MSc in Biophysics and Molecular Life Sciences

This new programme provides training in the principal areas of current research in the biophysical analysis of biological molecules. The programme explores the isolation, molecular structure determination and basic mechanistic characterisation of biomolecules using biophysical techniques. Emphasis is placed on specialised techniques at the interface of physics, chemistry and the life sciences.

Core units

Biophysics and Molecular Life Sciences I

The unit begins with a series of lectures that introduce the general area of research for the non-specialist. The remaining lectures cover the isolation, molecular structure determination and basic mechanistic characterisation of biomolecules using a variety of biophysical techniques.

Biophysics and Molecular Life Sciences II

The unit describes highly specialised techniques at the interface of physics, chemistry and the life sciences. This includes techniques for studying biomolecules at the level of a single-molecule, synthetic biology and molecular simulations.

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 covering the topics described above. You work independently under the guidance of a member of staff.

Project Proposal and Research Project

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 option

You will study one lecture-based unit 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, Immunology 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.

• Neuroscience

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

• 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.