Molecular Medicine

You’ll build core scientific skills through four compulsory modules studied over two terms. Alongside these, your optional modules (two each term) allow you to tailor your study to your interests. Modules typically last 11 weeks.

Throughout the programme you will:

• gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, application and potential of molecular medicine
• learn techniques in the field of molecular biology, immunology, cell biology and chemistry
  develop the ability to carry out molecular, biological and bioinformatics research for investigation of human diseases
• be able to engage in research projects using the latest technologies that generate results with scientific impact and the potential for improving patient health
• learn to critically evaluate current issues in molecular medicine, translate research findings into clinical applications, and recognise commercial opportunities.

Research project

You’ll spend approximately half of the programme on your individual research project, which usually runs from April to August. The research project allows you to work as part of a research team in a cutting edge discipline.

You will have a wide choice of research opportunities in Applied Health Research, Cancer and Pathology, Cardiovascular, Genes and Development and Musculoskeletal Research. You select your project from a range of research projects offered to MSc Molecular Medicine students.

The research project is based in one of the research laboratories at the St James’s University Hospital campus.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Research Methods for Clinical Sciences 10 credits
• Research Informatics and Dissemination 15 credits
• Preparing for the Research Project 15 credits
• Research Project 80 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Molecular Medicine MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

The taught components of the programme provide a perfect knowledge background and research training to get the best out of your research project.

You’ll be taught by active scientists and clinicians who are world-leading in their research fields, through lectures, workshops, laboratory practicals, seminars and tutorials. All our students judged the programme as “intellectually stimulating” in 2014 student survey.

Teaching is mainly at St James's University Hospital, a busy research facility with research laboratories and a teaching laboratory, computer cluster, library and meeting rooms. You can easily get to and from the University campus with the free NHS shuttlebus.

We encourage you to participate in the School of Medicine Institutes’ activities, such as the invited speaker seminar series. You also have access to all the wider University of Leeds facilities.

Assessment

A major objective of the programme is to train you to formulate your own ideas and express them logically, and this will be tested in every module assessment.

A typical module will be assessed by two assignments. Assessments include written assignments, as well as delivering presentations and posters, and leading discussions.

The MSc programme comprises 180 credits. You may choose to exit the programme at an earlier stage, with either a PG Certificate (60 credits) or a PG Diploma (120 credits).