MSc in Transfusion and Transplantation Sciences
The course aims to develop interest, knowledge and understanding of the theory, practical techniques and research methodology relating to the clinical sciences underpinning transplantation and transfusion medicine.
To achieve this, the course is split into five units (A-E).
A with C1 and D1 (year 1 of the part time course) = PG Certificate
Certificate plus B with C2 and C2 (year 2 of the part time course) = PG Diploma
Diploma plus E = MSc
In Units A, B and D the students are given formal teaching and assignments to complete, supplemented with tutorials. Unit C comprises of practical sessions and presentations, and during TTS-E they plan, execute and analyse an original piece of research work and write up a thesis. The structure, aims and objectives of each unit are summarised below:
Unit A (TTS-A): The Principles of Transfusion and Transplantation Science
TTS-A is a unit of approximately 70 hours of lectures and tutorials. The unit addresses the scientific principles underlying the practice of transfusion and transplantation. It Includes topics such as blood group molecular genetics, immunology, haemolytic anaemias, neonatal immune thrombocytopenia, In addition, tutorials ensure familiarity with the library, computer-aided learning and use of the Internet and have a clear understanding of the content of the lectures. The Unit is assessed by written examination and two assignments. 40 credits
Unit B (TTS-B): The Application of Transfusion and Transplantation Science
TTS-B is also a unit of approximately 70 hours of lectures and tutorials. This unit provides the essential knowledge needed to apply the basic science to clinical and laboratory practice. It includes topics such as blood donation, donation testing, stem cells transplants, ethics, provision of blood in special situations, antibody identification and tissue engineering. The Unit is assessed by written examination and two assignments. 40 credits
Unit C (TTS-C): Transfusion and Transplantation in Practice
The unit comprises practical classes designed to expose students to many different types of technology used in transfusion and transplantation laboratories (total 100hrs). Students write up practicals in a logbook. 20 credits
Unit D (TTS-D): Research Methods and Biostatistics Design
This unit teaches the principles of experimental design including basic, intermediate and some advanced statistical methods required to interpret published data and to analyse new data generated from clinical and laboratory research. This unit comprises 96 hours of interactive workshop teaching sessions dealing with planning, design of experiments, preparing a grant application and the statistical analysis of results. The Unit is assessed by written examination and one assignment. 20 credits
Unit E (TTS-E): Research Project
This unit consists of a three month (or equivalent) supervised research project which enables students to develop an understanding of biomedical research and scientific methods. The Unit is assessed by examination of the thesis and defence of the thesis in an oral presentation before an audience and examiners. 60 credits
MODULES
Each module is completed in one week except for statistics and immunology which are two week modules.
1Introduction to the course
2Basic Science
3Blood donation
4Blood components
5Immunology
6Transfusion: Testing and issue
7Clinical transfusion
8Statistics
9Platelets and coagulation
10Stem cell transplantation
11Blood groups
12Haematological diseases
13Organ transplantation
14Tissue engineering
Intellectual skills and attributes of students will be developed so they will be able to:
- Critically review published papers, summarising and analysing the findings.
- Plan, conduct and report a programme of original research with a defined aim and a structured design that addresses this aim.
- Apply biostatistical methods to problems arising in transfusion and transplantation.
- Recognise when a process or test is out of control, suggest possible reasons for this and select an appropriate solution from a range of alternatives.
- Have a basic knowledge of other disciplines related to transfusion and transplantation science in order to be able to integrate information into a wider context.
- Evaluate and question current practices in terms of cost, health benefit, regulatory requirements and feasibility.
Practical and transferable skills of students will be developed so they will be able to:
- Plan and execute safely a series of experiments.
- Analyse experimental results and determine their strength and validity.
- Give scientific presentations to a small group.
- Use the scientific literature effectively.
- Take notes effectively.
- Communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
- Use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and statistical software packages.
- Work as a member of a team.
- Learn effectively and independently in the spirit of critical enquiry.
- Manage resources and time.
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