Entry requirementsEntry requirements Normally one of the following • an honours degree in a biological subject, or equivalent • a professional qualification of equivalent standing to the above, for example MIBiol by examination, FIMLS • other qualifications such as an HND, HNC or unclassified degree in a biological subject plus significant relevant work experience You must also be proficient in English, typically shown by IELTS level 6.0 or 235 on TOEFL or equivalents for non-native English speakers.
Academic titleMSc/PgDip/PgCert Genes and Proteins in Disease
Course descriptionOver the last two decades human genetic material (the genome) has been studied intensively.
International research initiatives such as the Human Genome Project and HapMap (a map of haplotypes) provide a wealth of information about the number and structure of human genes and genetic variation.
This creates opportunities for discovering new proteins and studying their structure and function. It also provides insights into how genetic variation can change an individual's characteristics, such as their susceptibility to complex genetic diseases or response to medicines (pharmacogenomics).
New technologies are constantly being developed to study nucleic acids and proteins. They provide the tools for further advancements in research and applications such as medical diagnosis and rational drug design.
The course provides you with advanced knowledge in key areas of molecular biology, human genetics and protein structure and function, and will equip you to study applications in bioinformatics, pharmacogenomics and disease diagnosis.
Practical experiments form an integral part of a number of the taught modules.
You can take modules individually as short courses.
Associated careers
You can find careers in areas such as • biomedical sciences • medical research in universities and hospitals • the pharmaceutical industry • government research agencies.
You also gain a sound basis for conducting research to PhD level in bioscience.
Course content
Core modules
• recombinant DNA technology • cell biology • bioinformatics • protein structure and function • analytical techniques in disease diagnosis • human genetics: heredity and disease • research methods • research project