Clinical Measurement Physiology

Course Outline
Our MSc in Clinical Measurement Physiology is a new full-time programme designed to support you in developing the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes necessary to practice as a Clinical Measurement Physiologist.

The Clinical Measurement Physiology programme will appeal to science graduates with a background in physiology and individuals from other healthcare professionals interested in developing professional skills in the diagnostic evaluation of patients in one of four different disciplines: cardiology, neurology, gastrointestinal and respiratory science. A unique element of this programme is the focus on neonatal physiology.

We aim to provide an excellent educational experience in both academic and clinical environments and to support you as you develop the necessary attributes to contribute to the constantly advancing and evolving nature of clinical measurement science.

Practice education is an integral component of the programme and you will have the opportunity to undertake clinical placements in both Years 1 and 2.

Placement or Study Abroad Information
Practice education is an integral component of the programme and students will undertake four different placements in Years 1 and 2.

These placements will take place in the Clinical Measurement Departments of UCC teaching hospitals of the South/Southwest Hospital Group.

Hospitals of the South/Southwest Group include Cork University Hospital, Bon Secours Hospital Cork, Mercy University Hospital, South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital, Bantry General Hospital, Mallow General Hospital, Tipperary University Hospital, University Hospital Kerry, and University Hospital Waterford.

Travel and accommodation costs associated with placement are the responsibility of the student.

Year 1 Modules
Semester 1
PL6004 Principles of Professional Practice in Clinical Physiology (5 credits)
PL6005 Clinical Measurement Instrumentation (10 credits)
PL6006 Core Placement Skills for Clinical Physiologists (5 credits)
PL6007 Biological Systems for Clinical Physiologists - Cardiology (5 credits)
PL6008 Biological Systems for Clinical Physiologists - Respiratory Function (5 credits)
PL6009 Biological Systems for Clinical Physiologists - Neurology (5 credits)

Semester 2
PL6010 Biological Systems for Clinical Physiologists - Gastroenterology (5 credits)
PL6011 Biological Systems for Clinical Physiologists - Neonatology (5 credits)
PL6012 Effective Communication for Clinical Physiologists (5 credits)
PL6013 Professional Practice in Clinical Physiology I (Placement) (10 credits)

Semester 3
PL6014 Professional Practice in Clinical Physiology II Placement (10 credits)

Year 2 Modules
Semester 1
PL6015 Professional Practice in Clinical Physiology - Specialist 15-Week Placement I (15 credits)
PL6017 Research Project in Clinical Physiology I (5 credits)
PL6018 Research Project in Clinical Physiology II (15 credits)

Semester 2
PL6016 Professional Practice in Clinical Physiology - Specialist 15-Week Placement II (15 credits)

Flexi-option (to be completed prior to entry to the course)
PL6019: Introduction to Clinical Physiology (5 credits)*

* Prerequisite module where supplemental knowledge of physiology is deemed necessary by the programme board. This will be completed prior to the commencement of the programme.

Applicants must have at least a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) (or equivalent) in any of the following relevant subject areas: physiology, medical and health sciences, neuroscience or other relevant biological sciences. Other graduates with an honours primary degree in a relevant health care discipline e.g. nursing, may also be interested in this programme, although proficiency in understanding systems physiology will be an important entry criterion.

Shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview (face-to-face with an opportunity for online).

Recognition of Prior Learning
Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements but who have relevant experience in a relevant field to physiology, medical and health sciences, neuroscience or other relevant sciences.

Eligible applicants will be shortlisted for an interview based on the following criteria:
Educational qualifications
Academic achievements outside of the curriculum, e.g., publications, conference presentations
Contributions beyond academia
Motivation to become a Clinical Measurement Physiologist, e.g., a motivational statement will include the applicant's research aspirations in this field and indicate how their previous degree will contribute to this research and their future career as a clinical measurement physiologist.
Communication skills

Garda Vetting Policy
Students, or applicants in receipt of an offer, are subject to Garda Vetting as per the UCC Student Garda Vetting policy and are prohibited from engaging in a relevant work placement unless the vetting process has been completed.

Closing Date: The first round of offers will be made by 8 March. Otherwise, open until no later than 30th April.

2 Years (Year 1: Semesters 1, 2 and 3; Year 2: Semesters 1 and 2) full-time.

Start Date: 9th September 2024.

Skills and Careers Information
On completion of this course, you will be eligible to apply for careers in clinical measurement physiology in both the HSE and private sectors.

The HSE has identified a national shortage of appropriately trained Clinical Measurement Physiologists, particularly in cardiology, respiratory medicine, and clinical neurophysiology. Measurement scientists are key members of the teams managing conditions such as myocardial infarction, epilepsy, COVID-19, or peptic ulcer disease. A shortage of measurement scientists is a critical reason for prolonged waiting lists in these areas. There are departments of clinical measurement in all the teaching and acute hospitals in Ireland.