Biomedical Sciences(Integrated Master's)MSci Honours

UCAS code B9004 Years

www.ncl.ac.uk/ug/B900Printed from the web page above on 22/02/2019

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Biomedical Sciences(Integrated Master's)MSci HonoursUCAS code B9004 Years

Our four-year MSci degree is designed to giveyou greater experience in a professionalresearch environment, through an extensiveresearch project in one of our internationallyacclaimed research institutes in your fourthyear.

It is ideal if you would like to pursue a future career inresearch.

This degree is similar in content to our Biomedical SciencesBSc Honours degree but includes an additional year ofadvanced study.

It equips you with an understanding of the functioning of thehuman body in health and disease, and the links betweenanatomy, biochemistry, genetics, immunology,microbiology, neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology.

Highlights of this degreeQuality and rankingWe are a National Centre of Excellence in biomedicalresearch.

We rank:

• top 20 in the UK for Biomedical Sciences – TheTimes/Sunday Times Good University Guide2019 (Subjects Allied to Medicine category)

• top 125 – Clinical, Pre-clinical and Health category –Times Higher Education World University Rankings bySubject 2018

Professional accreditation*This degree has advanced accreditation by the RoyalSociety of Biology (RSB).

Accreditation by the RSB recognises academic excellencein the biosciences that educates the researchand development leaders and innovators of the future.

*All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly bytheir professional body.

Study at the cutting edgeScientists working in biomedicine are at the forefront ofmedical developments that can save lives.

By studying one of our degrees, you're taking your first steptowards a rewarding career in science.

We'll make sure you get the best start by providing expertteaching at the cutting edge of the subject.

We're a National Centre of Excellence in biomedicalresearch and our world-leading expert staff teach at all levelson our degree programmes.

This means you graduate with the latest knowledge inhuman health and disease.

Boost your employability with a professionalplacement yearApply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optional workplacement between Stages 3 and 4. You can apply tospend your placement year with any organisation and willreceive University support to do so.

You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector,putting your learning into practice and developing yourprofessional expertise.

It will extend your degree by a year and is subject toavailability, however it isn't available if you're spending ayear studying abroad.

Find out more about Work Placements.

Get work experience whilst you studyWe provide lots of work experience opportunities here atthe University, to help you boost your employabilityalongside your studies.

Options include:

• vacation studentship opportunities in one of theUniversity's research laboratories

• paid part-time work in one of our research institutesthrough our Laboratory Assistant scheme

• employability ambassador scheme• student mentoring scheme

The University has an award-winning Careers Service. Theycan help you find suitable work, provide interview trainingand offer advice on your CV and application forms.

Develop advanced research skillsIn your third year you complete a research project on atopic that interests you.

This gives you practical experience of planning andconducting research, boosting your CV with desirableresearch skills.

Most students do their project work in one of our researchinstitutes.

Here, you're working alongside leading scientists. You'lldevelop advanced scientific skills and get an insight into acareer as a researcher.

Your project may be:

• a laboratory project in one of our internationally ratedresearch institutes

• a laboratory project in a research laboratory abroad• a clinical study under the supervision of one of the

medically qualified staff working within our Faculty• a project with a local school or college

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• an IT-based project

In your final year, you complete an extendedlaboratory-based research project. This extends acrossthe whole of your fourth year, giving you sustained andin-depth experience of laboratory research.

Study abroadIf you want to experience life in another country, you canwork or study abroad as part of your degree.

A year abroad boosts your CV, your confidence and yourcommunication skills.

It shows employers you embrace new experiences andgives you intercultural awareness.

We have partners across Europe and in NorthAmerica, Australia and Singapore. You can:

• study abroad at a partner university• take a summer placement in a research laboratory

overseas

Transfer to Medicine or DentistryThere is flexibility to transfer between our degreeprogrammes at the end of the first year if you find yourinterests change.

You can also apply to transfer to our Medicine orDentistry degree. This opportunity is open to UK, EU andinternational students. It is competitive, with a limitednumber of places available. Students are selected on thebasis of academic performance in the first year, a UKCATscore, a personal statement and, if shortlisted, an interview.

FacilitiesYou'll be based in the School of Biomedical Sciences. TheSchool is in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, which is alsohome to Dentistry, Medicine, Psychology and Pharmacy.

Situated next to Newcastle’s RVI hospital, we’re one ofthe largest integrated teaching/hospital complexes in thecountry.

Our facilities include:

• a dedicated medical library with a wide range ofspecialist books and journals

• large teaching laboratories• hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces

Newcastle's vibrant city centre is just a few minutes' walkaway.

Visit the School's website to watch videos byundergraduates who have recorded their experiencesworking in our labs and find out what former students havedone since graduating.

Support and settling inWe provide plenty of support to help you successfully movefrom school to university study. We’ll help you settle inquickly and are here if you have any issues.

We support you through:

• a personal tutor – a member of academic staff who canhelp with academic and personal issues

• a peer mentor – a fellow student who can help yousettle in and answer any questions you have

• specialised course advisers and tutors - who operatean open door policy for all students

• our student-run society – to help you make friends withyour course mates through social events

We welcome students from all over the world.

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Course Details

Modules for 2018 entry

Please noteThe module and/or programme information below isfor 2018 entry. Our teaching is informed by research andmodules change periodically to reflect developments inthe discipline, the requirements of external bodies andpartners, student feedback, or insufficient numbers ofstudents interested (in an optional module). To find outmore read our terms and conditions.Module/programme information for 2019 entry will bepublished here as soon as it is available (end of May2019).Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts foran academic year and you need to complete modulestotalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage. Furtherinformation, including the credit value of the module, isavailable in each of the module descriptions below.

What you will study

Flexible degree structureAll of our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degreesare divided into two phases. Phase 1 is shared by all ofour degrees and provides a broad introduction tobiomolecular sciences, while Phase 2 provides specialisttopics relating to your individual degree choice.

This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broadrange of topics, helping you to see where your interests inbiomedical sciences lie before you specialise.

You can change between our degrees at the end of Year 1if you wish.

Phase 1All of your first year, and the first half of your second year.

We introduce you to biomolecular sciences through a seriesof modules covering:

• cell biology• biochemistry• microbiology and immunology• genetics• pharmacology• physiology• practical skills in biomedical and biomolecular science

Phase 2The second half of your second year and the remainder ofyour degree.

This phase is specific to the individual degree that youchoose. On our Biomedical Sciences MSci degree, youstudy topics such as:

• human anatomy

• cell biology and disease• integrated biomedical sciences

You also complete a research project in an area linked toyour degree that interests you.

In third year, you'll select modules from the following list,designed to boost your professional skills in an employmentarea that we know many of our graduates progress to:

• Business Enterprise for the Bioscientist• Healthcare Organisation and Practice• Science Communication• Research in Biomedical Sciences• Bioethics• Bioinformatics• Genetics and Human Disease• Immunology of Health and Disease• Epidemiology• Cancer Biology and Therapy• Disease of the Human Nervous System• Chronic Disease• Clinical Aging and Health• Medical Biotechnology• Microbiota and Pathogens: Mucosal Microbiota,

Protozoa and Fungi

Final year

You complete a fourth year of advanced study at Master'slevel.

This is designed to give students interested in a career inresearch more in-depth experience in the laboratoryenvironment.

You will complete a year-long research project in an arealinked to your degree that interests you. You will alsochoose two suitable modules from a range of Master’s levelmodules.

Although you're studying modules at Master's level,undergraduate fees and funding still apply for this final year.

ModulesSome modules are compulsory to make sure you get all theessential knowledge you need. Optional modules let youtailor the degree towards your personal interests.

Stage 1

Compulsory modulesBGM1002 BiochemistryBGM1004 GeneticsCMB1003 Microbiology and ImmunologyCMB1004 Cell BiologyCMB1005 Practical Skills in Biomedical and BiomolecularScience 1CMB1006 Practical Skills in Biomedical and BiomolecularScience 2PED1003 PharmacologyPSC1002 Physiology

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Stage 2

Compulsory modulesCMB2000 Essential Biomedical Research SkillsCMB2001 Control of Eukaryotic Gene ExpressionCMB2004 Cell and Molecular Biology of the ImmuneSystemBMS2002 Cell Biology and DiseaseBMS2013 Practical and Presentational Skills inBiomedical SciencesCMB2007 Human AnatomyOptional modulesYou take one optional module from each of the belowlists:List ABMS2012 Clinical Immunology and Viral Pathogens ORBMS2014 The Biology of AgeingList BBMS2011 Neuroscience: from Cell to Cognition  ORBMS2015 Health and Disease at Mucosal Surfaces

Stage 3

Compulsory modulesYou take one of the following compulsory projectmodules:CMB3001 Research Design ProjectCMB3002 Research Project for Exchange StudentsCMB3004 Research Project for Stage 3 MSci StudentsYou also take the following compulsory module:BMS3008 Integrated Biomedical SciencesOptional modulesYou can take modules from the following selection:BMS3010 Genetics of Human DiseaseBMS3021 Immunology of Health and DiseaseBMS3023 EpidemiologyBMS3012 Cancer Biology and TherapyBMS3013 Diseases of the Human Nervous SystemBMS3020 Chronic DiseaseBMS3017 Clinical Ageing and HealthBGM3039 Medical BiotechnologyMIC3046 Microbiota and Pathogens: Mucosal Microbiota,Protozoa and FungiYou can also select one of the following modules,designed to boost your professional skills in anemployment area that we know many of our graduatesprogress to:BMS3003 Business Enterprise for the BioscientistBMS3007 Research in Biomedical SciencesBMS3015 Healthcare organisation and practiceBMS3016 Science CommunicationBMS3022 BioethicsBMS3025 Bioinformatics

Work Placement (optional)

You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optionalwork placement between Stages 2 and 3 or 3 and 4. Youcan apply to spend your placement year with anyorganisation and will receive University support to do so. Itwill extend your degree by a year and is subject toavailability. It isn't available if you're spending a yearstudying abroad. Find out more on about WorkPlacements.

Stage 4

Compulsory moduleCMB4099 Research ProjectOptional modulesYou choose your remaining 40 credits from a range ofMaster's-level modules.

Guide to Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences atNewcastleNot sure which degree is right for you? Find out a bit moreabout our different subject areas below.

Remember, all our degrees share the same Phase 1, so youcan transfer to a different degree if you find your interestschange (up until the end of Phase 1).

Biomedical SciencesModern medicine depends on the advances made byscientists working in the biomedical sciences. You'll studyanatomy, biochemistry, genetics, immunology,microbiology, neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology.This multidisciplinary approach helps us understand diseaseprocesses and find new treatments for diseases such ascancer, Alzheimer’s disease and TB.

• Biomedical Sciences BSc Honours (B940)• Biomedical Sciences (Integrated Master's) MSci Honours

(B900)

BiochemistryBiochemistry is the study of life at the molecular level. You'llstudy how genes and proteins regulate cells, tissues andwhole organisms like you. Have you wondered what causesdiseases such as cancer and diabetes? Would you like tohelp develop new drug treatments? Biochemistry providesthe key to understanding how diseases arise and can betreated.

• Biochemistry BSc Honours (C700)• Biochemistry (Integrated Master's) MSci Honours (C701)

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Biomedical GeneticsDNA is the genetic ‘blueprint’ that ensures the continuity oflife from parent to offspring. Genetics is the study of howDNA is transmitted between generations. And how it'sdecoded to determine our individual characteristics. Wehave a strong research and teaching reputation in this field.The Institute of Genetic Medicine plays a major role in ourdegree programme.

• Biomedical Genetics BSc Honours (B901)• Biomedical Genetics (Integrated Master's) MSci Honours

(B903)

Medical ScienceDo you enjoy biology? Are you interested in the biomedicalor biomolecular aspects of the subject? Want to study thesefurther at university? If you are not quite sure which area willsuit you best, the Medical Science (Deferred Choice)programme could be ideal for you. It allows you to study thecommon first year before deciding which subject area tospecialise in at later stages.

• Medical Science (Deferred Choice) BSc Honours (B902)

PharmacologyPharmacology involves the study of the action of drugs onthe body and vice-versa. An understanding of drugs andtheir actions allows us to use them safely and effectively. Itis thanks to pharmacologists that you can take an aspirinwhen you get a headache or have an anaesthetic when thedentist gives you a filling.

• Pharmacology BSc Honours (B210)

Physiological SciencesPhysiology is the study of how the body functions.Physiologists study the processes essential to human lifesuch as breathing, digesting food and sensing the worldaround us. You'll focus on human physiology, whichunderpins our understanding of how the body works inhealth and disease.

• Physiological Sciences BSc Honours (B100)

Teaching and assessmentYou'll learn through a combination of lectures, practicallaboratory classes and small group seminars.

You also have the chance to attend optional researchtalks, aimed especially at first-year students, as part of ourbiomedicine+ programme.

Assessment is by examinations and courseworkassignments. These include:

• practical assessments• seminar tasks• written work

Teaching and assessment methods may vary from moduleto module.

Careers

Careers in Biomedical Science98% of graduates from the school of BiomedicalScience were employed or in further study within 6months of graduating, with an average salary of£22,768*

There is a great demand for graduates in the biomedicaland biomolecular sciences within the health services andindustry, particularly leading or working as part of researchteams, and many of our students choose this career path.

Engaging with Industry

Throughout your studies there will be many opportunities toengage with industry including:

• Site visits• Guest lectures• Employability Fairs• Industrial placements• Internships• Advice from Industry

We develop our students' employability with:

• Access to our award winning careers service• Year-long industrial placements• Summer placements• Internship opportunities• Opportunities for part time work with JobsOC• SOLAR - a student led outreach group teaching school

children science• Emploability ambassador roles• Opportunities to volunteer via Go Volunteer• Opportunities to participate in clinical work shadowing• Mock interviews• CV interviews• Careers clinics• Assistance with applying to medicine/dentistry

When you graduate

Sectors employing bioscientists include:

• Pharmaceuticals• Biotechnology• Universities• Management• NHS• Finance• Patent Law• Chemical• Cosmetics and toiletries• Food and Drink• Scientific writing• IT• Research and development• Teaching

In addition, with a biosciences-related degree you couldundertake scientific, medical, veterinary and agriculturalresearch in universities and research institutes. Hospital and

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public health laboratories also employ a large number ofbioscientists.

A large proportion of our graduates choose to take a furtherdegree either a Medical, Masters, PhD or teachingqualification, before embarking on permanent employment.

What our Alumni say

"The opportunities afforded by doing the MSci gave me afantastic taste of research and helped me realise it was thecareer path for me." Dr Alex Egan - Research Associate

"My degree allowed me to sample several different scientificareas, providing me with a broad understanding, before Ispecialised in an area I thoroughly enjoyed. This has leadme down the path of molecular biology and ultimately to mycurrent research and development position working in thepharmaceutical industry." - Dr Lauren Drage - DevelopmentScientist at GSK

"The School of Biomedical Sciences gave me thefoundation needed for my PhD. From lab practicals, to thesummer placement, to the final year project, I was providedwith many opportunities to test first hand if research was thecorrect path for me." - Siobhan Lister - PhD student

Companies that our graduates work for include:

• GlaxoSmithKline Plc• NHS• Bupa• Fujifilm Diosynth• KPMG• Universities worldwide• Small and Large pharma/biotech

Find out more about the career options for Biomedical andBiomolecular Sciences from Prospects: The UK's OfficialCareers Website.

*Destination of Leavers of Higher Education (DLHE) data2016/17

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees (UK students)

2020 entry:Tuition fees for 2020 entry are not yet available.2019 entry:£9,250For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.Please note:The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UKstudents is set by the UK government.

Tuition Fees (UK students)

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.

Tuition Fees (EU students)

2020 entry:Tuition fees for 2020 entry are not yet available.2019 entry:£9,250 You will pay the same tuition fees as UK studentsfor the duration of your course.For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.Please note:As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.

Tuition Fees (International students)

2020 entry:Tuition fees for 2020 entry are not yet available.2019 entry*:£22,110*Please note:You will be charged tuition fees for each year of yourdegree programme (unless you are on a shorterexchange programme).The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightlyyear on year as a result of inflation.If you spend a year on placement or studying abroad aspart of your degree you may pay a reduced fee for thatyear.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.

Scholarships and Financial Support (UKstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial support

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Scholarships and Financial Support (EUstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support(International students)

We offer a range of scholarships to eligible internationalstudents:Vice-Chancellor's International ScholarshipsVice-Chancellor’s Excellence ScholarshipsVice-Chancellor’s Global ScholarshipsWe also offer International Family Discounts which areavailable for all international students with a close familymember who has graduated from or is now studying atNewcastle University.Some of our subject scholarships and sportsscholarships are also available for international students.

Apply

Applying to Newcastle Universitythrough UCASTo apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you mustuse the online application system managed by theUniversities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

UCAS codes for Newcastle University

• institution name - NEWC• institution code - N21

UCAS buzzwordAsk your teacher or adviser from your school or college forthe UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when youregister on the Apply system. This makes it clear whichschool or college you are applying from.

All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU andinternational establishments are registered with UCAS.

If you are applying independently, or are applying from aschool or college which is not registered to manageapplications, you will still use the Apply system. You will notneed a buzzword.

Making your applicationOn the UCAS website you can also find out more about:

• application deadlines and other important dates• offers and tracking your application

Application decisions and enquiriesFind out more about our admissions process and who tocontact if you need help with your application.

Our tutors are on hand to support students.