Master of Biomedical Sciences

This course is a study of human anatomy and imaging for MSc Clinical Anatomy. The course consists of dissection and tutorials in gross anatomy. Students should expect to spend at least 6 hours/wk in the lab and 2-4 hr/wk in tutorials. By the end of this course the student will be able to:

• Describe the normal gross anatomy of all the major body regions and systems according to their identification on cadavers, functional explanations and clinical relevance.
• Apply their anatomical knowledge to develop a diagnostic reasoning approach to basic clinical and pathological scenarios.
• Create a virtual patient case study by integrating cadaveric findings with independent research.
• Develop stronger problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills through classroom discussions, group work and verbal assessments.

This course is a study of human clinical embryology for MSc Clinical Anatomy. The course consists of Lectures and tutorials in embryology.

Course Objectives:

• Describe the embryology of all the major body regions and systems and relate it to common type of congenital abnormalities.
• Apply their anatomical knowledge to develop a diagnostic reasoning approach to basic clinical and pathological scenarios.
• Develop stronger problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills through classroom discussions, group work and verbal assessments.

The purpose of this course is to provide a general introduction to the structure and function of the human nervous system. Lectures will provide an overview of the anatomy, interconnections, and function(s) of specific regions/structures of the human nervous system. The laboratories offer a hands-on opportunity to identify the major landmarks of the brain and better understand the three-dimensional architecture of the brain, spinal cord and Head Neck region. Collectively, the lectures and laboratories will provide the anatomical and functional foundation necessary to understand disorders of the nervous system. A variety of disorders affecting the nervous system, such as stroke, schizophrenia, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease, will be discussed in terms of clinical signs/prognosis and cause/pathology. In addition, clinical issues will be examined using case studies. Each student will be assigned a case study to independently investigate and present to the class using basic and clinical primary research sources.

This course is a comprehensive investigation into the theoretical and practical basis involving the selection and processing of donated blood. It offers a thorough understanding of the physiological, pathological and practical aspects of blood storage and transport. The course covers the principles and practical aspects of blood collection, testing, and blood component preparation and storage. It also gives an in-depth knowledge of the blood group antigens and transfusion therapy. It covers the principle of laboratory techniques used in transfusion medicine laboratories. It includes practical experience in problem-solving of patient /donor typing problems and identifying antibodies to blood group antigens.

This course combines emerging modern laboratory diagnostic techniques and their application to blood groups typing and detection of blood pathogens. Topics include discussion of principles of Sanger sequencing, next generation sequencing, Nanopore sequencing technology and other third generation sequencing technologies. The course will discuss principles of nucleic acid testing (NAT) molecular technique for screening blood donations for pathogens such as HIV, HCV and HBV.

This course offers an advanced study in the pathological mechanisms underlying red blood disorders, including anemias, hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, autoimmune hemolytic anemias, drug-dependent hemolytic anemias and other blood disorders requiring regular blood transfusion and component therapy.

Blood banking and transfusion medicine encompass many areas from donor recruitment and selection, blood collection laboratory practices and use of blood components and products. Hemovigilance is closely linked to all these and strict regulations and quality management is needed. This course will cover definitions of quality systems, emphasizing the importance of total quality management and quality elements. The graduates are intended to demonstrate proficiency in maintaining the quality of blood components and transfusion services as per international and local standards. Overview of proper use of instrumentation and computerization in transfusion services will be included.

This course is a comprehensive investigation into the theoretical basis of coagulation system. It offers a thorough understanding of the physiological, pathological and molecular genetics of coagulation factors and different proteins involved in hemostasis, thrombosis and fibrinolysis. It also gives an in-depth knowledge of the interaction between these proteins to maintain the homeostasis and patency of blood vessels and prevent bleeding and thrombosis.  It covers the principle of the genetics and the causes of inherited bleeding and thrombophilia.  

The course will discuss the biological mechanism(s) underlying acquired and genetic risk factors for VTE that express disease phenotypes (obesity, spontaneous thrombosis) or that lack genes key to the mechanistic pathways of interest. Expose the student to relevant biochemical and molecular technologies for the diagnosis of different thrombosis and thrombophilia. This course combines emerging modern laboratory diagnostic techniques and its application to the management of venous thromboembolic events. It will also provide an in-depth look at the pathophysiology and treatment of inherited and acquired bleeding disorders, with a special focus on von Willebrand disease and haemophilia and exposure to rare bleeding disorders. Also there will be exposure to different anticoagulation drugs and the methods of monitoring patients on these therapies. There will be a practical part of this course where the students will be involved in testing patients with thrombosis and thrombophilia with possible attendance of a clinic to expose to clinical management of patients with thrombosis

This is a course with major focus on basic and advanced laboratory methods in the diagnosis of hemostatic and thombotic disorders. The methods range from biochemical to molecular genetic studies. Topics include discussion of different coagulation tests, principles of Sanger sequencing, next generation sequencing, Nanopore sequencing technology and other third generation sequencing technologies. The students will practice different specialised coagulation tests for diagnosis and monitoring of various factor deficiencies and estimation of the level post treatment with factor concentrate. The student will have a chance to attend the haemophilia and bleeding clinics.

Students completing a Thesis Option master’s degree are expected to write a report, referred to as a thesis, on the results of an original investigation, in conjunction with a Master’s Advisory Committee. Length and style of the thesis vary by college/department. All these are filed with the Office of Graduate Studies. A Master’s Advisory Committee will be formed for each student. The Chair of the Committee must have research and graduate student advising experience. This Committee will assist the student in the formulation of the Thesis Proposal, and later advise the student in the execution of the research, the Thesis write-up, and help the student to prepare for the oral defense.

Students completing a Thesis Option master’s degree are expected to write a report, referred to as a thesis, on the results of an original investigation, in conjunction with a Master’s Advisory Committee. Length and style of the thesis vary by college/department. All these are filed with the Office of Graduate Studies. A Master’s Advisory Committee will be formed for each student. The Chair of the Committee must have research and graduate student advising experience. This Committee will assist the student in the formulation of the Thesis Proposal, and later advise the student in the execution of the research, the Thesis write-up, and help the student to prepare for the oral defense.