This module provides the student with the design of experiments concepts, tools and techniques for optimising products and processes. The student will learn to build empirical models of a process and assess their validity. The R statistical software or equivalent will be used extensively for data analysis and interpretation.

1. Demonstrate principles of statistical design, hypothesis testing and model diagnostics

2. Plan, conduct and analyse experiments using completely randomised design (CRD) and randomised block design

3. Design,analyse and interpret the results of the factorial, fractional factorial and repeated measures design

4. Analyse and interpret data from experiments involving latin square design, split plots and response surface design

5. Review concepts of statistical power and sample size and theirimplications for design and analysis of experiments

Research methodology is an integral part of any Masters course. The aim of this module is to ensure that students will be fully competent to devise, run and present research in a professional manner.

1. Systematically review and evaluate current literature, using appropriate tools and techniques.

2. Identify, analyse and evaluate appropriate research methods for research project proposal development.

3. Demonstrate the synthesis and integration of knowledge.

4. Draft a research proposal appropriate to their career stage and aligned with their research interests.

5. Create an appropriate data management structure.

6. Communicate research in various formats including written and oral presentation methods.

This module will build on students knowledge of the analytical methods, technologies and platforms in routine use in clinical laboratories. Students will study emerging trends in technologies and their application in the clinical setting.

1. Discuss the theory and use of the main analytical technologies employed within clinical laboratories.

2. Present detailed discussions on emerging trends in laboratory diagnostics including robotics, near patient and self-testing.

3. Appraise current and recent advances in analytical methods for clinical laboratory and research centres.

4. Critically review analytical method evaluation.

This module will provide the learner with an in-depth understanding of current and emerging molecular-based diagnostic assays and their clinical application. The module will include an introduction to bioinformatics, with a particular emphasis on the use of computational tools and online databases to analyse sequence data generated in the clinical diagnostics laboratory.

1. Evaluate current and emerging molecular diagnostic technologies and their appropriate clinical applications.

2. Critically assess the application of omics technologies in clinical diagnostics.

3. Demonstratea critical understanding of the use of bioinformatics for comparing, analysing and interpreting biological data.

4. Research and evaluate the rationale for the development of novel molecular diagnostic tests and the associated challenges.

This module will provide the learner with a critical understanding of the principles and practice of transfusion and transplantation science in the context of the regulatory environment. Learners will evaluate the role of advanced techniques in the resolution of complex immunohaematological problems as well as the contribution of emerging technologies, including tissue engineering, to patient care.

1. Critically discuss the immunology of blood cellsin the context of blood transfusion practice.

2. Applyevidence-based problem-solving skills to evaluate and resolve practical problems that arise in transfusion practice, taking into account recent advances in transfusion science.

3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of blood component therapy and patient blood management in a variety of clinical settings.

4. Critically assess the role of the national blood transfusion service.

5. Evaluate and discuss transfusion strategies in the context of transplantation.

6. Demonstrate an awareness of the research interface and developing technologies in transfusion and transplantation practice.

7. Applya critical understanding of haemovigilance and regulatory requirements to assess case-based scenarios in transfusion practice.

This module will equip students with an up to date and in-depth understanding of the biochemical consequences of common clinical disorders and the role of the clinical chemistry laboratory in supporting patient care. The module will include the development of new methodologies and biomarkers for use in clinical laboratories to support patient's diagnosis, monitoring, prognosis and screening.

1. Critically review the relationship between normal physiological function and pathological changes that occur in the various clinical conditions.

2. Assess advances in the understanding of pathological processes and the part played by the clinical chemistry laboratory.

3. Appraise current and new analytical methods for relevant analytes in the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory.

4. Critically evaluate current and emerging practices employed within clinical chemistry laboratories.

5. Discuss the significance of clinical chemistry laboratory results taking into account clinical information, pre-analytical and analytical issues.

This module will provide the learner with a critical understanding of the principles and practice of clinical laboratory haematology. Learners will evaluate the role of advanced techniques in the diagnosis and monitoring of haematological disorders as well as the contribution of emerging technologies, including immunotherapy and gene therapy, to patient care.

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of current issues in clinical and diagnostic haematology for the practising medical scientist.

2. Comprehensively explain the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of a variety of haematological disorders.

3. Provide reasoned interpretation oflaboratory-derived diagnostic test results for a variety of haematological disorders and be able to advise on further testing as appropriate.

4. Critically assess the role of the haematology laboratory in the diagnosis and monitoring of haematological disorders with due consideration forquality and regulatory requirements.

5. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the research interface and developing technologies and therapies in the field of haematology.

This module will provide the learner with an in-depth understanding of clinical microbiology and infection. The learner will acquire an advanced knowledge of microbial pathogenesis and control, antimicrobial resistance, emerging trends in microbial diagnostics and the role of the clinical, microbiology, laboratory in patient care.

1. Comprehensively explain thepathogenesis and clinical manifestations of clinically relevant pathogens.

2. Critically assess the role of the microbiology laboratory in the diagnosis, control and surveillance of infectious disease.

3. Comprehensively explainthe significance of antimicrobial chemotherapy,mechanisms of resistance and the detection of resistant pathogens.

4. Critically evaluate currentand emerging practicesinclinical microbiology.

5. Review microbiological scientific publications and produce work to a professional standard.

This module begins with discussion of immune cells, molecules and mediators to develop your understanding and knowledge of advanced immunological concepts. The module will focus on how immune system disorders arise in allergy, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency and transplantation, and how current and modern techniques investigate and diagnose disease. This module will explore host:pathogen interactions in infections focusing on examples of the most current global infectious diseases in humans (tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, COVID-19). You will also learn about current immunological methods such as vaccination, and monoclonal therapeutic antibodies and how they are adapted for use in the clinical setting.

1. Review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency and transplantation

2. Demonstrate critical understanding of immunological testingin disease diagnosis and developing technologies

3. Critically discuss the ways in which microorganism and the host immune response affects the pathology of global infectious diseases and how this relates to clinical symptoms.

4. Read, interpret and critically analyse primary literature on the immunology of disease

5. Evaluate and discuss strategies whichmodulate the immune system and their therapeutics

This module will explore histopathology, cytopathology and molecular pathology to an advanced level in clinical diagnostic practise. There will be a particular focus on diagnosis, prognosis and treatment response prediction through morphology, proteomic and genomic testing.

1. Discuss the pathological basis of disease and the role of histopathology, cytopathology and molecular pathology in the detection and diagnosis of disease as part of the clinical investigation of patients

2. Critically evaluate the application of a range of diagnostic techniques in the investigation of disease at a molecular and cellular level in the cellular pathology laboratory

3. Critically evaluate current and emerging practise in cellular pathology

4. Evaluate the evidence for and current best practice in the management of a range of tumour types and where this aligns with national cancer management strategies

5. Research, evaluate, and discuss key issues within cellular pathology and communicate the results in a cogent and balanced manner