Biomedical Sciences

Entry requirements

A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry or a relevant discipline.

Months of entry

September

Course content

From studying the fundamental processes that lead to diseases such as cancer, to helping overcome drug-resistant microbial infections, biomedical scientists play a vital role in society. Do this course and be part of the teams understanding the causes, diagnosis and treatment of human disease and help heal and improve lives.

• Come away with the necessary skills for a research career in biomedical research or a related discipline.
• Receive training in state-of-the art technologies and the latest theory in the fields of cell and molecular biology, structural biology and precision medicine.
• Experience cutting-edge laboratory-based research in our modern labs and become embedded in an active research group within Queen Mary.
• Be taught by experts in the field at one of the UK’s leading research-intensive medical schools and the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences.
• Choose from a huge spectrum of research topics within multiple institutes and centres for your research project.

What you'll study

This multifaceted programme builds the knowledge and skills needed to kick-start your career in biomedical research or a related discipline. Teaching is jointly delivered by experts in the Biochemistry Department at the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences and Barts Cancer Institute at School of Medicine and Dentistry and will cover research areas such as chromosome biology, ageing, microbiology, structural biology and cancer biology.

You will receive training in state-of-the art technologies and the latest theory in the fields of cell and molecular biology, structural biology and precision medicine. These include: Cell and molecular biology techniques; fluorescence imaging; protein production and analysis including structural biology; data processing; as well as other techniques used by biomedical scientists.

This training in a wide range of techniques, along with the substantial research project will allow you to build up a substantial portfolio of experimental skills and thereby tackle more extended research and development projects with increased confidence. You’ll study how to critically appraise published research, and carry out a piece of original research. This will be a great preparation for a PhD or for moving into industry, academia, and research & development.

Structure

• Four compulsory taught modules
• One 24-week individual research project (followed by 1 month write up)

Research project

You'll conduct one 24-week individual research project and a literature review. The project will be conducted within one of the research labs in the Biochemistry Department at the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences or the Barts Cancer Institute (and likely other institutes) at the School of Medicine and Dentistry. These include the Blizard Institute, the Institute of Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute and the Wolfson Institute of Preventative Medicine.

Students will be integrated into their supervisor’s research group. This means they will receive additional feedback and guidance from skilled technicians, PhD students and PostDocs in the lab.

Teaching

This course has been developed and is taught by experts in their fields. You’ll attend a series of lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. There will be a mixture of individual and group-based exercises, group discussions, problem solving learning and hands-on training in cutting-edge techniques.

You will also be expected to complete further hours of independent study by reading designated material, producing written assignments and completing projects. To help you along your journey,

You’ll also be assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide and support you throughout the course, as well as a Primary Project Supervisor. Much of your learning will take place as part of your contribution to a research team.

Students are also strongly encouraged to attend the School seminar series and the Protein & Gene Club.

Where you'll learn

Facilities

• State-of-the-art laboratories and dedicated teaching facilities
• Access to specialised scientists and clinicians
• Full access to our online resources
• Extensive Library and IT facilities, including a subject librarian
• Mentors for non-programme related support, including careers advice

Campus

You will be studying at both the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on the Mile End campus and at Barts Cancer Institute at Charterhouse Square campus in East London. The central location offers easy transport links to all areas of the capital and you have the opportunity to take advantage of all the capital has to offer, including access to our partner libraries across the city.

Career paths

This programme provides comprehensive preparation for students wishing to progress onto a PhD and is also a real asset for careers in teaching, industry, academia, and research & development.

Biomedical Sciences is one of the most employable subjects in biosciences. The range of jobs available to graduate students is large and varied and goes from working in research development laboratories and medical service laboratories to medical related working, as a clinical scientist.

Major employers include biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, universities, medical research institutes, as well as many opportunities in hospital and medical support services. Other careers where an MSc in Biomedical Sciences would be useful include teaching roles, physician associates, regulatory affairs officers and science writing.

Fees and funding

For a full list of Scholarships available, please see the Queen Mary webpage

Assessment