Entry requirementsThis is a one-year full-time course commencing in October 2008. It is particularly appropriate both for applicants who want a stand alone master’s course with a strong emphasis on biomedical research and for those who want a year of postgraduate research training before proceeding to a PhD in the biomedical field. Some combinations of specialist modules and projects would also be appropriate to those from a Medical or Health Care Professional background who wish to gain research experience for professional development or prior to taking a research degree.
Academic titleMRes in Biomedical Science
Course descriptionCourse structure
The course consists of four core of modules which support the research process and cover research methods, statistics, critical appraisal and research project planning & management (60 credits). Students will also take one specialist module from those listed below (15 credits):
Cell Signalling in Health and Disease
Will cover critical insights into the cutting edge technologies used to understand cell signalling processes and their malfunction in metabolic, developmental and ion channel linked human diseases.
Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Infectious Diseases
Provide a current view host-pathogen interactions during an infection, with a particular emphasis on HIV, TB and malaria.
Cardiac and Vascular Sciences
A critical review the aetiology of degenerative vascular disease to provide a background for insights into the development of novel cell-based or drug-based therapies.
Human Genetics
Reviews the cutting edge genetic technologies such as human cloning and manipulation of genetic databases to provide a grounding for researchprojects involving gene identification.
Reproductive Science and Medicine
Overview of recent advances in the science of reproductive disorders, including infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome and pre-eclampsia.
Applied Research in Rehabilitation
This module will enable students to develop a critical awareness and systematic understanding scientific enquiry in rehabilitation research.
The core and specialist modules will be delivered by a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials and will include opportunities for students to develop scientific presentation skills.
The specialist modules will provide the basis for a laboratory or clinical research project (105 credits) which will be conducted throughout the year and will be written up as a final dissertation. Students will be working within an established research team and will receive individual supervision from specialists active at the cutting edge of research in their own fields.
Research Project opportunities
Project areas may include the following:
-immunopathogenesis of HIV, TB or malaria
-genetics of cardiomyopathy, infantile seizures, motor neuron disease, Noonan syndrome or deafness
-developmental and reproductive cell signalling (e.g.in polycystic ovary syndrome or pre-eclampsia )
-reproductive science (e.g. steroid hormone synthesis, oocyte maturation, or ovarian follicle and cyst development)
-the role of ion channels in health and disease (e.g. in hereditary arrhythmias, cystic fibrosis)
-structure and function of lipoproteins
-mesenchymal stem cells in vascular disease
-molecular and metabolic signalling (e.g. cell growth & apoptosis)
-functional recovery in stroke patients