MSc Biomedical Science

Course Type: Full time one year course
Places Available: 18
Application closing date: June 12 2010
Commences: September 1 2010

 
The M.Sc. in Biomedical Science course at NUI Galway, is taught through the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science. The course complements existing undergraduate courses in Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Biomedical Engineering, as well as other honours degrees in the various science disciplines.
 

The objective of this course is to introduce students to an inter-disciplinary approach to research, which utilises technologies and skills from a wide spectrum of scientific, engineering and clinical disciplines to address fundamental questions originating in biology and medicine. This one-year course would be suitable for B.Sc. (Hons.), B.E., and medical graduates who wish to extend their skills to work in an interdisciplinary area that applies skills from the Physical Sciences to solving problems in biology and medicine.

Programe Details
The programme offers the Biological Sciences graduate a means of achieving the mathematical, computational, and instrumentation skills necessary to work in biomedical science. Likewise the Physical Science/Engineering graduate will gain experience in aspects of cell biology, tissue engineering, and animal studies. The course work will draw mainly from courses already on offer to undergraduates in the Science faculty, but will also include new modules developed specifically for this course. Expertise from other research institutes and from industry will be used, where appropriate.
 
 ECTS weighting   90 ECTS
 Programme fee, academic year 2010- 11
  To be determined
 
Please note: fees are correct at the time of online publication, but are subject to change (E&EO); non-E.U. fees must be paid in full prior to registration.
 
Programme Content

(Subject to change)

Course title Examined  ECTS
Introduction to Business December 10 
Materials Science & Biomaterials December 5 
Principles of Cell & Molecular Biology December 5
Introduction to Physical Sciences & Biomedical Applications December 5
Medical Imaging December 5
Introduction to Biomedical Science *c/a 5
Human Anatomy March/April 5
Pharmacology March/April 5
Product Development, Validation, & Regulation March/April 5
Lasers & Applications March/April 5
Introduction to Biomedical Systems March/April 5
Tissue Engineering April/May 10
Molecular Medicine  April/May 5
Year's Work *c/a 8
Research and Minor Thesis September 27
*c/a = continuous assessment

 
To view a list of research projects that are a sample of the type of research that can be undertaken, please click here. Please note that this listing is a general guide and projects vary from year to year.
 
 
How to Apply
How to Apply
 

Applications to this programme are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code is a GYS03.

Note: In addition to submitting a completed application form, applicants are required to provide a personal statement, explaining why they wish to undertake this course (up to 600 words).

Further information on the application process can be found at
 
 
Minimum entry requirements

Second Class Honours, Grade 2 in any science or engineering degree. Candidates with less than Second Class Honours and with three years relevant practical experience may also be considered.

Applicants whose 1st language is not English, must provide evidence of proficiency in the English Language:

IELTS: (Science & Engineering) 6.0 or TOEFL: 550 paper based, 213 computer based.
 
 
Selection criteria
 

Selection is based on the candidate's academic record at an undergraduate level and their aptitude for the course.

 


Testimonials
"As an IT graduate, I found this course a challenging but highly enjoyable stepping-stone into biological science. It is an exciting time in biomedical science with excellent therapeutic potential in gene therapy, stem cells and tissue engineering. These topics were central to lectures, projects and lab work. The highlight of the year for me was my research project. It gave me the opportunity to implement and expand my knowledge in the area of my choice. I have extremely fond memories of my classmates, lecturers and supervisors who provided me with support throughout the year. Importantly for me, I had the privilege to meet a diverse range of passionate and dedicated scientists who inspired me to continue my career in research. I highly recommend the course to biological and engineering students who would like to broaden their career options in an exciting and cutting edge field. A great year!"
 

Siobhan Ni Choilean, Research technician within the Scottish Multiple Sclerosis Centre at Edinburgh University, Graduated in 2007

FAQs
Would this course allow me to register with the AMLS (Academy of Medical Laboratory Science)?

No, however, some of our graduates are working in the hospital in positions, where this accreditation is not required.

Would I be eligible for any form of bursary/grant if upon application I was accepted to the course?
There is no special grant or bursary for this course. However, some students are eligible for county council grant.

Will there be lectures everyday or will it be a case of having to be present only a few days a week?
Yes, it is a full-time course. Attendance is required everyday. Click here to see attached timetable.

Is it possible to do a PhD after completing my MSc in Biomedical Science?
Yes, in fact as part of the MSc course, students undertake a mini-research project, where they gain experience, working in a research environment. Some of our graduates have gone on to conduct PhDs at the NCBES, an interdisciplinary disciplinary research centre with four major priority research areas, including biomedical engineering, cancer, neuroscience and regenerative medicine. Every year students are invited to apply for PhD programmes at the NCBES and in general one or two people are selected. Further information on the research conducted at the NCBES can be found by clicking on the Research link of the main menu.