Molecular Biology MSc

" Molecular Biology MSc OVERVIEW

MSc Molecular Biology (HLST104)

MSc Molecular Biology with Professional Experience (HLST137)

This course runs in September and January.

12 months full-time

20 months full-time with Professional Experience

24 months part-time

Molecular biology is a key area underpinning modern biology in the post-genomic era. The science of molecular biology analyses the structure and function of organisms – viral, microbial and eukaryotic – at a molecular level. The structure and function of nucleic acids, genes, proteins and cell-signalling molecules are also analysed by molecular biology. Molecular biology techniques can be used to investigate errors in cellular systems that are fundamental to an advanced understanding of disease aetiology. In addition, innovations in molecular biology permit sophisticated modification of organisms, and manipulation of their functions, to permit the production of novel products and the development of novel therapeutic technologies. The burgeoning global bioscience sector creates a continuing demand for the education of scientists at postgraduate level skilled in molecular biology.

The MSc Molecular Biology with Professional Experience, is an extended full-time Masters programme with a substantive professional experience component. Within the professional experience modules, students have the option of undertaking an internship with a host organisation or, alternatively, campus-based professional experience. Internships are subject to a competitive application and selection process and the host organisation may include the University.

Internships may be paid or unpaid, and this will depend on what is being offered and agreed with the host organisation. Students who do not wish to undertake an internship or are not successful in securing an internship will undertake campus-based professional experience, which will deliver similar learning outcomes through supervised projects and activities designed to offer students the opportunity to integrate theory with an understanding of professional practice.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

This course is intended for life science graduates from both home and overseas courses who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in biosciences with an emphasis on molecular biology. The aim of the course is to produce scientists who will be able to contribute to a range of careers including academic, commercial, industrial and healthcare applications of molecular biology. This course is also an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue research in molecular biology at PhD level.

You will have the opportunity to study a broad range of Molecular Biology at a theoretical and a practical level. You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of molecular biology techniques. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of transferrable and research skills that will develop your knowledge and enhance your employment potential.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

The course is focused on the key elements of molecular biology and comprises modules on the following topics:

• Genomes and DNA Technology;
• Cell Culture and Antibody Technology;
• Mammalian Cell and Molecular Biology;
• Molecular Microbiology;
• Molecular Biology of Disease.

The course will also comprise a Research Skills module. In addition, a Research Project forms part of the MSc course.

Additionally, the understanding gained from these modules will be demonstrated and applied in either the University-based project (12 months full-time or 24 months part-time, on course HLST104), or the professional experience modules giving students the option of undertaking an internship with a host organisation or, alternatively, campus-based professional experience.

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