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MSc Clinical & Diagnostic Biochemistry FT

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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This one-year, full-time MSc Programme equips graduates with:

  • Knowledge of the pathophysiology and management of biochemical and endocrine disorders including the pre- to post-analytical steps involved in their investigation.
  • Understanding the requirements of the quality management system as applicable to clinical diagnostic laboratories as well as the regulatory, legal and ethical basis to practice.
  • Insight and application of knowledge in clinical biochemistry as applied to practice through clinical diagnostic laboratory placement, including service review & audit, clinical and scientific case discussions and meetings, clinical translational research and development (Spring & Summer trimesters).

This MSc is designed and tailored to give students a broad but comprehensive knowledge in the specialism of clinical biochemistry which is delivered within the context of practice within accredited and regulated clinical diagnostic laboratories. 

About This Course

 

Students will gain knowledge of clinical biochemistry, diagnostic endocrinology and other sub-specialisms e.g. toxicology, newborn screening and metabolic biochemistry including the pathophysiological basis for related conditions and diagnostic approaches to their investigation and management. Students will understand the policies, procedures and methodological tools and techniques as relevant to clinical diagnostic laboratories including the requirements of medical laboratory accreditation (e.g. ISO15189:2022), ethics and legislation e.g. GPDR, IVDR.  Students will also develop skills for statistically evaluating data, using relevant software for data collation and analysis as well as contextualising and interpreting results analytically and clinically.  Students will also learn and develop skills for gathering and appraising scientific and medical literature, particularly for research and development purposes, as well as effectively communicating clinical and scientific information verbally and written.   

Students will learn through in person (UCD Belfield campus) and online (Zoom) lectures and workshops delivered throughout the course, mainly in Autumm and Spring trimesters.  Students will also learn autonomously in preparation for assignments scheduled throughout the course.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
MDCS41950 Biostatistics and Data Managem Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYS40180 Endocrinology and Metabolism Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYS40290 Clin Biochem Disease Pathophys Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYS40310 Clinical Biochemistry Application & Practice Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYS40320 Special Topics in Clin. Bio. Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYS40220 Clinical Placement (Biochem) Spring  20
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYS40280 Clin/Diag Tools & Approaches Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYS40230 Dissertation (Biochem) Summer  30

MSc Clinical & Diagnostic Biochemistry FT (X874) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 12810
nonEU    fee per year - € 29100

***Fees are subject to change

Applicants to this course must fulfil the following minimum pre-requisites:

●       A 2:1 honours undergraduate degree (NFQ Level 8) or international equivalence in a Biochemistry related discipline

and/or

●       A postgraduate degree in a Biochemistry related discipline

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes


General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MSc Clinical & Diagnostic Biochemistry FT:

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X874
MSc Clinical & Diagnostic Biochemistry FT
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
* you can change options at the top of the page