higher level scientific training to develop the advanced laboratory and analytical skills needed in clinical or research contexts, fully aware of the potential implications for patients, health workers and research alike.

Incorporating the study of clinical biochemistry, medical immunology, haematology and transfusion science, the emphasis on this MSc is to look at health and disease from a patient or population-oriented perspective and in support of evidence-based clinical decision-making.

As well as real-life case studies covering thyroid function disorders, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and malaria, for example, you’ll hear direct from practicing health professionals working in local NHS Trusts. This provides a unique opportunity not only to make valuable contacts for your future career, but also discuss UK public health trends, such as advances in screening and diagnostics, novel treatments and therapies.

We pay particular attention to the development of core practical skills in areas such as critical thinking, innovation, communication, problem-solving and project management. Preparing you to take on more senior roles, you’ll become familiar with biomedical ethics, aware of how to fully integrate these issues, for example, when writing grant proposals and business plans.

You have significant flexibility when choosing your research project which could take the form of any of the following: laboratory-based research; virtual or dry laboratory-based research; bioinformatics analysis; a clinical audit; or systematic review of current literature. It may be possible to undertake your research project within the NHS or, if you're already working in the science sector, you could tackle a problem or issue that could affect real change for your employer.

The School of Life Sciences is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in research and teaching with all of its programmes accredited either by the Royal Society for Biology and/or the IBMS. It has developed strong collaborative relationships with a range of diagnostic and clinical specialists who currently work in NHS Trusts and associated industries. These specialist practitioners not only help shape the curriculum to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge real employers need, but also provide valuable contributions to our teaching. Guest lectures have previously covered, for example, screening of newborn babies, endocrinology and infertility, lipid disorder and tumour markers.

Other courses you might be interested in:

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"My master's degree built on the skills and knowledge I had gained during my undergrad, as well as providing a great insight into the specialised fields, modalities and disciplines of a hospital pathology department. This course offers incredible opportunities and is an excellent step for those who desire to pursue careers in clinical or research-based biomedical science."

Ben, Biomedical Science (Blood Science)

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Course structure

The MSc Biomedical Science (Blood Science) provides multidisciplinary postgraduate training which aims to develop your subject-specific knowledge and understanding, as well as your critical, analytical and scientific skills.

The course can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, with a September start date. To achieve the MSc, you must complete 180 credits, studying seven compulsory core modules, including the Biomedical Science Research Project (60 credits).

However, if you hold the IBMS Specialist Diploma and successfully enrol on the course with accredited prior certified learning, you can claim exemption from two of the seven modules – the Research Methodologies and Advanced Laboratory Techniques modules.

The full-time programme is structured so that all taught sessions are delivered in just two days of the working week, though you are expected to undertake independent study over the remaining three days. Consolidating the teaching in this way allows greater flexibility, particularly if you wish to study part-time. You’ll only be required on campus one day a week over two years, making it much easier to study around childcare or other commitments. For employers, it makes workforce planning much simpler too.

Semester 1 focuses on two main areas, the first being biomedical ethics, grant application, methodological approaches, analytical reasoning and research. The second area focuses on the clinical and diagnostic implications of Blood Science for patients and health workers, with the major emphasis being on clinical biochemistry and immunology.

In Semester 2, you will consider business planning, leadership and laboratory skills. You will also explore clinical and diagnostic implications of Blood Science for patients and health workers, with the major emphasis being on haematology and blood transfusion.

Semester 3 demonstrates your understanding of the philosophy and principles of research, and your competence in the design, execution, analysis and reporting of a professional research project. This could include lab-based research here within the School, clinical audits in partnership with local NHS providers, data analysis or a systematic review. Any biomedical science practitioners studying the course will be expected to choose a project based on their personal area of speciality, completing laboratory and data collection in conjunction with their employers.

There are two interim awards available, depending on how many modules have been successfully completed: a Postgraduate Certificate for any two modules (60 credits); and a Postgraduate Diploma for all four taught modules (120 credits).

Modules

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Compulsory core modules

LSC-40029 Biomedical Ethics and Grant proposal* (15 credits, Semester 1)
The aim of this module is to highlight the requirement for a systemic approach to tackling ethical issues within Biomedical Science and to begin to learn how to manage scientific projects effectively, beginning with the application and completion of a grant proposal. You will also learn how to independently conduct literature reviews in defined areas, and are guided to think about new, innovative areas of research within your chosen field.

LSC-40038 Research Methodologies* (15 credits, Semester 1)
Firstly, you’ll be introduced to some of the modern techniques being used to advance knowledge in the field of Biomedical Science, such as molecular genetics, cell imaging and proteomics/glycomics. Then, in journal club sessions, you will explore some of the research questions currently being addressed using these techniques, presenting an oral critique of a research paper relevant to your areas of specialism. This not only helps you appreciate the importance of good experimental design and interpretation of data, but also develops key skills such as written and oral presentation skills, personal reflection, searching scientific literature, understanding the different types of scientific literature and being able to critically evaluate other people's research.

LSC-40051 Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology (30 credits, Semester 1)
The aim of this module is to give you a deep understanding of the role that Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Immunology departments play in the provision of healthcare across the UK. You will explore how disease and disorders relevant to Blood Sciences affect the human body with emphasis on incidence/prevalence, aetiology and pathology (cellular, molecular or whole system). You will develop key analytical skills used to assess, investigate and evaluate pathobiology and patient pathways, focusing on the different biomarkers available and their roles in screening, diagnosis, monitoring or prognosis.

LSC-40053 Haematology and Transfusion Science (30 credits, Semester 2)
You will gain a deeper understanding of how pathobiology can adversely affect metabolism and physiology. As part of this module, you will meet practicing health professionals from local NHS Trusts. They will talk to you about their role in the delivery of modern-day health care and explain how health practitioners working in Haematology and Blood Transfusion use pathobiology knowledge to assess, investigate and evaluate patient needs.

LSC-40030 Project Management and Business Planning* (15 credits, Semester 2)
If you work within the field of Biomedical Science, you will find that you are increasingly under pressure to develop, organise and run new and innovative projects, handle budgets and manage people. This module is designed to guide you through these processes and equip you with the basic knowledge needed to instigate and coordinate new projects within professional practice with major emphasis on project management and business planning.

LSC-40033 Advanced Laboratory Techniques* (15 credits, Semester 2)
Delivered through laboratory practicals supported by tutorials, this module aims to provide you with a firm understanding of the principles, the advanced laboratory practical competencies and high level analytical skills of some of the important modern techniques in the field of Biomedical Science. You’ll gain the skills to analyse, present, interpret and critically evaluate biomedical and experimental data.

LSC-40059 Biomedical Science Research Project* (60 credits, Semester 3)
Representing the culmination of your learning as a Master’s student, you will design and conduct an extensive research project under the supervision of an appropriate expert. The module ends with a mini student-conference, providing you with an opportunity to meet all of your colleagues, present your main findings in a professional setting and learn what each of you has been doing. The breadth of expertise within the School gives significant scope when choosing a topic for research. By way of example, current projects available to our students include lab-based investigation of anti-coagulation and a clinical audit of an enhanced liver fibrosis test for University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) NHS Trust.

* Module shared with students following the MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology)

Students who have attained the IBMS Specialist Diploma and are successfully enrolling with accredited prior certified learning are exempt from the following two modules:

LSC-40033 Advanced Laboratory Techniques
LSC-40038 Research Methodologies

Requirements for an award

In order to obtain the Master’s degree, students are required to satisfactorily accrue 180 M Level credits. Students who exit having accrued 60 or 120 M Level credits excluding the ‘Dissertation – Biomedical Science Research Project’ are eligible to be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) and Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) respectively.

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Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) as the professional body of Biomedical Scientists within the United Kingdom. The IBMS aims to promote and develop the role of Biomedical Science within healthcare to deliver the best possible service for patient care and safety. This ensures that, through a spirit of partnership between the Institute and the University, a good quality degree is achieved that prepares the student for employment in circumstances requiring sound judgement, critical thinking, personal responsibility and initiative in complex and unpredictable professional environments.

IBMS accreditation assures students and employers that the learning outcomes of an IBMS accredited postgraduate degree courses meet or exceed the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) qualification descriptors for a higher education qualification at Masters level (Level 7).

Please note that an IBMS accredited postgraduate degree does not count towards the academic requirements for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration. It does however meet the requirements for registration with the Science Council as a Chartered Scientist (CSci) if other eligibility criteria of corporate membership and active engagement in Continued Professional Development are met. A Master’s level qualification is also one of the entry criteria for the Institute’s Higher Specialist Examination and award of the Higher Specialist Diploma, a route towards the membership grade of Fellowship and designation FIBMS.

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Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

Typical offer: 2:2 degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject Additional criteria apply

Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

UK

2:2 degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Bangladesh

60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject from a public university
or
CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject from a private university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Canada

70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in a biomedical, pharmacology or bioscience related subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

China

70% in a degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
65% in a degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Ghana

Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

India

55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Kenya

Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Nepal

60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Nigeria

Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Pakistan

We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information

or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

You will also need an English language qualification (see below)

South Africa

Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Sri Lanka

55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Uganda

Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Zimbabwe

Second class degree in a bioscience, medical, or pharmacology related subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Students who do not meet the entry requirements for this course, we offer the opportunity to take a Pre-MSc programme. For more information follow the link to the Graduate Diploma in Biomedical Science course.

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.

References

Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.

Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose

Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.

RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.

Professional qualifications and work experience

The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.

Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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"The MSc is great; it gives you the opportunity to tailor the course to some of your own personal interests with the modules that enable you to choose your own essay titles, as well as receiving lectures from professionals within the clinical field, a great opportunity. It has provided me with adaptable skills that I believe have helped me secure my dream job!"

Brittany, Biomedical Science (Blood Science)

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"The course covered a range of current topical areas taught by experts in the field ranging from practising university lecturers, laboratory staff and consultants. This allowed me to create a number of valuable contacts which, in turn, led to me securing a Biomedical Scientist position at my local hospital. I am currently undertaking a vast amount of training in the Haematology department and feel the MSc has created solid foundations. "

George, Biomedical Science (Blood Science)

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Your career

Biomedical science sit at the heart of multidisciplinary teams in healthcare, providing the vital scientific information which informs clinical decisions, monitors patient conditions, investigates disease and identifies ways to stop or fight infection.

The roles open to you on graduation are vast and varied and include: drug testing, infection control, cancer screen, forensics, pharmaceutical research, blood donation, transfusion services, rapid response labs, point of care testing, armed forces, and teaching. You could also enter the commercial field in technical support roles and sales in the research and healthcare markets.

The general skills you’ll gain – for example, in data analysis, investigation, interpretation, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, observation, project management – are highly valued by employers and relevant to almost any career path.

While the specialist research skills you learn provide a strong foundation for pursuing further study at doctoral level for those interested in doing so. You could embark on a research career that may include research and development roles within academia, research institutes or industry.

Graduates of this course have gone on to PhD study, medical writing and to become a Biomedical Scientist (depending on their undergraduate degree). Some have gone to to study medicine or the Scientist Training Programme to become Clinical Scientists.

Positions may include:

Academic (PhD, teaching careers)
Bioinformatician
Biomedical engineer/scientist
Biophysicist
Cell processing and manufacturing specialist
Clinical operations researcher
Clinical research scientist
Clinical trials researcher/coordinator
Computational biologist
Drug development scientist
Geneticist
Grant writer
Industrial research scientist/analyst
Medical degree
Medical laboratory scientist
Microfluidic scientist
NHS biomedical scientists
Product development scientist
Research technician
Research trainee/fellow
Science entrepreneur
Scientific consulting
Scientific sales representative
Scientist in cell/gene therapy labs (R&D)
Scientist in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) labs (R&D)
Scientist in pharma (R&D)
Synthetic biologist

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"The course is well structured and is delivered through a variety of modalities that range from autonomous case-based learning, to lectures delivered by local experts. The variety ensured that it remained engaging and interesting throughout the year for me."

Tom, Biomedical Science (Blood Science)

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Teaching, learning and assessment

How you'll be taught

The course is primarily taught through subject-centred lectures, seminars and laboratory-based sessions. This is supported by a range of workshops, tutorials, guest lectures and research seminars.

On this programme, the ways in which you approach, integrate and apply new knowledge and problem-solving are just as important as the acquisition of higher level information itself. For this reason, we place particular emphasis on developing critical thinking, innovation, reflective writing, autonomous learning and communication skills to prepare you for a lifetime of continued professional development.

The teaching and learning methods employed throughout this programme reflect these principles. For example, we approach the subject from a patient-orientated, case study driven perspective through problem-based learning (PBL) that encourages you to think laterally, joining up different pieces of information and developing a more holistic level of understanding.

Two of the modules, Biomedical Ethics and Grant proposal and Project Management and Business Planning, are taught alongside students from the MSc Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) course. This provides opportunities to meet and exchange ideas with peers who work in different fields and specialities and in other parts of the country, sometimes the world.

How you’ll be assessed

Modules are assessed by a mixture of assessment methods, including lab reports, essays, presentations and online examinations to demonstrate your understanding of subject-specific content, as well as your analytical abilities and your evaluation of particular concepts and methodologies. Formative assessment occurs in a continuous process driven by lecturer-led discussion sessions, one-on-one mentoring, and practice presentations and posters. Note that not all modules culminate in a final examination.

The rich and varied assessment strategy helps to ensure the development of employability and academic skills, providing an opportunity to demonstrate both professional and academic attainment. Assessment design is largely driven by a number of key principles which include: promotion of independent learning, student autonomy, responsibility for personal learning and development of innovation and originality within one’s chosen area of interest.

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Keele Postgraduate Association

Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.

KPA interior

Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.

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Our expertise

Teaching staff

The School of Life Sciences is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in research and teaching. The majority of the School’s research reflects broad strength in biomedical science and there are strong links with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. These relationships provide opportunities to interact with clinicians and translational research at the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM).

Specialist research themes include: molecular biology and ecology of parasites and vectors in tropical diseases; sustainability in crops and control of crop pests, glycobiology and immunology; structural biology; molecular cell biology of apoptosis and its dysregulation; cancer; autoimmune disease; X-ray crystallography; neurobiology and neuroplasticity; neurodegeneration and regeneration; auditory neuroscience and deafness.

You’ll be taught by world-leading researchers and clinical practitioners whose expertise includes apoptosis, proteomics, epigenetics, diabetes, cell and molecular biology, cell physiology and pathology.

Our excellent industry links enable us to invite a range of specialists who share their experience and expertise by giving guest lectures to our students. Previous speakers, for example, have included a clinical biochemist from Royal Stoke University Hospital.

Teaching team includes:

Glenn Hussey, Senior Lecturer – Glenn is a HCPC registrant and originally worked as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist (BMS) in Immunology at Royal Stoke University (RSUH) Hospital. He joined the School of Life Sciences as a part-time Teaching Fellow in 2007 and moved onto a Lecturer in Biomedical Science contract in 2009 becoming full-time in 2010. Promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2021, Glenn is the Programme Director for BSc Biomedical Science and Director of Education for the School. He is a member of the IBMS Advocacy Steering Group, shaping national policy and is also an approved IBMS accreditor of external programmes.

Patricia Procter, Lecturer – Trish originally worked as a registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist (BMS) in Haematology and Transfusion Practice at Royal Stoke University (RSUH) Hospital, obtaining her Specialist Diploma in Haematology with Transfusion Practice in 2012. She started demonstrating practical laboratory skills to students at Keele in 2008 before securing a lecturing position. As a practicing BMS, she has a wide variety of interests relating to blood cells and their disorders, recently investigating the anticoagulant effects of heparin and how it could be manipulated to give more predictable results leading to improved patient care.

Rebecca Harrison, Senior Lecturer – Rebecca is a HCPC registrant and originally worked as a Senior Biomedical Scientist (BMS) in Microbiology at Royal Stoke University (RSUH) Hospital, obtaining her Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology in 2012. She joined Keele in 2016 as a Teaching Fellow before transitioning to a lecturing position in 2019. Made a Senior Lecturer in 2022, Rebecca completed her MA in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Authority. She is the clinical placement coordinator for the BSc Applied Biomedical Science programme, Chair of the School Genetic Modification and Biological Agents Safety Subcommittee and deputy Biological Agent Officer for the University.

Dr Dan Tonge, Senior Lecturer – Following post-doctoral roles at the School of Veterinary Medicine (Notts) and the MRC, Dan worked as a Senior Scientist for the Health Protection Agency and as Senior Executive Officer at Public Health England. He joined Keele in 2015, and in addition to his teaching and regulatory roles, carries out molecular/bioinformatic projects that require novel thinking and method development to increase our understanding of human disease and disease processes. Dan's recent work has developed and evaluated alternative molecular approaches for the characterisation of a range of microbiomes, investigated the existence of novel microbiome niches, and characterised the complex relationship between host and microbiome in various pathologies.

Dr Mark Skidmore, Senior Lecturer – Mark joined Keele in 2020, having spent four years as Research Associate at Liverpool University. His research interests centre on carbohydrate chemistry/biochemistry, in particular the role of anionic carbohydrates (for example the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) as dynamic cell regulators. The major focus of his current research is the study of carbohydrate: protein structure-functions, in particular the development of new tools and technologies for elucidating protein-carbohydrate interactions and their application to biomedical sciences, biological sciences and medicine.

Dr Marcelo de Lima, Senior Lecturer – Throughout his career, Marcelo has engaged with a wide range of disciplines, from mathematics coupled with spectroscopy to protein cloning and expression, to understand the relationship between the structure and function of relevant biological macromolecules, especially complex carbohydrates. Having joined Keele in 2019, he has been looking into new ways of studying fine cellular structures and processes using super-resolution and CARS (Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering) microscopy by selective labelling and detection.

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Facilities

The School of Life Sciences has invested £45m in the creation of state-of-the-art science facilities on campus, including new research and teaching laboratories. In 2019, the opening of the David Attenborough Laboratories greatly increased our teaching and research areas, providing two additional state-of-the-art teaching laboratories with space for 120 students between them.

Courses focus on human, animal and plant life and you may choose to study areas from essential biochemistry, health and disease, cognition, biodiversity, evolution or our impact on the world around us. Students can access scientific equipment, such as fluorescence microscopes, electron microscopes, tools for molecular biology (e.g., PCR, western blotting), electrophysiology apparatus, and behavioural equipment housed in the Biomedical Services Unit.

Electron Microscope Unit

The Electron Microscope Unit has a range of microscopic techniques available to capture images, make slides and acquire data from biological, geological, physical and chemical specimens. These include: visible and electron microscopy; light microscopy; confocal/two photon imaging; field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM); conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray microanalysis; atomic force microscopy (AFM); ultramicrotomy; vibratome; and microslice.

Proteomic Mass Spectrometry facility

Run in collaboration with Guy Hilton Research Centre (GHRC) and the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) in Oswestry, this facility offers a range of mass spectrometry equipment based at Huxley Building on Keele campus. Providing proteomics and mass spectrometry services for UK based researchers, equipment includes a 4800 MALDI TOF/TOF and 3200 QTRAP tandem quadrupole mass spectrometers, with nanoflow HPLC interfaces.

Central Science Laboratory (CSL)

The University’s £34m Central Science Laboratory (CSL) opened its doors to students in September 2019 and provides 5,300m2 of modern, co-located science laboratories. Over £2m alone has been spent on industrial research-grade analytical and laboratory equipment that will be used by students in their day-to-day laboratory teaching. Access to state-of-the-art facilities and high specification equipment will ensure you are well prepared for scientific or industrial employment post-graduation. The environment mirrors the multi-faceted nature of working life and the shared space allows group working and collaboration between disciplines, building the skills and experience much valued by employers.

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