West Midlands Training Course/MSc in Clinical Biochemistry

MSc Course Structure
Lecture Programme

The course consists of a 2 year rolling programme of lectures. There are 3 terms of study in each year. Each term consists of 9 study days. (Link to module descriptors) All modules are covered over the 2 years of the course but not in numerical order.

Exams

Exams are taken at the end of autumn and spring terms based on the work covered in that term, at the end of the summer term in year 1 based on the work covered in that year and at the end of the summer term in year 2 based on the work covered over the previous two years.

End of Autumn and Spring Term

These aren’t University of Birmingham exams but form part of the assessment of the progress of the trainee. There are no re-sits. The examination consists of an essay question paper (candidates must attempt 2 out of 4 questions) and a short answer question paper which consists of 10 questions.

End of Summer Term in Year 1

This is a University of Birmingham exam. Candidates need to pass each module of this exam to progress to year 2 however the marks do not count towards the final MSc mark. There is a re-sit. The examination consists of 1 from 2 essays and 5 short answer questions per completed module.

End of Summer Term in Year 2

This is a University of Birmingham exam and the marks make up 50% of the final MSc mark. There is a re-sit
Dissertation & Project

Together the dissertation and project make up 50% of the marks for the MSc. The dissertation makes up one third of this 50% and the project makes up two thirds. The dissertation needs to be completed and handed in on the first lecture day in year 2 and the project at the beginning of June in year 2 (exact dates will be given).

Marks will be reduced by 5% per day for late submission of the project or the dissertation. Genuine extenuating circumstances (e.g. ill health) will be viewed sympathetically but it is vital that the University and Course Organiser are informed as soon as possible. (project and dissertation guidance)