Course description
We are now in a post-genomics era which promises to become the main platform for research leading to the next generation of fundamental advances in biological science, and to the delivery of novel applications across the spectrum from crop production to human health.
This innovative Master of Research course is run jointly by The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. Both universities possess highly complementary skills within the key areas of the post-genomic technologies field. The University of Nottingham has strengths within the field of transcriptomics, metabolomics, data mining and systems biology. Nottingham Trent University is at the forefront of research within the field of proteomics (mass spectrometry; protein patterning etc) and data mining.
This expertise is applied to a broad range of research interests including: plant biology, animal behaviour, ecology, bacteriology, human clinical application (e.g. biomarkers, personalised medicine, cancer, Alzheimers) animal health, veterinary medicine, analytical science.
The two universities have a history of strong collaborative ventures within the field of molecular biosciences and post genomic technologies. This includes:
-the establishment of Biocity Nottingham; a bioscience and healthcare research facility providing the largest bioscience incubator park in Europe
-the East Midlands Bioscience Knowledge Exchange, which provides information on bioscience matters to the general public and facilitates
-stronger links between academia and industry (e.g. the organisation and funding of the Cancer Congress 2006 for leading researchers and professionals from organisations such as the Macmillan Fund and Cancer Research)
-joint medical research on breast cancer, bioinformatics and Alzheimer’s disease
-the creation of a special interest group for the study of proteomics and metabolics on behalf of the British Mass Spectrometry Society
-the provision of workshops on recent advances in transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics for professionals and scientists from industry, academic staff and students
-an annual three-day Graduate School course for PhD students on the fundamentals of post-genomic technologies.
-We have excellent teaching and research in Biosciences in both Universities (NTU and UoN) with internationally renowned new centres of excellence in teaching and learning in Bioscience and world class research-led institutions (RAE 5A).
Students completing the MRes in Advanced Genomic and Proteomic Sciences (AGPS) will enhance their employment prospects within state-of-the-art laboratories (both industrial and academic). The course is suitable for your further PhD study and academic research as well.
Key facts
-This course is delivered in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University.
-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
The MRes in Advanced Genomic and Proteomic Sciences will provide a comprehensive training package in theoretical biological modelling and its practical applications to state-of-the-art technologies. The course is divided into a taught element covering a period of 12 weeks. The taught elements of the course cover:
-Experimental Design
-Genomics
-Transcriptomics
-Bioinformatics
-Proteomics
-Metabolomics
-Systems Biology
-Transferable Skills
Please note that all module details are subject to change.
On completion of the taught element, you will then undertake a nine-month research project in a field of study related to post-genomic technologies.
Course Structure
The MRes in Advanced Genomic and Proteomic Sciences is offered on a full-time basis over one year (commencing in October).
This innovative course will be delivered as part of tripartite collaboration between the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and industrial partners.
There will be a taught element (60 Credit Points) and a laboratory-based research project (120 Credit Points).
The projects will be based in research laboratories at either the University of Nottingham or Nottingham Trent University. Opportunities may also exist for students to undertake their research project in industry.
The taught element of the course runs from October to December of the academic year. This is worth 60 Credit Points, comprising six modules of direct contact time, each worth 10 credits. Each 10-Credit module will be divided into two parts, designated Week 1 and Week 2:
Week 1 will comprise 12 lectures and five laboratory-based sessions. Laboratory sessions will include two demonstrations and three practical sessions where you gain direct hands-on experience.
In Week 2 you undertake an assignment set by tutors from the previous week. This is the same for all six modules.
Academic staff from both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University will deliver the course. In addition, certain laboratory session and lectures will be delivered by external speakers from the industrial/private sector. Industrial participation will involve a range of companies from small and medium enterprises to large multinational corporations.
The research element runs from January to October of the academic year. The research element will be conducted at either The University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University or possibly in industry.
You will be expected to submit a research project as part fulfilment for the degree of Master of Research (MRes).
The research project of 120 Credits is divided as follows: 100 Credit Points for the written research dissertation, 10 Credit Points for oral presentations and 10 Credit Points for poster presentations.
There will be a mid-term assessment during this period when you submit a brief synopsis of the project background and results to date, as well as an interview with the supervisor and one internal assessor. The mid-term assessment will account for 20% of the overall research project mark.
On successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Master of Research (MRes) in Advanced Genomic and Proteomic Sciences. Students with an overall mark of 60% will be awarded with a merit / commendation and for those students with an average mark of 70% or more, an MRes with distinction will be awarded
