MSc in Biomedical Sciences Research

This programme is delivered by staff from all of the schools within the Medical Sciences Building and provides training in several of the principal areas of current research in the Biomedical Sciences. The programme is focused on experimental science and provides practical experience of basic and specialist techniques. It also provides opportunities for specialisation in selected research topics.

This programme consists of ten units: a core skills unit; a literary project; a project proposal; a research project and six lecture-based units, of which you will study three.

Core skills

A series of practical classes, lecture-based teaching sessions, and tutorials that prepare you for the practical project, provide a foundation for further studies and develop a range of transferable skills.

Literary project

An extended essay on a subject chosen from an extensive list supplied by the Unit Organiser. You work independently under the guidance of a member of staff.

Project proposal and research project

Each school provides a number of research project topics within the themes described below. You work independently under the guidance of a member of staff to produce a written project proposal. This is followed by a 12-week research project investigating your chosen topic. The research project forms the basis for a dissertation.

Lecture-based units

You will study three lecture-based units from:

• Cancer Biology

Explorations of the cellular and molecular basis of human carcinogenesis, illustrating current research areas and including descriptions of techniques.

• Cardiovascular Research

Modern research in four areas of cardiovascular physiology: physiology of the heart, physiology of blood vessels, cardiovascular homeostasis; molecular methods in cardiovascular medicine. Emphasis is placed on the use of molecular systems approaches.

• The Dynamic Cell

Covers a variety of topics within the general area of intracellular dynamics and cell motility. Explorations of the movement of proteins and organelles within cells and the movement of cells themselves.

• Infection and Immunity

Lectures on the nature of the immune response, its role in controlling infectious disease (especially at mucosal surfaces) and the mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases.

• Pharmacology

Emphasis on a number of key areas of modern pharmacology, including the electrophysiology of neurones, with particular reference to the biophysical and molecular basis of membrane function, ion transport, channels and receptors.

• Neuroscience

Brain structure and function in the main areas of neuroscience research including sleep, pain, memory and psychiatric disorders.

Each taught unit is assessed independently by written examinations and by coursework. The literary and practical projects are presented as written dissertations.