Course content
For the MSc route, students are required to successfully complete 120 credits of Core and Elective modules and a 60-credit research dissertation.
Core modules
Human Anatomy and Physiology*
This module gives students the fundamental knowledge in human physiology and anatomy allowing them to understand structure and function of major tissue types and organs. Students from differing backgrounds will be brought up to a basic level of understanding such that they can progress onto more advanced topics in future studies. The module is intended to set the foundation in a biological context to support the advanced topics in other modules.
*Students may be able to gain a waiver if a sufficient level of prior learning can be evidenced.
Biomaterials
This module encompasses a multidisciplinary approach to the field of biomaterials, with a view of materials from their physical and chemical properties to how they interact with biological tissues during implantation. Students will learn how assessment of materials is made within the clinic and how material properties can be altered/ engineered to produce biomaterials with enhanced abilities. The module explains each of the fundamental aspects of biomaterials from a materials perspective, but with particular focus on their use and potential wear within a biological host.
Stem Cells: Types, Characteristics & Applications
This module draws upon the research within the field of stem cell biology to build a knowledge-base from basic principles to therapeutic use of stem cells. As this is a fast-paced field with state-of-the-art research being competitively conducted worldwide, the module brings in the most recent up-to-date information being supported by basic concepts. The lecture series is delivered by leading academic researchers, with practical laboratory work cementing the delivery of taught elements.
Bioreactors and Growth Environments
The Bioreactors and Growth Environments Module is delivered as an intensive course over 3-4 days. The course covers the design and functionality of all bioreactor aspects for use in regenerative medicine. This includes the construction and different methods used to assess different sorts of tissue types grown within the bioreactors. Students will be informed about the growth environments for engineering tissues for transplantation, as well as being introduced to the subject of quality standards for growth environments in tissue production. Leading researchers from around the world are invited to present their cutting edge research, with industrial leaders also presenting key technologies relating to bioreactors.
Cell and Tissue Engineering
In a rapidly expanding area of research and industrial interest, cell and tissue engineering promises to change the way clinicians deliver therapies and treat disorders of various kinds. Students will gain evidence based knowledge in cell and tissue engineering concepts, and learn current techniques for applying and evaluating stimulus to cells. They will be introduced to current concepts and methods in cell and tissue engineering.
Experimental Research Methodology
The Experimental Research Methodology Module gives students the skill set that is required for their development in a scientific career; from learning how to take notes in research seminars allowing them to write a comprehensive literature review in that area, to making sure they are efficient with their time in written examinations by giving them the chance to mark practice questions and decide where the marks should be given. The module brings together elements of professional development that should not be overlooked. A range of seminars, workshops and taught classes are timetabled during which students will have the opportunity to learn first-hand a range of skills necessary for them to achieve their best in their Masters programme. Classes on statistics will further support students in other theoretical and practical aspects of their course.
Electives
Engineering for Medical Applications
This module will cover the fundamentals of mechanics, electronics and electromagnetism necessary to understand the application of engineering principles to medicine and biology. This will enable students from varying backgrounds and career paths to transition into the advanced topics covered in the core and specialist modules in biomedical engineering. In addition to the lectures, students will take part in a workshop-based project to apply the theory they have learned to practical measurement.
Biomechanics
This module offers students an applied perspective on biomechanics at an advanced level. To support the theoretical concepts taught within the module across a number of different tissue types, a practical understanding is also given through an experimental workshop. Assessment is taken through a write-up of the practical session and a final unseen written examination.
Cell Biomechanics
Students on this module will gain systematic knowledge on the interrelationship between mechanics and cell biology, and gain some insight into the application of cell biomechanics in cell/tissue engineering and biomedical engineering. They will have the opportunity to apply constitutive models to experimental data and be given an overview of modern techniques for both clinical and in vitro cell biomechanics.
Molecular Techniques: Applications in Tissue Engineering
This module covers all major aspects of current methods used for the analytical assessment of biological tissues. State-of-the-art techniques are taught, from the basic principles through to a laboratory-based practical for hands-on training. Students will be given advanced training from academic researchers who have links into clinical evaluation of patient samples. This will allow student to appreciate the complexity and diversity of methods used within both research laboratories and clinical pathology.
Nanomagnetics in Nanomedicine
Within the emerging field of nanomedicine a sub-field of nanomagnetics is playing a major role in the development of new technologies for the assessment and therapeutic treatment of biological tissues. This module delivers a series of lectures from multidisciplinary experts working at the interface of physics and biology. Theoretical concepts of nanomagnetism are given, through to the discussion of state-of-the-art research in this field.
Introduction to Medical Imaging
In this module, students will be introduced to a range of medical imaging modalities, and will learn the physical principles underpinning them. They will gain insight into the clinical applications of various imaging modalities, and understand the risks and radiation protection standards applied to them.
Physiological Measurement
This module draws on the basic principles of biological sensing within the research and clinical environments. Demonstrations and hands-on use of devices commonly used within clinical practice for physiological measurement will be included in this module. Students will also gain an appreciation for sensor device and/or biological test selection. A number of anatomical structures will be evaluated focusing on their use to measure physiological properties, such as the heart and lungs. Instrumentation used by medics to assess such systems will be discussed in detail, as well as instruments and technology used for physiological measurement in biomedical research.
Medical Equipment and Technology Services Management
This module will give students insight into the technology management processes used in clinical settings that allow healthcare provider to make the best use of their resources. They will learn about the role of clinical engineers in ensuring the safe and effective management of medical equipment and the benefits and obligations of the various stakeholders operating within the clinical governance framework.
Medical Device Design Principles
Students will gain an understanding of the systems engineering approach to medical device design, including the role of ergonomics in the design of safe and reliable medical devices. Students will learn the importance of standards and regulations for medical device design and gain an overview of aspects of the mechanical, electrical and software components of medical devices.
Biomedical Signal Processing
In this module students will learn the fundamentals of signal and image processing and learn to apply theory to practical examples of biomedical signals. They will use an advanced software package to assist in the analysis of biomedical signals, and learn to interpret complex signals in the context of physiological function.
Note that elective modules are offered subject to sufficient student demand and in some cases it may be necessary to withdraw a module from the offer.
Project dissertation
The dissertation is an opportunity for students to undertake laboratory based research in their chosen topic and should demonstrate their understanding of the field via applications in healthcare. During the dissertation period, the student will be assigned a project supervisor, having agreed a research project in discussion with research institute staff. The location for the project may be the Research Institute, local hospital or within a collaborating industrial partner location. Projects specifically linked to a collaborating clinical team will also benefit from this interaction.
