Find out more about studying MSc Medical Biochemistry at Leeds Beckett University? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
City Campus
Full Time
Sep 2027
1 Year
Engage with innovative theory. This course has been designed to significantly expand both your practical expertise within the field of medical biochemistry and your transferable skills. Exposure to a range of techniques, including microscopy, spectroscopy and diagnostic assays, and their associated theories will significantly develop your understanding of medical biochemistry. During your studies, you will prepare for, and undertake, an extensive independent project. You will discuss your project in detail with your supervisor before carrying out your research and writing up your study in a thesis. Additionally, you will study related subjects such as metabolism, physiology and the genetics of drug responses. This course will develop your competencies in data analysis and statistics, science communication and professional development, enabling you to further your career as a confident medical biochemist or researcher. This course has been designed in-line with the specific criteria required to go on to undertake the NHS Scientist Training Programme. As well as gaining an understanding of the practice and theory of advanced medical biochemistry, you will master other skills required to be a capable scientist. These include data analysis techniques such as using SPSS, and effective science communication, for example developing conference posters, delivering presentations, writing scientific papers and using social media to disseminate your research. You will complete an extended lab module where you will work as a team in our research facility to complete biochemical projects. This will overlap with your other project work to mimic the high pressure environment a career in biomedical sciences would likely involve, giving you the chance to adapt your work ethic and develop sound organisational skills. Our guest lecture series sees external speakers share their insights and experience of working in the industry and the research community. Often these events offer valuable networking opportunities to our students. You can also join our student-led Biomedical Sciences Society, and share ideas with your peers and our academic community.
Study the communication and dissemination of scientific research. You will cover the traditional route, including journal articles and conferences. In addition you will look at the presentation of science in the mass media and at newer routes of dissemination such as social media. You will also discuss the target audiences for each route of dissemination and thus consider the different techniques utilised and skills required.
As next-generation sequencing methods and genome-wide association studies advance, clearer links between genetic variations and diseases are being discovered. In this module, you'll focus on the existing approaches used to investigate these links and identify their limitations. With advances in technology, previously undiagnosable or untreatable conditions are now being revealed. You'll learn about a wide range of diagnostic methods used to detect illnesses, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, you'll explore the connection between genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, and how they can affect larger biochemical networks, including the endocrine system.
Explore advances in biochemical pharmacology, evaluating strategies and research for developing new drugs and better understanding existing treatments. You'll learn about the principles of pharmacology, toxicology and genomics, and their impact on the drug discovery and development process. We'll introduce you to pharmacogenomics and you'll study the role of human genetic variability in individual responses to drugs and other chemical substances. You'll also explore the application of pharmacogenomic information in the improvement of healthcare outcomes, as well as critically considering related global ethical issues.
Develop your awareness of project management and leadership and enhance your skills as a reflective practitioner/researcher. This module will also aid you in the identification of needs for the development of a career plan.
Gain a thorough grounding in pathology, the study and diagnosis of disease through the analysis of patient samples, including tissues and cells. You'll explore and evaluate a variety of current laboratory techniques used in research and diagnostics to detect illnesses, monitor treatments, and manipulate disease mechanisms. You'll focus your knowledge on immune and blood systems, covering methodologies and expected diagnostic results, and learn about the defects in these systems associated with clinical conditions.
Develop your applied laboratory and research skills to master's level and beyond. You'll discover methods widely used in biomedical sciences, preparing you for your future career. Combining theory and practice, you'll delve into modern experimental techniques used in biological, medical and chemical analysis. We'll introduce you to COSHH and risk assessments to help you conduct lab research in a safe and productive manner. You'll also explore approaches to research, including quantitative data, data collection methods and research ethics. These skills will allow you to effectively plan your own research, evaluate research literature and analyse data.
Familiarise yourself with postgraduate-level research, undertaking an extensive independent research project. Exploring an area of biomedical sciences in depth, you'll build your critical scientific judgement, project management skills, work and scientific ethic and independent research skills. From initial planning to presenting your findings, you'll develop and design experimental methods to test your chosen aims or hypothesis. Throughout your project, you'll be supported by a member of the course team, drawing on their expertise and research interests. To conclude, you'll report your findings as a detailed written thesis and orally defend your research to an academic audience.
