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 examines biomedical entrepreneurial ventures from a wide range of contexts, using applied learning and the case methodology to develop practical understanding of the key challenges facing entrepreneurs. The course addresses challenges such as identifying opportunities, decision-making under conditions of uncertainty, raising capital, innovation and creativity, social innovation, and managing venture growth. This course examines entrepreneurial ventures from a wide range of contexts, using practical learning to develop an understanding of the key challenges facing entrepreneurs. By the end of this course, students should be well positioned to identify and evaluate business opportunities and develop business plans and execution plan to help make a new venture successful.

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.

The aim of this course is to familiarize students to the methods to verify the quality of diagnostics kits in a clinical laboratory. Validation procedures, measuring total allowable error and steps to introduce new tests will be presented. Topics covered will include compliance with proficiency testing requirements (CAP, AABB, CBAHI and ISO), determination and validation of tests reference ranges, cut-off points and quantitative and qualitative methods evaluation.

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.

The course provides a comprehensive understanding of bacterial and viral pathogens, including their structure, genetics, and mechanisms of disease. It covers techniques for identifying and classifying bacteria and viruses, with practical classes and case studies on global health impacts. The course explores immune responses and emerging diseases, while addressing the challenges in developing vaccines, such as antigenic variation, immune evasion, and resistance

This course will focus on the creation, development, and manufacturing of vaccines, with a particular emphasis on innovative types such as mRNA and viral vector vaccines. Students will explore the processes involved in antigen selection, immune responses, and the role of adjuvants in enhancing vaccine efficacy. The course will also cover vaccine production under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and provide insights into the regulatory requirements for vaccine approval by organizations like the FDA, EMA, and WHO.

The course will cover topics related to fundamental immunology, advanced technologies, Immunotherapeutics, biologics and the development and testing of therapeutics

This course covers the theory, practice and interpretation of the various assays and instrumentation routinely employed in a biologics analysis and quality control testing laboratory. A number of attributes can potentially impact the drug safety and efficacy of the Biological therapeutics. This course will focus on the core analytical technqiues routinely employed in the the analysis of biological therapeutics. The course will cover methods such as spectroscopic, chromatographic, electrophoretic and mass spectrometric approaches for the analysis of biological therapeutics and emerging technologies as they arise. The course will cover testing for biological acitvities and quaility of the vaccine using microbiological methods based on the type of the vaccien itself. In addition, we will rund quality control for each vaccine using biological assays.

Foundations of Bioinformatics is a beginner-level theoretical course designed to introduce biomedical science students to the core concepts underlying modern bioinformatics. The course assumes no prior programming or computer science background and is explicitly structured for students with wet-lab biology training.

Students will explore the landscape of biological data types generated in contemporary biomedical research, including genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data. The course covers how these data are organized, stored, and accessed through major public databases, including NCBI, Ensembl, UniProt, and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO).

Key topics include sequence analysis fundamentals, the principles of pairwise and multiple sequence alignment (at the conceptual level), gene annotation systems, and biological file formats (FASTA, FASTQ, SAM/BAM, VCF, GFF). Students will learn the logic underlying standard bioinformatics pipelines, including quality control, read mapping, variant calling, and expression quantification at a conceptual level that prepares them for hands-on work.

The course also introduces computational thinking principles, basic algorithm design concepts, and an overview of how statistical and machine learning methods are applied in genomics. Ethical considerations related to data sharing, privacy protection, and reproducibility are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Introduction to Bioinformatics Tools is a hands-on, beginner-level practical course designed to complement the theoretical Foundations course. Students will gain step-by-step, guided experience with essential bioinformatics software and computational platforms in a supportive learning environment.

The course begins with orientation to the computing environment, including basic navigation of the Linux/Unix command line, file and directory management, and use of institutional virtual machines or cloud-based platforms. Students will learn essential commands for file manipulation, text processing, and basic scripting.

Practical sessions cover the use of key bioinformatics tools, including BLAST for sequence searching, genome browsers (UCSC Genome Browser, IGV - Integrative Genomics Viewer) for data visualization, and quality control tools such as FastQC for assessing sequencing data. Students will be introduced to scripting in R and/or Python at an absolute beginner level, focusing on loading datasets, generating basic plots, and executing pre-written analysis scripts rather than programming from scratch.

This advanced theoretical course builds substantially on the foundational knowledge acquired in Semester 1, focusing on the principles of experimental design, advanced analysis concepts, and critical interpretation of computational results in clinical and research contexts.

The curriculum emphasizes variant interpretation frameworks, including ACMG/AMP guidelines for clinical variant classification, functional prediction algorithms (SIFT, PolyPhen-2, CADD), and the use of clinical databases such as ClinVar, OMIM, and COSMIC. Students learn to assess variant pathogenicity, evaluate the strength of evidence, and understand the limitations of computational predictions.

The course covers the theory underlying RNA-seq differential expression analysis, including normalization methods, statistical testing approaches, and multiple testing correction. Pathway enrichment analysis, gene ontology analysis, and integration of multi-omics datasets are explored in depth.

Applied Bioinformatics Workflows is an advanced practical course in which students execute complete, real-world bioinformatics analysis pipelines from raw data to interpretable results. Building on the basic tool proficiency developed in Fall, this course simulates the workflows used in active research and clinical bioinformatics laboratories.

Students learn to use workflow management tools and reproducible analysis practices, ensuring that all analyses are documented, version-controlled, and auditable. Group projects and case studies simulate real research scenarios, requiring students to make analytical decisions, troubleshoot technical issues, and justify their choices.

Emphasis throughout is on quality control at every pipeline stage, proper interpretation of outputs, recognition of analysis limitations, and generation of clear, professional reports suitable for research publications or clinical applications.

This course provides an in-depth examination of the fundamental biological processes that drive aging at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels. Students will explore the major hallmarks of aging, including genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication. The course integrates mechanistic insights with their relevance to age-associated diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders. Emphasis is placed on linking molecular pathways to physiological decline and identifying potential therapeutic targets for healthspan extension. Through lectures, case-based discussions, and critical analysis of current literature, students will develop the ability to interpret emerging research in geroscience and evaluate strategies aimed at modulating aging processes for translational and clinical applications.

This course provides a comprehensive foundation in stem cell biology and its application in regenerative medicine. Students will examine the principles of pluripotency, self-renewal, and cellular differentiation, with a focus on embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. The course covers key molecular pathways regulating stem cell fate, tissue homeostasis, and repair, as well as emerging technologies such as organoid systems, 3D culture models, and gene editing approaches including CRISPR-based strategies.

A strong emphasis is placed on translational applications, including tissue engineering, biomaterials, and cell-based therapies for degenerative diseases affecting the nervous system, cardiovascular system, liver, and musculoskeletal tissues. Students will also explore current clinical trials, regulatory considerations, and challenges in the clinical translation of regenerative therapies. Ethical considerations surrounding stem cell research and therapeutic use are integrated throughout. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate regenerative medicine strategies and understand their potential and limitations in advancing precision and restorative healthcare.

This hands-on laboratory course provides comprehensive training in experimental techniques central to regenerative medicine and stem cell research. Students will gain practical experience in the culture, maintenance, and characterization of mammalian cells, including pluripotent and adult stem cells, under sterile conditions. The course covers key methodologies such as stem cell expansion, differentiation assays, viability and proliferation analysis, and phenotypic characterization using immunostaining, flow cytometry, and molecular assays.

Students will also be introduced to advanced techniques including organoid generation, 3D culture systems, and basic genome editing approaches using CRISPR-based methods. Practical sessions emphasize experimental design, optimization of culture conditions, troubleshooting, and reproducibility. In addition, students will learn proper laboratory documentation, data recording, and interpretation of experimental outcomes.

This laboratory-based course provides hands-on training in experimental techniques used to investigate the biological mechanisms of aging. Students will learn to design and execute experiments that assess key hallmarks of aging at the cellular and molecular levels. Core methods include detection of cellular senescence (e.g., SA-β-gal staining), analysis of telomere length and telomerase activity, assessment of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress, and evaluation of DNA damage and repair pathways.

The course also introduces students to epigenetic and transcriptomic approaches relevant to aging research, including DNA methylation analysis, gene expression profiling, and the use of aging clocks. Students will work with in vitro model systems such as primary cells and established cell lines, and will be exposed to experimental models that mimic aging-related stress conditions.

This foundational course, Fundamentals of Human Genetics and Genomics, offers a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of genetics and genomics in the context of human health and disease. It is designed to introduce students to the intricacies of genetic variation, the structure and function of the genome, and the latest advancements in genomic technologies. Throughout the course, students will explore the molecular mechanisms of inheritance, the patterns of genetic transmission, and the implications of genetic diversity in populations. The curriculum will also cover key concepts such as DNA replication, repair, and transcriptional regulation, as well as the cutting-edge techniques used for genome editing and analysis. A significant focus will be placed on the practical applications of genomics in medicine, including the identification of disease-causing genes, understanding the genetic basis of complex diseases, and the potential of personalized medicine. Ethical, legal, and social considerations in genetic testing and research will be addressed. The pedagogical approach of the course combines lectures, interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on exercises. This immersive learning experience is aimed at equipping students with both the foundational knowledge and the critical thinking skills required to navigate the rapidly evolving field of genomic medicine. By the end of the course, students will be well-prepared to apply their knowledge to further study or careers in biomedical research, genetic counseling, clinical genomics, and other related fields.

Practicum A: Genome Sequencing introduces students to essential genomic laboratory techniques, including DNA extraction, sample preparation, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and basic bioinformatics analysis. This module focuses on whole genome, whole exome, and targeted sequencing workflows and serves as a core foundation for all students in the genomics and pharmacogenomics tracks.

Practicum B: Transcriptomics and Metabolomics is a rigorous laboratory-based course tailored for graduate students in the genomic medicine track. This practicum focuses on equipping students with the practical skills and analytical expertise required to explore the dynamic fields of transcriptomics — the study of RNA transcripts. Students will be immersed in the end-to-end processes of transcriptomic. They will learn about the basics of RNA related laboratory work such as RNA extraction, reverse transcription techniques, and quantitative RTPCR as well as more advanced approaches microarrays and the most popular RNA sequencing technologies. They will also be trained to learn about various databases, data processing, visualization, and interpretation of expression patterns. The students will also be introduced to basics of systems biology, basic analyses and data integration of various omics in the context of genomic medicine. Real-world applications of these powerful omics technologies will be a key component of the course, with a particular focus on their use in the discovery of disease biomarkers, the elucidation of disease mechanisms, and the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. The practical skills are complemented by a series of lab lectures, student presentations based on latest developments in the field aimed at honing critical thinking and basic understanding of integrated omics approaches. Students will also be exposed to gene networks and pathway analyses and will have opportunities to present their work, encouraging the development of communication skills important for scientific dialogue and collaboration. By the conclusion of Practicum B, students will have developed a clear and strong understanding of the methodologies and applications of transcriptomics and its integration into the research and clinical settings.

This graduate-level course, designed for MSc students, explores into the essential of proteomics and metabolomics with a specific focus on their applications in genomic medicine and diagnostics. As a practical, hands-on laboratory course, it offers students the unique opportunity to engage directly with important techniques that are pivotal in the analysis of proteins and metabolites. Through a combination of laboratory experiments, case studies, and collaborative projects, students will explore how these biomolecular fields contribute to the understanding and advancement of personalized medicine, disease prediction, and therapeutic strategies. This course is essential for those aiming to pursue a career in biomedical research, clinical diagnostics, or therapeutic development.

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.

This foundational course provides graduate students with an integrated and application-focused introduction to pharmacogenomics (PGx), the science that explores how genetic variation affects individual responses to medications. Aligned with international best practices and the evolving needs of clinical implementation, the course balances theoretical depth with practical relevance. It begins with essential concepts in human genetics, pharmacology, and molecular mechanisms of drug response, then progresses to how these principles inform patient-specific treatment strategies across a range of therapeutic areas.

The Fundamentals of Human Genetics and Genomics is a comprehensive course designed for Master of Biomedical Science Students aiming to deliver an in-depth understanding of the basic principles and concepts of human genetics and genomics. This course is positioned at the intersection of biology and medicine, attempting to convey the crucial role of genetics in health, disease, and therapeutics. The course sets to introduce students to the fascinating field of human genetics and genomics, presenting a robust review of fundamental genetic concepts such as the structure and function of genes, mechanisms of inheritance, mutations and their consequences, genetic variations, and principles of genetic analyses. Venturing into the complex world of genomics, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of genome sequences and structures, human genome project insights, functional genomics, comparative genomics, and genomics' influence on personalized medicine. Cutting-edge topics, including epigenetics, population genetics, cancer genomics, and computational genomics, are also part of the curriculum

The Clinical Pharmacology/Pharmacogenomics course offers a comprehensive graduate-level exploration of clinical pharmacology as a translational science, with a focus on rational drug development and therapeutic optimization across diverse populations. Core topics include pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug metabolism and transport, variability in drug response, and considerations for special populations such as pediatrics and geriatrics. The course also introduces the drug discovery and development process, providing students with a foundational understanding of how pharmacological principles translate from bench to bedside to improve clinical outcomes.

The "Translational Medicine" course focuses on bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical practice by exploring how pharmacogenomic insights can be translated into effective therapeutic strategies. Students will examine the processes involved in translating genomic discoveries into clinical applications, including biomarker identification, drug development, and the implementation of personalized treatment protocols. The course emphasizes the role of translational medicine in improving patient outcomes through tailored therapies based on genetic profiles and explores case studies that highlight successful translational efforts. By integrating principles of pharmacogenomics with clinical research methodologies, participants will develop the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of bringing innovative pharmacogenomic solutions to the forefront of patient care, ultimately enhancing the practice of personalized medicine.