Biomedical Science (Clinical Biochemistry)

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Clinical biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of the human body and how it is affected by disease. Its a fascinating subject which combines expert theoretical knowledge with practical skills to help with the diagnosis and treatment of everything from endocrine disorders to antenatal complications. Whether youre working in a hospital laboratory or researching new treatments, youll be doing vital, rewarding work which will improve and very often save lives.

Why study MSc Clinical Biochemistry at Middlesex?

Our Biomedical Science courses have a burgeoning international reputation, due to our world-class research in areas including biomarkers, public health and biomodelling. Our Centre for Investigative and Diagnostic Oncology has pioneered techniques for cancer diagnosis and treatment, including our breakthrough in the development of a bladder cancer vaccine.

Our course has a strong practical element, with an emphasis on developing laboratory skills and gaining hands-on experience of diagnostic techniques. Our teaching and research facilities surpass those at some UK medical schools, with £3 million specialist labs equipped with the most up-to-date technology- the perfect place to work on your own research project. Youll learn to use cutting-edge equipment such as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers and flow cytometers; we have a molecular biology laboratory for techniques such as DNA sequencing, real-time PCR, electrophoresis and HPLC, fully-equipped proteomics facilities, a microbiology lab and an incredibly modern cell culture facility.

Course highlights

* All our teaching staff are involved in research and many are pioneers in their own field. Course leaderDr Frank Hills, a former clinical scientist at St Bartholomews Hospital, has published many high-profile research articles on obstetric pathology, while Dr Ajit Shah is a former principal scientist at GlaxoSmithKline.


* The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, so on graduation youll have fulfilled the academic requirement for Licentiate membership of the institute; you can apply for student membership while you study.


* We work with London hospitals and NHS laboratories to ensure youre fully versed in both the latest practice and the latest research. Youll visit diagnostic laboratories and of course, our location gives you easy access to the British Library, the Science Museum, the Royal Institution and more.


* Our staff are supportive and hands-on ever-ready with advice on your studies, theyre also known for their strong pastoral care and for going the extra mile for their students.


* Our flexible timetable means youll only spend two days a week at university if youre studying full-time, or one if youre part-time.

Our MSc Clinical Biochemistry course is a broad one, incorporating elements of microbiology and haematology too. Youll leave with a sound understanding of common diseases and disorders and how they work, established and emerging bioanalytical technologies and techniques and how they are used to make diagnoses, and research methods.

Youll study four core modules, common to all four postgraduate biomedical science courses: advanced bioanalytical techniques, biomedical ethics and law, laboratory leadership and management, and experimental design and statistics. Alongside these youll study four specialist clinical biochemistry modules: clinical disorders, developmental biochemistry, endocrinology and metabolism, and bioanalysis and clinical toxicology.

The core modules will cover how to design and carry out experiments and statistical analyses; literature searching, referencing and citation; techniques for analysing samples and molecules, including electrophoresis, gas and liquid chromatography and immunochemical techniques; aspects of managing a laboratory, from people management to business plans and budgets; safety, regulations and quality management; and ethical and legal issues, such as those surrounding research on animals and humans, assisted reproduction and genetics.

The specialist modules will cover clinical disorders of the major organs and the bones, including malignancies; the effects of pregnancy on physiology, biochemical and metabolic problems that can affect newborn babies, and maternal, antenatal and neonatal screening; diseases of the endocrine organs; clinical disorders associated with malnutrition, digestion, malabsorption and obesity; and more bioanalytical techniques, including biosensors and mass spectrometry.

Youll then work on a dissertation, which will involve planning and carrying out an independent and original research project in a laboratory or clinical setting. Youll work under the guidance of a supervisor, who youll meet with for at least an hour a week, and can base your project at your workplace if youre in relevant employment. Youll carry out a literature review and draw up a research proposal, design and conduct your experiments, collect and analyse your data, and present your findings in a 12,000 to 15,000-word report and a presentation to your tutors and fellow students.

The course will also improve your IT, communication, presentation, management, teamwork and problem-solving skills. If you dont want to or arent able to complete the full MSc, you can also obtain a PG Cert or PG Dip, studying four modules for a PG Cert and eight for a PG Dip, omitting the dissertation.

Year 1

* Advanced Bioanalytical Techniques (15 Credits) - Compulsory


* Bioanalysis and Toxicology (15 Credits) - Compulsory


* Biomedical Ethics and Law (15 Credits) - Compulsory


* Clinical Disorders (15 Credits) - Compulsory


* Developmental Biochemistry (15 Credits) - Compulsory


* Endocrinology and Metabolism (15 Credits) - Compulsory


* Experimental Design and Statistics (15 Credits) - Compulsory


* Laboratory Leadership and Management (15 Credits) - Compulsory


* Research Project (60 Credits) - Compulsory

We welcome applications from graduates with a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level. International entry requirementsWe accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas qualification. To find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under . For details of other equivalent requirements that Middlesex accepts see .English language requirementsYou must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students is IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components). English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.