ObjectivesThe programme aims to introduce students to modern up-to-date molecular and cell-biological research in the field of reproductive biology and medicine in a stimulating, challenging and vibrant research atmosphere.
Entry requirementsEntry Requirements
The programme is intended for high-calibre students with biological science, medical or veterinary backgrounds. The programme serves as an excellent introduction to research in the UK for students intending to proceed to a PhD or for clinical graduates to acquire laboratory skills. Students should therefore have a minimum of a UK 2:1 honours degree in a relevant biological discipline (or a medical/veterinary qualification), or its equivalent if outside the UK, and have a good grasp of written and spoken English.
Academic titleMSc by Research Reproductive Biology
Course descriptionLearning Outcomes
Students will be trained in laboratory procedures, analysis and interpretation of data, and in a range of transferable skills such as report writing, project planning and presentation of results.
How You Will Be Taught
The course involves two 10-week laboratory-based (mini) projects and a longer 20-week (maxi) project with an assessed research proposal. There are also weekly journal clubs, research seminars and research clinics. In addition, there will be the opportunity to take Transkills modules, offering a wide range of transferable skills.
Reproductive Biology
The MSc by Research in Reproductive Biology aims to:
• emphasise the importance of research in Reproductive Biology, and provide an introduction to the main areas of research in the Centre, showing how application of knowledge gained through research may impact upon human reproductive health and disease.
• give students the opportunity to work in a range of different research laboratories and to gain insight into a variety of research. Projects are designed to enable students to gain experience and confidence in the technical and generic skills associated with modern molecular and cellular biology research
• enable students to assimilate rapidly into a research project, bringing to it a more mature perspective and a broad range of experimental approaches
• provide an opportunity, if necessary or desirable, for those not wishing to pursue a research career in Reproduction to exit with a Masters by Research degree (or Diploma by Research) in Reproductive Biology from the University of Edinburgh .
Recent mini- projects:
• Pathways involved in the effects of environmental chemicals on development and function of the fetal sheep testis (Prof Richard Sharpe).
• Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in luteal cells in vitro (Dr Colin Duncan)
• GnRH receptor control of cytokine activity in reproductive tissues (Dr Adam Pawson)