MSc PG Dip PG Cert Gastroenterology

Applicants must hold an appropriate first degree with a minimum of 2:2 honours (e.g. in Medicine, Biomedical Science, Dietetics, Human Biology) or hold appropriate professional qualifications and be able to demonstrate suitable background knowledge and skills.

Applications are invited from:

• junior doctors
• NHS staff
• international students with appropriate qualifications
• international doctors or healthcare professionals
• those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Biomedical Science, Dietetics) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience.

https://www1.chester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/postgraduate-finance/current-postgraduate-fees

The programme provides specialist training for Doctors, or healthcare professionals, in gastroenterology.

It also provides an excellent grounding for those looking to undertake MPhil or PhD research. All candidates will be able to register for a PhD on successful completion of the MSc.

Programme Structure:

The programme is modular with six taught modules – each worth 20 credits. The last of these involves a clinical placement. The course culminates in a 60-credit Research Dissertation.

MD7001: Evidence Based Medicine (20 credits)

Provides you with training in the essential skills needed as a researcher or practitioner to use the scientific and medical literature. This module will equip you with the skills required to:

• search the literature
• critically evaluate research papers
• write a research review, a systematic review and a meta-analysis
• determine the appropriate statistical analyses for a given set of clinical data
• carry out and report statistical analyses.

MD7002: Analysis and Interpretation of Clinical Data (20 credits)

Develops your understanding of the theories underpinning modern analytical and molecular procedures of relevance to the clinician; and enables you to develop a critical appreciation of the uses and limitations of a range of analytical and molecular techniques relevant to clinical and biomedical science. Sessions will cover:

• the value of laboratory tests
• limitations of measurements
• safety and operational issues – COSHH, Risk Assessment and SOPs
• practical sessions – covering aspects of validation
• interpretation of laboratory analyses.

MD7003: The Science of Ageing (20 credits)

Utilises the changes that occur during ageing to develop an in-depth knowledge of the pathology of selected organ systems, including the importance of diagnosis and management of human disease. Areas covered include:

• concepts – the hallmarks of ageing and inflammageing
• the life and death of a cell
• oxidative stress and disease
• ageing – endocrinology, immunology and gene expression
• factors affecting lifespan.

MD7009: Gastroenterology (20 credits)

Studies the diagnosis and management of patients with diseases of the intestines, liver and biliary tree, and pancreas. Areas covered include:

• medical and surgical gastroenterology
• liver disease
• dyspepsia
• inflammatory bowel disease
• functional disturbances of the gut
• cancer.

MD7010: Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology (20 credits)

Reviews current guidelines and their evidence base in the therapeutic management of diabetes, and explores potential new therapies. Specific areas covered include:

• endoscopy in diagnosis and treatment
• radiology in diagnosis and treatment
• therapeutics in gastroenterology
• management of gastrointestinal cancer
• diagnosis, treatment and management of liver disease.

MD7006: Clinical Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis (20 credits) – Optional
Develops an understanding of the immunological processes involved in various aspects of clinical immunology and an in-depth understanding of the interactions between pathogens and the human host.

• autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity, transplantation
• parasitology – malaria, toxoplasmosis
• immune responses to viral infection
• bacteria and immune responses
• biofilms and quorate sensing

MD7101: Current Clinical Practice (20 credits)

Enables you to develop a proactive approach to understanding the current developments in clinical practice. A series of seminars and tutorials will be held with various healthcare professionals and clinical researchers. You will also join clinical teams for placements in your chosen specialism for training in relevant  protocols.

MD7100: Research Dissertation (60 credits)

This is an opportunity to investigate systematically and in depth a laboratory-based topic of direct relevance to the programme of study and your personal interests; to draw on and contribute to the development of the growing body of knowledge in the broad clinical/biomedical sciences field; and to present the outcomes of personal research in the form of two publishable scientific articles.