MSc Integrative Biology

Institution University of Nottingham
Method At the institution
Location Nottingham
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MSc Integrative Biology

Objectives The MSc in Integrative Biology examines the breadth of skills required to work in this rapidly growing discipline. Integrative Biology (IB) studies biological systems such as microbes, plants and animals, by exploiting production and application of mechanistic mathematical modelling and bioinformatics techniques. These models may range in scale from individual biochemical reactions of intracellular organelles to that of entire ecosystems. The British government, as well as industries in the UK and around the world, has placed IB very highly on its priority lists for scientific research and training by committing very substantial funds and resources over the next decade. This programme emphasises a collaborative, multidisciplinary, problem-solving approach to finding solutions to biological problems, combining knowledge and expertise from disciplines such as molecular biology (genomics, proteomics etc), biology, computing, engineering, and mathematics. The individual research project forms an integral part of this programme and highlights the close relationship between experimental laboratory scientists and IB. The course will provide you with the skill set necessary to contribute to an IB research programme in academic research or within one of the many related disciplines such as biotechnology and pharmacology. All students with an interest in IB are encouraged to apply regardless of scientific background; however, the expectation is that they will become familiar with the methods and vocabulary of the various related disciplines.
Entry requirements An ‘A’ level GCE or equivalent in Mathematics is highly recommended for this course. Relevant workplace experience may, in some circumstances, be accepted as qualification for entry
Academic title MSc Integrative Biology
Course description Key facts

-This course is hosted by the Multidisciplinary Centre for Integrative Biology which is undergoing a period of massive expansion to establish the UK Centre for Plant Integrative Biology.
-This ground-breaking Centre sits at the forefront of major research and training activities and work in collaboration with academic and industrial research organisations around the world.
-The School of Biosciences is one of the largest and strongest Schools of its kind in the UK.
-It has consistently achieved high ratings in independent UK assessments of both research and teaching quality, receiving an RAE grade of 5A and 23/24 in the latest Teaching Quality Assessment.
-The Sutton Bonington Campus is a self-contained, 16-hectare site in the beautiful countryside of South Nottinghamshire and it offers a number of dedicated facilities applicable to this course.

Course Content

Many students are familiar with using IT and hence are not intimidated by the prospect of spending more time in front of a computer than in a laboratory. It is also becoming apparent in a growing number of undergraduate courses that modelling the biological system of interest is the way to make the discoveries ahead of the experimental work confirming the result in reality.

At the very least, the subject offers a way to choose which experiments are the most appropriate to carry out, so that the rate of successful discoveries in the laboratory will increase.

Through a mixture of compulsory and optional modules (worth 120 credits), the MSc in Integrative Biology provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

-The mathematical and computational techniques to make useful and effective models of biological systems including and spanning the physical scales from chemistry, through molecular and cellular biology, to whole organism anatomy/physiology and population biology.
-The information and informatics resources available to make these models.
-The application and understanding of Integrative Biology techniques to a specific research project.
-The role of multi-disciplinary work in Integrative Biology.
-The application of Integrative Biology in the private sector.

Please note that all module details are subject to change.

Once you have completed the taught components of the course, you will undertake a 60-credit research project, to be completed in association with biomedical scientists. This project provides you with the opportunity to undertake a major piece of independent research under the supervision of a member of the academic staff.

Course Structure
The MSc in Integrative Biology is delivered on a full-time basis over one year.

This course comprises 180 credits - you will take 120 credits’ worth of taught core and optional modules over the autumn and spring semesters before completing a 60-credit technology Part II project towards the end of the course. Your progression on to the project is dependent on you achieving the required pass mark during the taught modules.
Assessment methods vary across the modules but typically consist of a combination of:

-Written examinations at the end of the appropriate semester associated with the lecture-based modules
-Formal coursework assignments associated with the lecture modules
-Research project
-A viva voce examination

We also offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Biology, which offers the same taught modules as the MSc course but does not include a dissertation requirement.