Professional/Short course Applied Transplantation Science

Entry year
2025/26
Course code
USSJPJ30M
Application
University
Level
Professional/Short Course
School
School of Applied Sciences
Campus
NHS Blood and Transplant (Filton)
Duration
One semester
Delivery
Online and practical-based
Course Director
Jen May (NHS Blood and Transplant)

BSc(Hons) Biomedical Top-up

Introduction

Modules can be offered either individually or collectively if you have had your first degree evaluated by the IBMS and require further Top-up studies in order to complete the educational requirement for IBMS accreditation.

This 30 credit level 7 (Masters level) Applied Transplantation Science module focuses on stem-cell, tissue and organ transplantation, understanding and application of clinical transplantation practice and process is underpinned by teaching in histocompatibility and immunogenetics.

This course aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the theory and practice of stem cell and tissue transplantation.

On successful completion of this module, you will have a sound understanding of histocompatibility and immunogenetics and clinical laboratory practice and process relating to transplantation science.

For an applicant looking to top-up an undergraduate degree to obtain an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) accreditation, please refer to the Biomedical Science module top-up for IBMS/HCPC accreditation for more information.

Careers / Further study

This module can contribute towards the MSc Applied Transfusion and Transplantation Science.

Structure

Content

The module syllabus typically covers the following:

The biology of transplantation

  • An introduction to the Immunological basis for transplantation, immunogenetics and the major histocompatibility complex.
  • Histocompatibility and immunogenetics in stem cell transplantation and organ transplantation.
  • Physiology and pathophysiology of tissue, solid organ, and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
  • Transfusion therapy in the setting of solid organ and stem cell transplantation, including reference to relevant guidelines.

Stem cell and tissue banking

  • The processes involved in consent, retrieval, processing, sample coding, storage and issue of tissues and stem cells.
  • Processing and quality assurance of tissues.
  • Cord blood banking and transplantation.
  • Stem cell registries.
  • Processing, storage and issue of haematopoietic stem cell therapies and donor lymphocyte infusions.
  • Relevant legislation and guidelines for stem cell and tissue banking.

Donor considerations for transplantation

  • Processes involved in donation of tissues and stem cells.
  • Donor selection for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
  • Donor compatibility and organ allocation for transplantation.

Advanced cell therapies

  • An introduction to advanced cell and gene therapies, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
  • Production and quality assurance of DNA and protein-based therapeutics.
  • Applied biomaterials.
  • Technology transfer, translation and commercialisation in the advanced cell therapy setting.

Personalised medicine

  • Incorporation of clinical bioinformatics, pharmacogenomics and genomics, and their roles in personalised medicine within transfusion and transplantation science.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching will be delivered in blocks, including data-based and laboratory-based practicals, as well as online lectures and webinars, online case studies (patient scenario-based), online forum and tutorials.

Teaching will also focus on being practice-led, embedding the application of transplantation theory, together with current clinical management of stem cell, tissue and organ transplantation.

Assessment

The written examination will assess your knowledge on the breadth of the syllabus and evidence their ability to critically analyse and apply current research from the scientific literature and clinical guidelines.

You will also be assessed on your portfolio which should evidence the interpretation of data obtained in laboratory practical classes and understanding of practical application of theoretical concepts.You will be supported in this assessment by in-session guidance from the teaching team and formative feedback on work completed in the initial practical session.

Features

Study facilities

The College of Health, Science and Society has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and the facilities it provides.

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Biosciences facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

Home fee (30 credit) = £1,626.

Overseas/Offshore fee (30 credit) = £2,416.

Dates

Please click on the Apply Now button to view dates.

How to apply

Please click on the Apply Now button to apply for your CPD module, which you can take as a stand-alone course or as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters level) programme.

Please read our Terms and Conditions.

Extra information

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

For further information

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