COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc program focuses on developing a deep understanding of laboratory-based diagnostic methods, point-of-care testing, and the principles of pharmaceutical science, all supported by practical industrial experience. The core module on laboratory-based diagnostic methods and techniques introduces students to standard diagnostic procedures from both basic science and analytical viewpoints, exploring the differences between centralised biomedical laboratory testing and point-of-care diagnostic assays, including data generation and analysis techniques. Complementing this, the module on point-of-care testing delves into the practical benefits and challenges of conducting diagnostics outside traditional laboratory settings, offering strategies for successful implementation in varied environments. Students also gain skills in experimental design, with emphasis on applying and interpreting statistical techniques to optimise research and evaluation methods. In pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, learners explore how drugs interact with the human body, focusing on quantifying drug action and modelling these interactions for better understanding of therapeutic effects. The program culminates in a dissertation based on industrial practice, giving students the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting through a work-based investigation, enhancing both practical and theoretical competence. Additionally, students choose two optional modules that allow for specialisation. Options include the implementation of point-of-care testing devices, which discusses the regulatory and practical challenges in diverse contexts; quality assurance practices that align with ISO 15189:2022 standards, focusing on reliability and integrity in clinical diagnostics; and statistical process control, which provides tools for improving product quality and reducing costs through data-driven monitoring. Together, these modules equip students with a well-rounded skill set in diagnostics, testing technologies, pharmaceutical science, and industrial application, preparing them for careers in modern healthcare and diagnostic industries.