Programme Specification and Curriculum Map for MSc/PgDip Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology)

Transcription

1 Programme Specification and Curriculum Map for MSc/PgDip Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) 1. Programme title MSc/PgDip Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) 2. Awarding institution Middlesex University 3. Teaching institution Middlesex University 4. Programme accredited by IBMS 5. Final qualification MSc/PgDip 6. Academic year 2009/ Language of study English 8. Mode of study Full time/part time 9. Criteria for admission to the programme Candidates must meet at least one of the first two criteria below. 1. They must have either a minimum of a second-class of a relevant undergraduate honours degree or postgraduate degree. 2. Applicants with other qualifications and / or substantial work experience in microbiology or other relevant subject will also be considered under the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) scheme. Under these circumstances the student will be expected to complete the level 4 Recognition and Accreditation of Learning (RAL) module WBS4802. This includes the successful completion of their RAL portfolio and reflective essay. 3. Overseas Candidates should also be competent in English and have achieved, as a minimum, one of the following standards: IELTS-6.5; TOEFL 60. Applicants with a disability can enter the programme but will be assessed to determine if they can work safely in the laboratory. 10. Aims of the programme At the end of PgDip or MSc the programme aims that successful student will have acquired the following: A sound knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles and recent advances in theory and practice of medical microbiology A comprehensive understanding of techniques used to diagnose infectious diseases, monitor the effectiveness of treatments and conduct experiments in the field of microbiology A working knowledge of the modern established technologies of molecular biology and how these techniques can be used to generate and interpret information/knowledge A thorough understanding of laboratory management including accurate record keeping, health and safety in the laboratory and quality assurance and control Critical appreciation/awareness of legal and ethical issues relating to animal and human research Management and communication skills, teamwork, writing and presentation skills In addition the MSc aims to give students: An opportunity and ability to undertake their own research project The skill to evaluate literature in context to their current research and propose new

2 hypotheses relevant to their research 11. Programme outcomes A. Knowledge and understanding On completion of this programme the successful student will have knowledge and understanding of : 1. Aetiology of infectious disease 2. Molecular mechanisms of disease 3. Theoretical aspects of infectious disease, pathogenicity and infection control 4. Analytical techniques 5. Research methods In addition on completion of the PgDip and MSc the successful student will be able to: Students gain knowledge and understanding through Lectures, seminars, Student centred learning - directed reading, assignment preparation and Laboratory classes. Assessment Method Students knowledge and understanding is assessed by both formative and summative assessments, which include seminar presentations, written assignments including laboratory reports, seen practical and theory examinations 6. Ethics and legal issues in biomedical science. B. Cognitive (thinking) skills On completion of the Pg Cert/ PgDip or MSc programme the successful student will be able to: 1. Develop ideas through the evaluation of appropriate literature, concepts and principles 2. Analyse, present, interpret an critically evaluate biomedical data 3. Critically assess health risk factors associated with working in a research diagnostic laboratory Students learn cognitive skills through lectures, discussions, report writing, project work, peer review of seminar presentations, and debates Assessment Method Students cognitive skills are assessed by written work and unseen examinations. 4. Design a research project In addition PgDip/Msc successful student will be able to: 5. Debate ethical and legal issues in biomedical science In addition on completion of the MSc the successful student will be able to: 6. Propose new hypotheses relevant to medical microbiology 7. Develop a research project 8. Critically evaluate literature in context to their current research C. Practical skills On completion of the Pgcert/PgDip or MSc programme the successful student will be able to: Students learn practical skills through laboratory classes, student presentations and completing a

3 1. Competently perform biomedical laboratory techniques in accordance with health and safety guidelines 2. Correctly perform quality control and assurance procedures In addition PgDip/Msc successful student will be able to: 3. Recognise and respond to moral, ethical and safety issues. research project. Assessment Students practical skills are assessed by laboratory reports and dissertation In addition on completion of the MSc the successful student will be able to 4. Carry out research experiments D. Graduate Skills On completion of the Pgcert/ PgDip or MSc programme the successful student will be able to: 1. Demonstrate communication and presentation skills 2. Demonstrate teamwork and interpersonal skills 3. Demonstrate competence in numeracy and problem solving techniques Students acquire graduate skills through Assessment method Students graduate skills are assessed by In addition MSc successful student will be able to Demonstrate research skills 12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression requirements) Overall structure of the programme The PgDip/MSC programme can be studied over either one-year full time or two years part time. Full time PgDip and MSc students will take two 30-credit and one 60-credit level 4 modules over one academic year. In addition, the MSc students will take a 60-credit level 4-research project module over the Summer term. Part time PgDip or the MSc students will take the three modules (120 credits) over two academic years. Only MSc students will be taking the research project module (60 credits) over the second year. The total numbers of credits are 120 for the PgDip and 180 for the MSc. An exit PgCert will be available for students with 60 credit points. However, only students, who have passed 60 credit-modules in medical microbiology module, will be awarded a PgCert in Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology). Other students will attain untitled PgCert award Levels and modules Level 4 COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS All the following modules are compulsory for the PgDip: BMS4520 BMS4530 BMS4550

4 All the following modules are compulsory for the MSc: BMS4520 BMS4530 BMS4550 BMS4996 Level 4 None Completion of compulsory modules COMPULSORY OPTIONAL PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS All the following modules are compulsory for the PgDip: 12.3 Non-compensatable modules Module level Module code 4 BMS4520 Research Methods and Ethics for Biomedical Sciences 4 BMS4530 Molecular and Cellular Biology 4 BMS4550 Medical Microbiology 4 BMS4996 Research Project 13. A curriculum map relating learning outcomes to modules See Curriculum Map attached. 14. Information about assessment regulations No modules are compensatable 15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support (if applicable) Non applicable 16. Future careers (if applicable) The MSc, which is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), prepare graduates for many jobs in industry, teaching, and applied research in the field of medical microbiology. In addition, it is a route for progression via a PhD into a career in research and academia. The MSc also provides biomedical scientists with the knowledge and the skills required to become specialist practitioners and are a route onto the Institute of Biomedical Science higher specialist diploma. MSc graduates are eligible for chartered scientist status and fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science. For more information about the higher specialist diploma, IBMS fellowship and chartered scientist status visit Particular support for learning (if applicable) There are specialist laboratory facilities for the development of practical skills. Well-equipped laboratories for research and postgraduate teaching are based at Enfield. These include microbiology and molecular biology lab for molecular techniques such as DNA sequencing, realtime PCR, Cell culture and histology laboratories, as well as a fully equipped proteomics facility. Access to specialist journals in the area of medical microbiology is available at Middlesex University Library and at the hospital campuses. For ease of access for students based at Enfield, the library has facilities for inter-library photocopying of any articles required. Other articles may be obtained from the British Library in London where a similar arrangement for photocopying articles exists.

5 Applicants with a disability can enter the programme but will be assessed to determine if they can work safely in the laboratory. LRS facilities at Middlesex including CAL suite and internet access. Access to English learning and Language Support Support for modules available on Oasis plus. 18. JACS code (or other relevant coding system) 19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group(s) The Programme will be seeking accreditation by the institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) The Quality Monitoring Report (QMRs) Research output Positive external examiners comments Positive student comments 20. Reference points The following reference points were used in designing the programme: The Learning Framework Middlesex University Mission Statement Middlesex University guide and regulations QAA (2002) Subject benchmarks for Biomedical Sciences FHEQ Framework for Higher Education Quality University and School Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policies and Strategies Institute of Biomedical Science: Criteria and Requirements for the accreditation of MSc degrees in Biomedical Science(s) 21. Other information Only MCs is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information about the programme can be found in the student programme handbook and the University Regulations.