Biomedical Science (MSc)

The MSc in Biomedical science (90 ECTS) is a full-time Level 9 programme course, normally extending over a 12-month period from September to August. The MSc is intended to introduce students to science and engineering disciplines they would not have covered in their undergraduate studies.

Accreditation information
The MSc in Biomedical Science course is not accredited by the Academy for Clinical Science and laboratory Medical Scientists (ACSML) or CORU.  As a result, graduates of the MSc are not eligible to be employed as Laboratory Medical Scientists in Hospital clinical diagnostics laboratories.  Graduates have however, secured Research Assistant positions in laboratories within Hospital clinical units.

The first two semesters consist of taught modules (60 ECTS; see module details for more information) that will acquaint you with the basics of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, depending on your background. The modules are devoted to coursework through a series of lectures and tutorials and assessed by means of a written exam and/or continuous assessment. Students complete both scientific and business modules. Students are expected to carry out a business project by preparing a written report and presentation on a biomedical science-related topic. Also during the first two semesters, there will be a series of practical sessions that will familiarise you with different forms of instrumentation and techniques.

A optional laboratory-based research project (30 ECTS) is undertaken by students in the 3^rd semester (April–August). Toward the end of the research project, students are asked to present their findings at an MSc Research Symposium day.  There is a prize for the most outstanding MSc Research presentation on the day.

An alternative optional 30 ECTS module can be chosen instead by students.  This module Regulatory Affairs & Operational Excellence aims to equip students with foundational practical knowledge of the regulatory pathways for placing medical devices and pharmaceuticals on the market within the EU, US and globally. It explains the legislation applicable and guidelines available to medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Students also gain theoretical and practical knowledge and experience in Lean Six Sigma Operational Excellence, and Quality Management.

In a new development from 2018–19, students undertaking the MSc. also have the opportunity to apply for a 9–12 month industry placement, which if successfully secured, is carried out instead of the research dissertation. An industry placement-associated module (30 ECTS), is completed by students undertaking industry placements, replacing the research dissertation module.  Students undertaking an industry placement will be registered on the MSc into a 2nd year for the duration of the placement.

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Semester 3: Research Project
A 3-month laboratory project with an academic research team on a subject related to biomedical science. The aim of this module is to provide students with hands-on experience of the rigours of scientific research, from experimental design, to execution of research. Students are educated as to best practice for reporting their results. 

Semester 3: Regulatory Affairs & Operational Excellence
The module provides MSc in Biomedical Science students with a detailed foundation in Regulatory Affairs (both EU & US), Lean Six Sigma Operational Excellence, and Quality Management. Students are introduced to world-leading device technologies for global disease treatment being manufactured, and new and emerging breakthrough technologies. It also provides an introduction to state-of-the-art theories and concepts in relation to a research topic in the Quality Management area. 

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Semesters 3–5: Industry Placement 
The Industry Placement module provides a period of professional work experience of up to 12 months in a Medical Technologies or Pharmacuetical/BioPharmaceutical company for MSc in Biomedical Science students.  Students gain important on-the-job experience and skills through work placements with participating companies.  Placements take place from June in the first year and run to end of May in Year 2.    A placement introduces the student to structured employment and will develop an understanding of the organisation, its procedures, good manufacturing practice, technologies and its products.  The Industry placement provides students with a range of professional development opportunities, including:

• Valuable work experience in a relevant technical and business area.
• Develop a range of work-related technical, business, organisational, team and management skills demanded by graduate employers.
• Apply skills developed during the MSc. degree programme.
• Develop technical skills.
• Gain insights into future career opportunities and enable more informed career choices.
• Improve employability.
• Develop both personally and professionally: gaining confidence, working individually and in a team, taking on positions of responsibility, making decisions, enhancing communications, reporting skills, and supporting others.
• Gain experience in CV preparation and job application interview skills.

Student of the Year Award

ABOVE: Eilisha Dodd, winner of the MSc Student of the Year Award, MSc. Class of 2017—18, pictured with Professor Terry Smith and programme Coordinators, Dr Elaoine Lahue and Dr Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh. Eilisha received the award for her outstanding work on behalf of her fellow MSc students during the completion of their MSc. degree. 

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Student Poster Awards

 

ABOVE: Emmett Gilmartin, winner of the Best Student Poster Award, MSc. Class of 2018–19, pictured with Professor Terry Smith and programme Coordinator, Dr Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh and Lecturer, Dr Jill McMahon.

ABOVE: Leanne Reilly, winner of the Best Student Poster Award, MSc. Class of 2017–18, pictured with Professor Terry Smith and programme Coordinator, Dr Elaine Lahue. 

ABOVE: Eugene Begley, winner of the Best Student Poster Award, MSc. Class of 2016–17, pictured with Professor Terry Smith and programme Coordinator, Dr Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh.