Biomedical Sciences (MSc, 1.5 Years or 3 Semesters)

Duration	1.5 years or 3 semesters
Qualification Awarded	Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences – Immunology Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences – Hematology
Level of Qualification	Master Degree (2^nd Cycle)
Language of Instruction	English
Mode of Study	Full-time or Part-time
Minimum ECTS Credits	90

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Overview

Profile of the Programme

Aim of the Programme:
The MSc Programme in Biomedical Sciences aims to provide high-quality education and have graduates with strong professional integrity and expertise in fields related to laboratory diagnosis and disease monitoring. This integrated programme promotes core theory, practical skills, and research principles in biomedical sciences. Additionally, it emphasizes teaching clinical specialties in one of the following fields: Immunology, Hematology, Microbiology, and Clinical Biochemistry. Currently, the program enables graduates to specialize in Immunology or Hematology. In due course, concentration courses in the other two fields/specializations (Microbiology and Clinical Biochemistry) will be added to the program, allowing graduates to study and specialize in one or more areas based on their interests and career aspirations.

Educational Aims of the Programme:
The educational aims of the programme refer to and comply with the subject benchmarking of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) syllabus (version 5: 2018) as well as with those of the UK QAA organization (ISBN 1 84482 146 3 © Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education 2004).

The general objectives that apply to all concentrators of the programme (Immunology, Hematology, Microbiology, and Clinical Biochemistry) are to:

Provide knowledge of and insight into the biochemical processes in human health and disease.
Introduce the scientific basis of modern bioanalytical instrumentation and technologies used for research and clinical diagnosis.
Promote the practice of transferable skills in data collection, analysis, evaluation, interpretation, and reporting.
Promote research skills and enable graduates to develop, evaluate, and provide new diagnostic services.
Teach the competencies required to manage and audit scientific techniques and procedures and maintain quality standards.
Teach practices of Quality Assurance and introduce management skills for a clinical laboratory’s smooth organization/functions and safety.
Enable graduates to enrich life-long learning skills for communication, teaching others, and working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
Teach ethical considerations in the profession of Biomedical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science.

The objectives specific to the concentration of Immunology are to:

Provide an in-depth knowledge of aspects related to the structure and functions of the immune system.
Present the effectors of immune responses related to defense mechanisms, the development of allergy, and the development of autoimmunity.
Provide in-depth knowledge of other health consequences due to abnormal functions of the immune system.
Identify response markers and present the immunotechnology-based methods for detecting, diagnosing, and monitoring immune and other diseases.
Provide knowledge on modern molecular-based methods and technologies used in the clinical diagnosis of immune-related dysfunctions.
Present recent advances in immunology research, prophylaxis, and immunotherapy.

The objectives specific to the concentration of Immunology are to:

Provide an in-depth knowledge of aspects related to the structure and functions of the immune system.
Present the effectors of immune responses related to defense mechanisms, the development of allergy, and the development of autoimmunity.
Provide in-depth knowledge of other health consequences due to abnormal functions of the immune system.
Identify response markers and present the immunotechnology-based methods for detecting, diagnosing, and monitoring immune and other diseases.
Provide knowledge on modern molecular-based methods and technologies used in the clinical diagnosis of immune-related dysfunctions.
Present recent advances in immunology research, prophylaxis, and immunotherapy.

The objectives specific to the concentration of Hematology are to:

Provide an in-depth knowledge of aspects related to basic hematology, blood transfusion, and hemostasis.
Provide a comprehensive understanding of immunohematology and the development of disease.
Give a general knowledge of other health consequences due to abnormal hematological mechanisms.
Review the modern molecular-based methods and technologies used to diagnose hematology-related dysfunctions.
Present recent advances in hematology research, prophylaxis, and immunotherapy.

Career Prospects

Biomedical science has to play an important role in healthcare. The component subjects taught are at the forefront of scientific research and, therefore, the graduates of the programme will be able to understand current discoveries, controversies, and concerns regarding human health and diseases. The programme graduates, therefore, can be employed in various areas in the public and private health-related sectors since their education covers both, biological and medical science. In addition, completion of this programme can be considered as part of the 9-year minimum postgraduate training for Biomedical Laboratory Scientists that is required for registration of specialist expertise towards licensing to practice and direct a Bioscience/Clinical Laboratory.

Overall based on the core courses and specialization courses that students can take, it will qualify them upon graduation to work or provide service or do research in the relevant field, at a private or public hospital or pharmaceutical industry medical or research laboratories. Alternatively, they can also take an administrative post in the pharmaceutical industry and at health/disease-related non-governmental organizations, companies, government, or international organizations (i.e., health insurance companies, health service providers, WHO, the Red Cross, etc.).

Specific major employment areas include:

National pathology and clinical laboratories
National Blood Service laboratories
Private pathology laboratories
Health Protection Agency (i.e., WHO)
Veterinary and agricultural laboratories
Clinical genetics laboratories
Forensic laboratories
Research laboratories in universities
Government or charity-funded research laboratories
Research and development for the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, medical devices
and laboratory instrumentation industries
Clinical trials, regulatory affairs (drug registration and patents)
Commerce (sales and marketing) related to healthcare and diagnostic products
Education: university, college and school teaching
Food industry and food safety
Biotechnology industry

Access to Further Studies

Graduates of the programme can be accepted into Third Cycle degrees (Doctoral Degree)

Admission

Academic Admission

The minimum admission requirement to an undergraduate programme of study is a recognized High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) or equivalent internationally recognized qualification(s). Students with a lower HSLC grade than 7.5/10 or 15/20 or equivalent depending on the grading system of the country issuing the HSLC are provided with extra academic guidance and monitoring during the first year of their studies.

In addition to the above, applicants must also satisfy the following requirements:

Your registration to the science courses Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics will be considered on an individual basis. Students with “(I)GCSE” Chemistry, Biology, and a passing grade of ≥17 out of 20 will be allowed to take these courses. If you do not meet these criteria you will be required to take first the Foundation Courses and achieve a minimum GPA grade of ≥ 2.5 out of 4 before you are allowed to register for any the relevant courses of the Programme. Your registration to the Mathematics courses of the Programme will depend on your performance in the Mathematics Placement Test which you have to take upon admission to the University. You may be required to take lower level Mathematics courses if your performance is low.
Course Credits earned at other accredited Colleges/Universities will be considered for transfer upon petition with an attached syllabus and provided the passing course grade is ≥C (75%) and the courses are of the same quality and equivalency as courses offered by the Programme. Transfer of credits will have to be approved. You must provide to the Registrar all the documents required for the completion of the Official Credit Transfer Evaluation Report for approval. Transfer credits do not count towards a student’s Credit Point Average (CPA).
Regarding GCE “A” level, you are allowed a total of up to 30 ECTS unit credits for advanced standing in Chemistry, Biology and Physics provided you have obtained a grade of ≥75%.
Regardless of the number of credits transferred from accredited Higher Education Institutions, graduates of 2-year accredited programmes and transfer students from 4-year accredited programmes in the same discipline from another Higher Education Institution in Cyprus or abroad, are required to gain a minimum of 120 ECTS from courses of the Human Biology Programme for the award of their Degree. Students who transfer from 3 year UK programmes in the same discipline, will require to gain a minimum of 90 ECTS from courses of the Human Biology Programme for the award of their Degree.

English Language Proficiency
The list below provides the minimum English Language Requirements (ELR) for enrollment to the programme of study. Students who do not possess any of the qualifications or stipulated grades listed below and hold IELTS with 4.5 and above, are required to take UNIC’s NEPTON English Placement Test (with no charge) and will receive English Language support classes.

TOEFL – 525 and above
Computer-based TOEFL – 193 and above
Internet-based TOEFL – 80 and above
IELTS – 6 and above
Cambridge Exams [First Certificate] – B and above
Cambridge Exams [Proficiency Certificate – C and above
GCSE English Language “O” Level – C and above
Michigan Examination of Proficiency in English (CaMLA) – Pass
Pearson PTE General – Level 3 and above
KPG (The Greek Foreign Language Examinations for the State Certificate of Language Proficiency) – Level B2 and above
Anglia – Level B2 and above
IEB Advances Programme English – Pass
Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE) Michigan Language Assessment by: Cambridge Assessment English & University of Michigan – 650 average score for ALL skills and above

Assessment

Course assessment usually comprises of a comprehensive final exam and continuous assessment. Continuous assessment can include amongst others, mid-terms, projects and class participation.

Letter grades are calculated based on the weight of the final exam and the continuous assessment and the actual numerical marks obtained in these two assessment components. Based on the course grades the student’s semester grade point average (GPA) and cumulative point average (CPA) are calculated.

Graduation

The student must complete 90 ECTS and all programme requirements.

A minimum cumulative grade point average (CPA) of 2.0 is required. Thus, although a ‘D-‘ is a PASS grade, in order to achieve a CPA of 2.0 an average grade of ‘C’ is required.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the students should be able to:

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the cellular and molecular aspects of biomedical science relevant to the specialization field chosen (currently immunology and hematology).
Explain the biochemical processes in human health and disease on a general and field-specific level.
List and appraise the diagnostic tests used in the field of specialization and explain the molecular basis and technology of the diagnostic tests used (i.e., in the field of immunology of hematology).
Demonstrate competency in performing common laboratory analytical tests used in the field of specialization (immunology or hematology).
Obtain and analyze data and appraise the validity and influence of variations (pre-analytical, biological, and analytical factors) on data interpretation.
List and appraise the ethical responsibilities associated with the practice of clinical laboratory sciences.
Discuss the principles of safety and quality in the practice of clinical tests.
Communicate (orally and in writing) scientific information related to the interpretation of clinical test results.
Research the literature, assess new developments in laboratory investigations on the field of specialization, and design/conduct basic or applied relevant research.
Describe the organization of a laboratory and the management strategies used for the provision of good laboratory services as defined in EN-ISO document 15189 and the EFLM Essential Criteria.

Academic Path

Section: A – Core Courses

Min. ECTS Credits: 22.5 Max. ECTS Credits: 22.5

Notes:

Course ID	Course Title	ECTS Credits
BISC-510	Laboratory Quality Assurance Management	7.5
BISC-512	Bioanalytical and Diagnostic Technology	7.5
BISC-523	Pathological Basis to Disease	7.5

Section: B – Concentration: Immunology

Min. ECTS Credits: 67.5 Max. ECTS Credits: 67.5

Notes:

Course ID	Course Title	ECTS Credits
BISC-514I	Clinical Practicum – Immunology	7.5
BISC-593I	Thesis I – Immunology	7.5
BISC-594I	Thesis II – Immunology	22.5
IMMU-540	Immunotherapy	7.5
IMMU-541	Cellular and Molecular Immunology	7.5
IMMU-542	Autoimmunity and Inflammatory Diseases	7.5
IMMU-544	Immunotechnology	7.5

Section: C – Concentration: Hematology

Min. ECTS Credits: 67/5 Max. ECTS Credits: 67.5

Notes:

Course ID	Course Title	ECTS Credits
BISC-514H	Clinical Practicum – Hematology	7.5
BISC-593H	Thesis I – Hematology	7.5
BISC-594H	Theisis II – Hematology	22.5
HEMA-541	Introduction to Hematology	7.5
HEMA-542	Blood Disorders	7.5
HEMA-543	Immunohematology	7.5
HEMA-544	Hemostasis	7.5

Section: D – Unallocated Courses

Semester Breakdown

Semester 1

Course ID	Course Title	ECTS Credits
BISC-510	Laboratory Quality Assurance Management	7.5
BISC-512	Bioanalytical and Diagnostic Technology	7.5
BISC-523	Pathological Basis to Disease	7.5
IMMU-541	Cellular and Molecular Immunology	7.5

Semester 2

Course ID	Course Title	ECTS Credits
IMMU-540	Immunotherapy	7.5
IMMU-542	Autoimmunity and Inflammatory Diseases	7.5
IMMU-544	Immunotechnology	7.5
BISC-593I	Thesis I – Immunology	7.5

Semester 3

Course ID	Course Title	ECTS Credits
BISC-514I	Clinical Practicum – Immunology	7.5
BISC-594I	Thesis II – Immunology	22.5

The above semester breakdown is an indicative one. A few of the courses are electives and can be substituted by others. Students may contact their academic advisor and consult their academic pathway found on this website under “Schools & Programmes”.