Course outline and modules
Module Content
- The range and methods used for the collection of clinical samples that may be subject to biochemical analysis.
- Principles and the application of biochemical investigatios used in sceening, diagnosis, treatmeent, and monitoring of disease.
- Therapeutic drug monitoring.
- Investigation of substance abuse.
This course is part of the School of Biosciences which sits within the College of Health and Life Sciences.
Available via distance learning, this module allows you to develop your knowledge in key concepts, techniques and current laboratory practice used in clinical biochemistry. It is ideal if you wish to 'top-up' your existing degree to become a registered biomedical scientist, or if you are looking to take a course as part of your continuing professional development.
This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the key concepts, techniques and current laboratory practice in cellular biochemistry and will allow you to develop an understanding of the role the discipline of biomedical science plays in the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of disease.
This module will enable you to:
- Gain knowledge of the application, value, and limitations of biochemical tests in clinical medicine.
- Understand how biochemical tests are selected, and how they are interpreted.
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
- Discuss and appraise the principles and organisational structure underlying the application of biochemical investigations to the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease.
- Discuss and evaluate the equipment, and the routine processes and methodologies used in clinical biochemistry.
- Critically appraise the application of biochemical tests to the investigation of the function and dysfunction of organs and systems.
Credit value: 10 credits.
Specific level: This is a Level 5 module, equivalent to a foundation degree.
Mode of delivery: Distance learning
Course type: Standalone module.
How to Apply:
All applications are made online using our online application form. You will be required to confirm the name for each of the Biomedical Science top-up modules you will be applying for by listing them in your personal statement. This is a compulsory part of your application and missing information may result in a prolonged delay in processing your application.
Our full list of available modules in this suite of courses includes:
- Cell Biology
- Cellular Pathology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Haematology and Transfusion Science
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Medical Microbiology
For those who are taking this module in order to 'top-up' your existing degree for IBMS registration, please refer to our entry requirements for more details on IMBS set deadlines.
Start date: September 2024
Course deadline: 23 August
Duration: Registration covers one academic year. Course delivery is scheduled over approximately 10 weeks, with an examination in May. Although this will depend upon the individual, a typical student can expect to spend around five hours a week studying throughout the duration of the course delivery, with an additional 50 hours spent on directed learning and revision prior to the May examination, equivalent to around 100 hours of study in total.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- In order to study this module you must have a non-accredited undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences or an undergraduate degree in a related field (such as biology or biochemistry).
- Taking this module in order to 'top-up' your existing degree for IBMS registration: Prior to registering for a top-up module (or modules) you need to contact the Institute of Biomedical Science. They will assess your degree in order to confirm that it is eligible for 'top-up' and to determine the additional subject areas in which you need further qualifications. We recommend you contact the IBMS by June in the year of application to ensure that you have confirmation of your module requirements in time to register for your modules with Aston University.
- Degrees not eligible for Top-up: If your degree is not eligible for top up but you still wish to become a registered Biomedical Scientist, we recommend that you apply to take our accredited BSc Biomedical Science undergraduate degree.
- Undertaking this module for professional development: No additional requirements apply.
- International students: We welcome applications from international students who are already in the UK with a valid visa. Unfortunately we are not able to accept applications from international students who wish to come to the UK solely to take this course. We are also not able to accept international students to take the distance learning route. You will be asked to provide a scanned copy of your UK visa, and of your passport when you submit the online registration form so that we can check you are eligible to take the top up modules. Students taking this course by distance learning must be based in the UK.
Learning, teaching and assessment
Students must attend an online BMS Top-up induction session in week zero (mid-September), at which we will show you how to access your university record and Blackboard (the Virtual Learning Environment). All course material, including recorded lectures, self-assessment quizzes, timetables, and some directed reading will be available on Blackboard online; coursework submission and feedback are also mainly via this route. Blackboard allows you to access a comprehensive range of study materials, scientific journals, e-journals, databases and much more.
Distance learning: the study can be spread out over the term and a week-by-week study guide is available. Recorded lectures are made available after they are delivered to attendance students as detailed above.
Assessment:
An online essay-based test (May).
Our courses are written and delivered by staff at the forefront of life and health sciences teaching and research. Many members of staff currently practise or have practised professionally. In the recent Teaching Excellence Framework assessment, Aston University was awarded Gold, the highest award possible. In addition, our courses are regularly reviewed by relevant professional experts.
Biomedical Sciences Top Up Modules Course Director: Dr Jonathan Cox
Module Coordinator: Dr K Rana
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
Fees
Fees:
For Sept 2024 Start: £800 per 10 credits
Career Prospects
Our CPD courses offer you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in order to develop your career. In addition, our ethos is to equip you to make a real difference in your field.
These modules will allow you to obtain the academic competences that are required to apply to the Health Professions Council for Registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
Speak to our Admissions Team
If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:
Email: professionalcpd@aston.ac.uk
Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09.30am-4.30pm BST)
Please click here for guidance on completing the postgraduate application.
