Cell and Tissue Engineering
MSc, PgDip
- Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
- Duration of Study
- Full-time study - 12 months Part-time study will allow you to complete it over two years
- Contact
- Hildegarde Wright
- h.wright@keele.ac.uk
- Subject Area
- Medicine
- FEES (2019/20 academic year)
- UK/EU - £8,250
- International - £15,760
Course Overview
Located within a European Centre of Excellence for Tissue engineering, at Keele University’s local hospital campus: the Guy Hilton Research Centre, this course provides support and development to enhance your career within the rapidly expanding field of stem cells, regenerative medicine, cancer, material science, bio/tissue engineering and associated novel technologies.
This is a multidisciplinary course that prepares you with a wide range of skills and knowledge for an exciting career in translational medicine, be it in academia, industry or for clinical research, in addition to giving you a foundation in the areas of cell biology, human anatomy and physiology and molecular techniques.
About the course
Overview
The research centre is also an EPSRC Doctoral Training Centre for Regenerative Medicine, an Arthritis UK Centre and a UK Regenerative Medicine Platform Research Hub. This multidisciplinary environment enables close interaction with leading academics and clinicians involved in cutting-edge, and clinically transformative research.
The course provides support from the basics of human anatomy and physiology, through to development of novel nanotechnologies for healthcare. Due to the teaching and research involvement of clinical academic staff within the department, there are exciting opportunities to be exposed to current clinical challenges and state-of-the-art developments. Clinical visits and specialist seminars are offered and students will be able to select dissertation projects that span fundamental research to clinical translation of technologies – a truly ‘bench to bedside’ approach.
The aim of the course is to provide multidisciplinary Masters level postgraduate training in Cell and Tissue Engineering to prepare students for future employment in healthcare, industrial and academic environments. This involves building on existing undergraduate knowledge in basic science or engineering and applying it to core principles and current issues in medicine and healthcare.
Specifically, the objectives of the course are to:
- Provide postgraduate-level education leading to professional careers in Cell and Tissue Engineering in industry, academia and a wide range of healthcare establishments such as medical organisations, medical research institutions and hospitals
- Provide an opportunity for in-depth research into specialist and novel areas of Biomaterials, and Cell and Tissue Engineering
- Expose students to the clinically translational environment within an active medical research environment with hands-on practical ability and supporting knowledge of up-to-date technological developments at the forefront of the field
- Introduce students to exciting new fields such as regenerative medicine, nanotechnology, cutting edge molecular techniques in cell and tissue engineering.
Teaching facilities
Delivered through the Keele School of Medicine and the Research Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine (ISTM), the course dates as far back as 1999, when it was established in partnership with Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics at the University Hospital. Most teaching now takes place in the Guy Hilton Research Centre, a dedicated research facility located on the hospital campus. The medical school is one of the top-ranked in the UK, and the research institute has an international reputation for world-leading research.
The centre was opened in 2006 and offers state-of-the-art equipment for translational research including newly-developed diagnostic instruments, advanced imaging modalities and additive manufacturing facilities. Its location adjacent to the university hospital ensures that students experience real-world patient care and the role that technology plays in that. Students also have access to advanced equipment for physiological measurement, motion analysis and functional assessment in other hospital and campus-based laboratories. The School embraces specialists working in UHNM and RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital Oswestry, covering key medical and surgical subspecialties.
The course runs alongside its sister course, the MSc in Biomedical Engineering, and an EPSRC-MRC funded Centre for Doctoral Training, ensuring a stimulating academic environment for students and many opportunities for engaging with further study and research
Course structure
How the course is taught
Learning and teaching methods include lectures and demonstrations from medical and engineering specialists, practical classes using state-of-the-art facilities and seminars with leading national and international researchers.
The course is taught through subject-centred lectures and seminars, supported by tutorials and practical exercises. Collaborative learning and student-centred learning are also adopted giving widespread opportunity for group work and individual assignments.
Students are required to conduct extensive independent study, and this is supported by full access to two libraries, online journal access and a suite of dedicated computers for exclusive use by MSc students on the course. In addition, students are supported by the guidance of a personal tutor within the department, as well as having access to university-wide support services. This includes English language support where appropriate.
Assessment
Modules will be assessed by a mixture of assessment methods, including lab reports, essays, and presentations, and final examination. This ensures the development of a range of transferrable employability skills such as time management and planning, written and verbal communication and numeracy as well as technical and subject-specific knowledge. The project dissertation forms a major component of the student’s assessed work.
Taught Modules
For the MSc route, students are required to successfully complete 120 credits of Core and Elective modules and a 60-credit research dissertation.
Core Taught 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 combines a 1-day intensive course on bioreactor design and application, along with an opportunity for students to attend a national conference that covers a range of topics related to growth environments for stem cells and tissue engineering. The acclaimed Bioreactor course includes lectures and demonstration on the construction of bioreactors and the different methods used to assess and engineer different tissue types grown within the bioreactors. Complementing this, students also get to attend the annual conference organized by Mercia Stem Cell Alliance (http://www.msca.manchester.ac.uk/), which covers research on embryonic and adult stem cell research, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
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.
Elective Modules
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, you will take part in a workshop-based project to apply the theory they have learned to practical measurement.
BIOMECHANICS
This module offers you 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
On this module you 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. You 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. You will be given advanced training from academic researchers who have links into clinical evaluation of patient samples. This will allow you 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.
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. You 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 you insight into the technology management processes used in clinical settings that allow healthcare provider to make the best use of their resources. You 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
You 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. You 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 you will learn the fundamentals of signal and image processing and learn to apply theory to practical examples of biomedical signals. You 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.
Please 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.
Entry Requirements
Academic entry requirements
2:1 degree, we welcome applications from people with a first or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in engineering, physical or life sciences, medicine, or professions allied to medicine.
We also welcome enquiries from people with other professional qualifications acceptable to the University.
English Language Entry Requirement for International Students
For international applicants, an English language IELTS score of 6.5 is required.
Fees and scholarships
Course tuition fees for 2019/20 academic year
UK/EU students £8,250 per year
International students: £15,760 per year
Some travel costs may be incurred if an external project or placement is undertaken; any such costs will be discussed with the student before the project is confirmed. It will be possible for the student to select an internal project and that would not incur any additional travel costs. There may be additional costs for textbooks and inter-library loans.
Living costs
Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.
Scholarships and Funding
The University is committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Each year we offer a range of prestigious scholarships;
UK/EU students - more information on scholarships and funding
International students - more information on scholarships and funding
Our expertise
Course Director:
Dr. Vinoj Thomas George - Lecturer in Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine
Research focus: Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSCs), Cardiomyocytes and Cardiac progenitor cells, Optogenetics and Optoelectronics
Our course taps expertise from a variety of internal and external academics to deliver teaching on a range of topics for core and elective modules. They are renowned in their areas of research, which allows us to teach students current developments in the field of stem cell technology and bioengineering, besides allowing us to provide students a range of project topics that suits their interests.
Academics (internal) currently teaching on the course and their research focus are outlined below:
Professor Nicholas R Forsyth - Professor of Stem Cell Biology
Professor Ying Yang - Professor in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
Professor Rosemary Fricker - Professor of Neurobiology
Professor Neil Telling - Professor of Biomedical Nanophysics
Dr Gianpiero Di Leva - Senior Lecturer in Regenerative Medicine
Dr Jan-Herman Kuiper - Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics
Dr Wen-Wu Li - Lecturer in Analytical Biochemistry
Dr Abigail Rutter - Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering
Dr Karina Wright - Lecturer in Orthopaedics and Tissue Engineering
Dr Alan Richardson - Reader in Pharmacology
Dr Alan Harper - Lecturer in Bioscience
Dr Oksana Kehoe - Lecturer in Bioscience
Careers
Our MSc Cell and Tissue Engineering programme has tracked alongside the strongly emergent global Regenerative Medicine industry and will prepare you for an exciting future within a range of medical engineering areas, be that in academic or industrial research, medical materials, devices, or therapeutics sectors, or in the clinical arena.
The modular structure to the course enables flexibility and personalisation to suit your career aspirations, build upon strengths and interests and develop new understanding in key topics.
Graduate destinations for our students could include: undertaking further postgraduate study and research (PhD); pursuing a university-based, academic research career; providing technical consultancy for marketing and sales departments within industry; working within biomedical, biomaterials, therapeutic, life science and regenerative medicine industries or working for a governmental regulatory agency for healthcare services and products.
"During my studies I was able to acquire plenty of invaluable experience from the students and the staff working at the Research Institute and also develop personally through the attendance of seminars, workshops and journal club."
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