Objectivesa) provide students with substantive knowledge and understanding of a variety of techniques, analyses, methods and perspectives that support research into molecular pharmacology b) offer students the opportunity to initiate an advanced programme of original research in an appropriate aspect of molecular pharmacology and to provide support in project development c) enhance key skills in professional development and as research scientists to enable students to pursue further career opportunities within biomedical research or to continue in more advanced research programmes.
Entry requirementsSuccessful applicants must normally hold at least a lower second Honours degree in a related subject. Applicants with a lower class of degree and/or from outside of these areas will be considered individually and are usually interviewed prior to being offered a place. Applicants without a first degree, but who have relevant work experience, are also considered on an individual basis.
Academic titleMolecular Pharmacology Master in Science by Research
Course descriptionThe Human Genome project has impacted upon the disciplines of molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology. The molecular basis of disease is now becoming the focus of research to develop new interventions to prevent illness, particularly where genetic pre-dispositions are becoming more apparent. This course aims to provide the opportunity for students to apply advanced skills in a substantive piece of original research into an aspect of molecular pharmacology.
Future prospects
The Masters by Research programme in Molecular Pharmacology should appeal to those students who have graduated with a life sciences degree and would like to update their knowledge in this rapidly evolving field. The MRes is also likely to attract students within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, or scientists working in the private sector who may want to pursue a research programme within their workplace and to enhance their career prospects. The programme is also intended to prepare students who may wish to consider progression to MPhil and/or PhD training schemes.
Course content
Potential research projects relevant to the programme include:
development of drug delivery methods for novel therapeutic agents; investigation of cost-benefit aspects of newer treatments compared with standard therapeutics; an investigation of factors influencing male fertility, including environmental and individual factors; control of myometrial contractility; an investigation of molecular factors leading to ischaemia or myocardial infarction and the strategies that may be used to reduce their occurrence; an investigation of the activation of leukocytes in response to stress caused by different environmental factors.