ObjectivesMany of the big scientific and technical challenges require knowledge and fluency in a range of disciplines. This is particularly true of Biological Sciences where the latest innovations in science and technology are intimately linked to new developments. We have recognised the close link between disciplines in our research by establishing a new Institute of Biophysics, Imaging and Optical Science which incorporates researchers from the School of Biology and the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. In order to prepare talented people who wish to work at this most challenging and exciting of interfaces, this new MSc course has been created. The course is to prepare physical scientists, life scientists and engineers to work in the rapidly expanding disciplines of Biophotonics and Imaging. For those with a background in the Biological Sciences, emphasis will be placed on the qauantitve methods that now play a crucial role in the development of Biology. Students with previous experience in Engineering or Physics will be tutored in the challenges of working at the interface with Biology. We are also aware that preparing students for these new disciplines requires an innovative approach to teaching; for this reason most of the teaching will involve project work, some of which will be common to students from all backgrounds. Once this foundation is laid the student will engage in a research project of their choice supervised by leading researchers in the field. Opportunities to collaborate with PhD students and post doctoral workers are also available. Students will gain training in optical science and technology and cell biology with different emphasis depending on their background. Students will also develop key skills enabling them to communicate with researchers in other disciplines. Particular features of the course include: -One to one supervision and tuition with expert members of staff -Teaching informed by active leading researchers in interdisciplinary science and engineering -Access to online course content -Flexibility in course content
Entry requirementsAll students in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Biology will join a lively and stimulating postgraduate community
Academic titleMSc by Research Biophotonics
Course descriptionKey facts
-Particular features of the programme include: one-to-one tuition with expert members of staff; teaching informed by active leading-edge researchers in the field; innovative and engaging teaching methods; access to many online resources; and flexibility in course content.
-The Faculty of Engineering is widely recognised as world-class - this fact is borne out by the high standard of our research and the extensive funding it attracts - overall research awards recently topped £80m.
-The School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Nottingham has a strong reputation in both teaching and research. It achieved an excellent rating for its teaching quality rating (22/24) in 2000, and a grade of 4 in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise.
-The School of Biology is recognised internationally for its world-class research portfolio.
-It is one of the leading Biology Schools in the UK.
Course Content
The MSc Biophotonics (By Research) is completed by full-time study over 12 months.
Students will be expected to study 60 credits.
Students with an Engineering/Physics background will be required to study Introductory Cell Biology.
Students with a Biology background will be required to study Introduction to Communications Engineering.
Students will take at least three of the following modules:
Microscopy and Image Analysis
Instrumentation and Measurement
Ultrasonics
Imaging Principles and Technology
Digital Signal Processing for Telecommunications, Multimedia and Instrumentation.
Graduate School Modules:
Introduction to Managing Research
Planning Research and Time Management
Research Policy
IPR and Management in Science and Engineering
Course Structure
Tutors provide feedback on assignments. Our objective is to help you develop the confidence to work as a professional researcher, at ease with the conventions of the discipline, ensuring you are ready to tackle your chosen area of research.
In the early stages of writing your project dissertation, your supervisor will read through and comment on your draft work. The project dissertation itself comprises a significant piece of your own research