MSc Clinical Biochemistry: The University of Manchester

Course description

Clinical biochemistry applies basic biochemistry and analytical chemistry to medical diagnosis, treatment and management. It provides a sound, objective basis on which to gauge the:

• Extent of a clinical disorder
• Biochemical consequences of a particular disease process
• Response to therapy

This programme is designed to provide students with the basic skills needed for a career in clinical biochemistry within the health service. The programme is run from Salford Royal Foundation Hospital, with a special emphasis on the practice of clinical biochemistry in hospital medicine.

MSc students develop their experimental and interpretative skills through undertaking a comprehensive research project. The MSc programme provides excellent training for students planning to sit the MRCPath examination.

Course aims

The main educational aims of the programme are:

• To provide students with core knowledge and skills in the theory and practice of Clinical Biochemistry (Diploma)
• Produce graduates with a fundamental understanding of the impact clinical biochemistry results have on the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions (Diploma)
• To provide students with experience of working in a research/clinical biochemistry laboratory environment through the undertaking of a limited research project (Diploma)
• To provide students with advanced and applied knowledge in the theory and practice of Clinical Biochemistry (MSc)
  Produce graduates with an advanced understanding of the impact clinical biochemistry results have on the diagnosis and the application of this information in the day-to-day management of common medical conditions (MSc)
• To allow students to develop their experimental and interpretative skills through undertaking of a comprehensive research project (MSc)

Career opportunities

This MSc provides excellent training for students planning to sit the MRCPath examination and follow a career in the NHS in Clinical Biochemistry, either as scientists or doctors. A MSc in Clinical Biochemistry will be of value to a student wishing to progress in:

• Hospital-based clinical biochemistry
• The pharmaceutical industry
• Biotechnology companies
• Nursing
• Academic research
• Medicine

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: An honours degree (minimum 2:1), or the overseas equivalent, in biological or chemical sciences. Those with a degree in the chemical sciences are expected to have some background in the biological sciences.

English language: Students whose first language is not English require a minimum of a minimum of IELTS 7.0, or TOEFL 600 paper based or 250 computer based.