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Biomedical Science (MSc)

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Course Overview

Why choose this programme?

This MSc programme aims to provide students with the underpinning knowledge and practical skills to pursue a successful career in biomedical science. The course is designed for those who wish to follow careers as Biomedical Scientists in research, the Health Service or in the wider context of biomedical science (including Medical Technologies, Bio-pharmaceutical and other Healthcare industries). Using state of the art technologies and a range of skills from scientific, engineering and clinical disciplines to understand and investigate questions originating in biology and medicine. You will be introduced to science and engineering disciplines you will not have covered in your undergraduate studies. You will have access to some of Ireland’s leading researchers in this area. A major objective of the course is to introduce students to an interdisciplinary approach to Biomedical Science, which utilises technologies and skills from a wide spectrum of scientific, engineering and clinical disciplines.

Programme objectives

The MSc in Biomedical Science programme’s primary objective is to provide students with the underpinning knowledge and practical skills to pursue a successful career in biomedical science. 

  • The course is designed for those who wish to follow careers as Biomedical Scientists in research, the Health Service or in the wider context of biomedical science including Medical Technologies, Bio-pharmaceutical and other Healthcare industries.
  • Using state of the art technologies and a range of skills from scientific, engineering and clinical disciplines to understand and investigate questions originating in biology and medicine.
  • You will be introduced to science and engineering disciplines you will not have covered in your undergraduate studies. You will have access to some of Ireland’s leading researchers in this area.
  • A major objective of the course is to introduce students to an interdisciplinary approach to Biomedical Science, which utilises technologies and skills from a wide spectrum of scientific, engineering and clinical disciplines. 

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Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). PAC application code: GYS03. Selection is based on the candidate's academic record at an undergraduate level and their aptitude for the course.

In order to apply for this programme please complete all of the steps below:

Step One:  Ensure you are eligible—entry criteria

  • Graduates who have a first class or second class honours level 8 BSc degree in a relevant biological or biomedical sciences, physical sciences or engineering field 
  • Graduates with a Level 7 degree and who can demonstrate that they have at least 2-3 years relevant experience in research or the Medical Technology, Healthcare or Biotechnology industry 
  • English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in each element of the test) or equivalent

Step Two:  Have all of the supporting documentation in place

Visit our Supporting Documents website for document requirements for this course.

Step Three: Ensure that you meet the English Language requirements

All applicants, whose first language is not English must present one of the following qualifications in the English language and have no less than 6.5 in ANY component. NOTE: Language tests must be undertaken no more than two years prior to commencement of your programme at the University

IELTS

TOEFL

Pearson PTE

6.5

88

61

6.5

88

61

6.5

88

61

 The NUI Galway TOEFL institution code is 8861.

Any PAC application queries should be emailed to postgradadmissions@nuigalway.ie 

Who Teaches this Course

For information on the Biomedical Science programme team, click here.

Requirements and Assessment

Assessments

Students are formally assessed through a range of continuous assessment and end-of-semester examinations in Semester 1. Continuous assessment involves written assignments, projects, presentations, video pitches and case studies. Written examinations include short answer examinations, multiple-choice-question examinations during the semester, and end of Semester 1 examinations in December.

Assessment of students in Semester 2 is through continuous assessment of each module, through a combination of written assignments, evaluations of laboratory practical skills, laboratory reports, workshop-based problem solving, oral presentations.  

The Research Project dissertation is also assessed.  Assessment includes examination of the written research thesis, as well as oral and poster presentations, and assessment of student performance in conducting their research project.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

  • Graduates who have a first class or second class honours Level 8 BSc degree in a relevant biological or biomedical sciences, physical sciences or engineering field 
  • Graduates with a Level 7 degree and who can demonstrate that they have at least 2–3 years relevant experience in research or the Medical Technology, Healthcare or Biotechnology industry 
  • English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in each element of the test) or equivalent

Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2018

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

16

Closing Date

Please refer to the review/closing date webpage.

Next start date

September 2018

NFQ level

Mode of study

Taught

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

PAC code

GYS03

Course Outline

Programme modules

Full list of modules, and their detail is online here.

Programme structure 

 Biomedical Science

The MSc in Biomedical science (90 ECTS) is a full-time Level 9 programme course extending over a continuous 12-month period from September to August. The MSc is intended to introduce students to science and engineering disciplines they would not have covered in their undergraduate studies.

The first two semesters consist of taught modules (60 ECTS; see module details for more information) that will acquaint you with the basics of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, depending on your background. The modules are devoted to coursework through a series of lectures and tutorials and assessed by means of a written exam and/or continuous assessment. Students complete both scientific and business modules. Students are expected to carry out a business project by preparing a written report and presentation on a biomedical science-related topic. Also during the first two semesters, there will be a series of practical sessions that will familiarise you with different forms of instrumentation and techniques. A laboratory-based research project (30 ECTS) is undertaken in the 3rd semester (April – August). Toward the end of the research project, students are asked to present their findings at an MSc Research Symposium day.  There is a prize for the most outstanding MSc Research presentation on the day.

 

 

MSc symposium winners MSc Research Symposium Winners. The Image on the left is of Mark Gleeson (2015 MSc Biomedical Science graduate) receives his trophy from Professor Vincent O’Flaherty, Head of the School of Natural Sciences, NUI, Galway. The image on the right is of the 2016 winner, Erika Despard (2015 MSc Biomedical Science graduate) being presented with her trophy by Professor Terry Smith (Programme Director) and Dr Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh (Programme Co-ordinator).

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Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Biomedical Science Why choose this course

Located in the heart of Ireland’s biomedical device industry cluster, NUI Galway offers excellent career opportunities for biomedical science graduates. A wide variety of career opportunities exists for graduates of this programme. These include research and development in medical devices or phar‌maceuticals in an industrial or academic setting, medical device sales, work in hospital laboratories and further postgraduate studies.

Furthermore, this programme is a springboard to PhD research opportunities. Graduates of the MSc in Biomedical Science have gone on to work within the medical technology and pharmaceutical industries, hospitals and academia. Galway is a global hub for the medical device industry so NUI Galway graduates are well-placed to avail of employment opportunities with a wide range of multi-national and indigenous medical technologies organisations. Recent graduates have found employment with a range of companies, including Boston Scientific, Regeneron, Abbott, Allergan, and Pfizer.

‌‌Biomedical Science‌

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Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€6,815 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Tuition

€6,591 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Student levy

€224 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Non EU

€13,750 p.a. 2017/18
For further information on postgraduate funding opportunities and scholarships see here.

Find out More

Academic Course Director
Prof Terry Smith            
T: +353 91 492 022 | E: terry.smith@nuigalway.ie   ‌

Academic Course Co-ordinator
Dr Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh
T: +353 91 495 323 | E: mary.nifhlathartaigh@nuigalway.ie

What Our Students Say

Katie

Katie Gillian |   BSc in Sport Science, University of Limerick

I wanted to pursue a career in research, having come from a background in Sport Science I decided to do a MSc in Biomedical Science. I originally thought the transition would be difficult and although the course was challenging at times, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The broad range of modules that were taught on the course meant the masters could be applied to many aspects of the biomedical science field from industry to research. The course exceeded my expectations, in that everything was taught clearly and there was a good balance between lectures and labs. I did not have much lab experience prior to the masters however when completed I had learn a variety of techniques from cell culture to PCR. I completed my thesis for the masters in the Department of Surgery in the Translational Research Facility researching Breast Cancer Lymphangiogenesis. After completing my thesis I was offered the opportunity to stay on with the group to do a PhD and I will be starting it in January 2016. Overall I would strongly recommend this course to anyone interested in pursuing a career in biomedical science industry or research.
Richard

Richard Bennett |   BSc in Chemistry, NUI Galway

The MSc. in Biomedical Science at NUI, Galway is a truly interdisciplinary course. Courses such as tissue engineering and molecular medicine gave me an insight into research that I had previously not seen. After finishing a BSc. in chemistry this course was perfect for me to gain further skills and act as a stepping stone in my career. The flexibility offered through the optional modules allows each student to cover the essential core modules while allowing for tailoring to each individual. Modules such as validation and scientific writing offered transferable skills that will be beneficial regardless of career path. The experience gained during these modules are very helpful whether continuing in industry or academia. In addition to the fantastic course structure, the contacts and friends made over the course of the year were invaluable. I consider myself privileged to have been part of the MSc. Biomedical Science group and I would recommend the course highly to prospective students.
Ivor

Ivor Geoghegan |   BSc in Anatomy, NUI Galway

The MSc Biomedical Science course exceeded my expectations. It gave me a diverse grounding in many different subjects and allowed me to specialise in the area of Tissue Engineering with the modules “Tissue Engineering”, “Advanced Tissue Engineering”, and “Biomaterials”. The course was very well organised and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone with an interest in biology, physics, or engineering.
Shane

Shane Spellman |   Current Student (BSc in Sport Science)

The reason I chose the Biomedical Science course in the first place was due to my interest in the biological systems, disease and ultimately how cutting edge technology could significantly improve the outcome for countless patients globally. Initially my interest was sparked by the module titles and when I began the course I wasn’t disappointed as each module has given me a deep understanding of the basics, the more complex underpinnings of the subject and ultimately the research that is currently being carried out in the field to date

What Employers Say

John

John Kilmartin |   Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs in Medtronic, Galway

Mr John Kilmartin Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs in Medtronic (based in Galway) “We have had a number of visits from the MSc Biomedical Science programme here in Medtronic, all of the participants have been really engaged and we are delighted to give the students this opportunity. We are really pleased with the course content and calibre of the students.”

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