Medical | Northampton University, Daleware

Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells – Novel Therapies

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

MSc

Duration: 1 year full-time
ECTS: 90 credits
(including PG Cert)

Postgraduate Certificate

Duration: 4 months full-time
ECTS: 30 credits
(standalone course)

Overview

Our degrees in Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells provide state-of-the-art education in next-generation therapies, training you in translational research and rapidly-developing topics in advanced therapeutic medicines.

You will acquire transferable and research skills and knowledge of ethical and regulatory legislation, commercialisation strategies and intellectual property and patent protection.

The course is a unique combination of ‘hot’ and rapidly-developing topics in advanced therapeutic medicines, and will provide academic and laboratory research training in three key areas (streams):

Gene and Nucleic Acid Based Therapies
New Horizons in Pharmacology
Regenerative Medicine

A major focus is training in translational research illustrating all steps required to progress novel therapies from bench-to-bedside and towards drug licensing.

It is the provision of teaching in all three areas of advanced therapeutic development which makes our programme unique.

Study programme

This course is made up of two progressional levels (PG Cert and MSc), and you can apply to either level in the first instance. Read more about how this works under ‘Choosing your course’ in the how to apply section.

If you choose the Postgraduate Certificate, you study four core modules with the option of returning to complete an MSc.

If you choose the MSc, you take the same core modules as Postgraduate Certificate students, as well as choosing a speciality to pursue in greater depth, through a further advanced specialist module and a six-month research project.

Careers

The main purpose of this programme is to facilitate state-of-the-art education in next generation therapies for scientists and clinicians, who will be equipped to significantly contribute to these rapidly expanding fields.

Our degrees in Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells prepare you for careers in industry, further study, positions within the NHS and financial sector.

Structure

Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

Core modules

You take all four core modules below.

Evidence, Information, Communication

Covers the basic ethical principles related to pre-clinical and clinical research, relevant tissue governance (e.g. the Human Tissue Act), and basic statistics amd experimental design. Provides awareness of commercialisation strategies, the importance of intellectual property protection, and the health economy.

Core Studies in Gene and Nucleic Acid-Based Therapies

An introduction to human genetics and genomics underpinning the development of gene and nucleic acid-based therapies. Includes lectures on monogenic and complex diseases, the complexities of genotype/phenotype correlations, principles of gene regulation and suitable animal models to mimic human disease.

Core Studies in Regenerative Medicine

Includes teaching on human studies and discussion of clinical trials to provide a methodological prospective and review the current status of trials using regenerative medicine. Provides an introduction to biomaterials for regenerative medicine, and a discussion of different strategies to engage the public in the research, ethics and clinical translation of regenerative medicine.

Core Studies in New Horizons in Pharmacology

Provides a basic understanding of how drugs target disease, disease mechanisms and how the drug development process has evolved over time. You receive training in developing novel therapeutic agents and assessing safety.

Optional modules

You choose one optional module from below.

Advanced Studies in Gene and Nucleic Acid-Based Therapies

Covers gene and nucleic acid based therapies to an advanced level. Includes discussion of the first approved gene therapy product, and practical experience in preparation for the research project.

Advanced Studies in New Horizons in Pharmacology

Covers how pharmacology continues to identify new endogenous pathways (e.g. cytokines) that can be targeted to develop new drugs to an advanced level. Addresses the idea of how nanomedicine approaches are being used to make new formulations of drugs and what this means in terms of testing efficacy and toxicity. Principles of personalised medicine are also covered.

Advanced Studies in Regenerative Medicine

Covers the tools and technologies utilised in the field of regenerative medicine and the use of stem cells to develop disease models in culture. Lectures cover cutting edge research and new patents relating to regenerative pharmacology, covering the molecular pathways and drugs being used for stem cell differentiation in vitro and for the mobilization and activation of stem cells in vivo.

Research project

You will complete an extensive six-month research project related to one of the optional modules above. You join an established research laboratory to conduct work supervised by academic staff.

The research project culminates in a written project report of approximately 10,000 words and an oral presentation.

Core modules

You take all four core modules below.

Evidence, Information, Communication

Covers the basic ethical principles related to pre-clinical and clinical research, relevant tissue governance (e.g. the Human Tissue Act), and basic statistics amd experimental design. Provides awareness of commercialisation strategies, the importance of intellectual property protection, and the health economy.

Core Studies in Gene and Nucleic Acid-Based Therapies

An introduction to human genetics and genomics underpinning the development of gene and nucleic acid-based therapies. Includes lectures on monogenic and complex diseases, the complexities of genotype/phenotype correlations, principles of gene regulation and suitable animal models to mimic human disease.

Core Studies in Regenerative Medicine

Includes teaching on human studies and discussion of clinical trials to provide a methodological prospective and review the current status of trials using regenerative medicine. Provides an introduction to biomaterials for regenerative medicine, and a discussion of different strategies to engage the public in the research, ethics and clinical translation of regenerative medicine.

Core Studies in New Horizons in Pharmacology

Provides a basic understanding of how drugs target disease, disease mechanisms and how the drug development process has evolved over time. You receive training in developing novel therapeutic agents and assessing safety.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Critical reviews
Discussions
Ethical debates
Journal clubs
Lectures
Practical sessions
Presentations
Problem solving workshops
Research project
Tutorials

Assessment methods

Coursework
Data analysis
Examinations
Journal clubs
Multiple-choice questions
Poster and oral presentations
Practical write-ups

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in an appropriate subject.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

MRes Experimental Neuroscience

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

Mres

Duration: 1 year full-time

ECTS: 90 credits

Overview

The aim of this one-year full-time course is to provide you with a broad research training in neuroscience, which will prepare you for PhD studies and enable you to make a more informed choice for your research.

You will complete three projects during the year, designed to give you practical experience of laboratory research, and chosen to cover a wide range of skills. Projects are provided by academics who are leaders in their fields of research and cover a wide range of disciplines including:

cell and molecular biology
genetics
neuropathology
imaging

You will also be required to write three mini-dissertations on set topics covering all aspects of neuroscience.

Study programme

You begin the course with an introduction to the College and transferable skills sessions.

The course consists entirely of three research projects and mini dissertations. Each project lasts at least 12 weeks and is designed to give practical experience of laboratory research.

You complete a written report of 4,000–6,000 words for each research project, as well as being assessed on practical work by your supervisor, and giving an oral presentation. Each project accounts for 25% of your overall course mark.

You write three mini dissertations on set topics covering all aspects of neuroscience. Topics for the mini-dissertations are set at the start of the rotations. Together the mini dissertations account for the remaining 25% of your overall course mark.

Careers

On completion of the course you should have an understanding of the basic and applied aspects of research in the field of neuroscience and a range of transferable skills.

The skills acquired will also be of value for those wishing to pursue a career in clinical service, industry or scientific publishing.

Structure

Modules shown are for the 2019-20 academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

Core modules

Mini dissertation 1
Mini dissertation 3
Mini dissertation 2
Research Project 1
Research Project 2
Research Project 3

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Laboratory based research project

Assessment methods

Mini-dissertation
Oral presentations
Project dissertation

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in an appropriate subject.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

PhD Epidemiology, Evolution and Control of Infectious Diseases

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

Programme details

Year 1

The 4-year programme begins with a 1 year specialist MRes course. During this first year, students will undertake core training one day each week, including sessions on infectious disease epidemiology, statistics, infectious disease modelling, bioinformatics, genetics and evolution, programming skills and technical workshops. In addition, the MRes course will include a component of generic skills training, including seminars and workshops on grant writing, peer review, information retrieval, ethics, academic writing and presentation.

Alongside the taught courses, students undertake two 5-month attachments in the research groups of potential PhD supervisors. Types of research project include extended systematic literature reviews, primary field data collection, secondary data analysis, laboratory-based analysis and mathematical modelling. During these placements, students will be full members of the research group, attending group meetings and participating in internal seminars in the same manner as PhD students and postdoctoral staff. Year 1 will be assessed on the basis of written reports and oral presentations of the two projects. In addition, students need to pass a separate grant writing exercise as part of the core development programme.

Years 2-4

At the end of the first year students who have achieved a Merit or better in the MRes will move onto the PhD programme. The School of Public Health provides a comprehensive research training programme for all PhD students. In addition, students receive general training in transferable skills through the highly-rated Graduate School.

The Department provides further technical training for PhD students via lunch-time courses on open to both students and postdoctoral staff (for example, computer programming, statistical inference, genetics and evolution), and via informal research discussion groups (again for both students and postdoctoral staff). Students are expected to attend the weekly Departmental research seminars,and are encouraged to be active members of academic community of the MRC Centre and Department.

Throughout the 4-year programme students will also be members of the Graduate School. The Graduate School provides an award-winning and internationally renowned programme of transferable skills training, including personal development & effectiveness, presentation skills, project management, networking and research ethics. There is also a three-day residential course in research and professional skills development which all students are strongly encouraged to attend at the beginning of Year 2.

Funding

Four 4-year Wellcome Trust studentships are available for this course. All studentships provide generous support including a tax-free stipend to cover living expenses. The value of this stipend is reviewed annually. For the 2019 cohort stipends will be not less than £22,278 in year 1, rising to £26,839 in year 4. Stipends are tax-free.

Up to two additional studentships funded by Northampton College are available. These studentships provide a stipend at the research council rates, currently £16,777 in the first year rising to £18,000 for the next 3 years. Stipends are tax-free.

Additionally a number of studentships funded by the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC GIDA) are available. These studentships provide a stipend at the research council rates, currently £16,777 in the first year rising to £18,000 for the next 3 years. Stipends are tax-free.

Tuition fees at the rate applicable to Home (EU) students are provided by the Wellcome Trust and Northampton College and MRC funding. Suitably qualified non-EU students are welcome to apply and we particularly welcome applications from low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Non-EU students will be liable for paying the difference between the home and overseas fee rates. A scholarship is available for up to 1 LMIC student to cover the difference between the home and overseas rates

Additional studentships may become available over the course of the admission process – all eligible candidates will be considered without needing to submit any further details.

Please note that this does not include MRC Doctoral Training Programme studentships for which a separate application process should be followed. Please note that this scheme has an earlier deadline date (19 November 2018 for 2019 entry). Successful students under this scheme are able to join this 4-year programme.

All applications will be considered equally irrespective of financial means, age and nationality.

Research areas

Both the MRes and PhD projects are embedded within the wider research in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology. The research in the department focuses on the transmission, evolution and control of infectious diseases in both human and animal populations. A particular strength is in epidemiological and genetic analysis and mathematical modelling.

The work in the department spans a wide range of disease areas, including emerging infectious diseases, HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, polio, influenza, mosquito-borne viral infections, sexually transmitted infections, neglected tropical diseases and bacterial and fungal infections. Since much of our research has direct relevant to policy, we work in close partnership with a wide range of public and global health organisations – including Public Health England (PHE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

MSc Epidemiology

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

MSc

Duration: 1 year full-time

ECTS: 90 credits

Overview

This course offers training in the methodology, design, conduct and interpretation of epidemiological studies on chronic and infectious diseases.

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution, causes, and possible prevention and control, of diseases in populations.

The MSc in Epidemiology offers training in the methodology, design, conduct and interpretation of epidemiological studies on chronic and infectious diseases.

It is particularly suitable for students who wish to acquire skills in epidemiology and biostatistics, and to get involved with research projects.

Study programme

In the first term, all students follow a common core pathway covering epidemiological methods, biostatistics, and infectious and chronic disease epidemiologyTerm two modules aim to reflect areas of emerging research as well as providing extended tutoring in core epidemiological and statistical concepts and skills, building upon the knowledge, insight and skills gained in term one.

The third term consists of a four-month research project carried out under supervision, possibly in collaboration with other universities and research institutions.

Careers

Upon completion of this course, students usually develop an academic career by beginning a PhD, or move on to work for public health organisations, pharmaceutical companies or non-governmental agencies.

Structure

Modules shown are for the 2019-20 academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

You take all of the core modules below.

Introduction to Infectious Disease Modelling

This module provides an overview of infectious disease modelling and develops skills in designing and analysing infectious disease models for public health policy. Students will be taught how to represent the characteristics of an infectious disease using a mathematical model, how to simulate that model using a computer, and how to analyse that model. Students will also learn how models have been applied in public health policy, and how models are designed to address a research question.

Principles and Methods of Epidemiology

This module ensures students will be familiar with the core concepts of epidemiology and acquire the skills necessary to describe, analyse, interpret and appraise epidemiological studies. Further modules and projects require such knowledge, and a good grasp of these basics is thus essential for successful completion of the degree.

Disease Masterclass

This module aims to provide students with an overview of core health challenges and lines of epidemiological research being undertaken, across a range of infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Introduction to Statistical Thinking and Data Analysis

The aim of this module is to give students an understanding of the importance of statistical thinking in epidemiology, randomised trials and public health, to enable them to critically evaluate the results of standard statistical analyses published in journal articles and to carry out a range of statistical analyses using

You choose six optional modules from below.

Bayesian Statistics

The module introduces the students to the concepts of Bayesian models and inference commonly used in Biostatistics. Throughout the entire module several examples from epidemiology, social science, and clinical trials will be introduced to complement the theory. The students will also become familiar with the software package OpenBUGS, which will be used to implement the Bayesian models presented.

Spatial Analysis

This module will introduce students to the main statistical methods used in spatial epidemiology and provide them with the theoretical and practical skills to analyse and interpret geo-referenced health data.

Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology

This module provides students with a fundamental understanding of the core concepts of molecular and genetic epidemiology and the application of molecular and genetic epidemiologic findings to public health and translational medicine. The module will encompass the appropriate study design for molecular and genetic epidemiologic investigations, biomarker development and the integration of biomarkers into epidemiologic studies, and the application of new and emerging molecular technologies in epidemiologic research.

Genetics of Infectious Disease Pathogens

The aim of this module is to introduce students to both the theoretical concepts and the practical methodology used in the genetic epidemiology of infectious pathogens. The module content includes pathogen population genetics, phylogenetics, phylodynamics and antimicrobial resistance.

Further Methods in Infectious Disease Modelling

The module aims to provide students with the ability to interpret key evidence generated by modern infectious disease modelling methods that appears in non-specialist high impact journals. By the end of the course, students will also be able to design, execute and interpret results from streamlined versions of those same models. Although students will be given the opportunity to implement complex models using mathematical techniques and basic programming tools, they will not be expected to independently generate results from novel complex models.

Outbreaks

Building on the skills gained by students in earlier modules (including the prerequisite module Further Methods in Infectious Disease Modelling), this module aims to give a broad and “real-life” view of using epidemiological research (specifically mathematical models and statistical analysis) to address key public health questions relating to the control of outbreaks. The module includes important contemporary topics such as the broader ecological context of infectious disease emergence and transmission, as well as state-of-the-art techniques required to calibrate mathematical models and make the best use of data.

Advanced Regression

This module will allow students to become familiar with the principles of advanced regression for high-dimensional data so that they are able to apply such techniques on real data problems (e.g. complex omics data). In particular, students will learn how to perform advanced statistical analyses, including penalised likelihood and nonparametric regression models using R.

Advanced Topics in Biostatistics

The module will introduce some of the issues faced while analysing complex datasets in advanced epidemiology. From these illustrations, methodological developments to address the resulting technical/computational challenges will be described, assessed and compared. Each of these established methods will be associated with a practical session during which students will implement the method.

In Term 3, individual research projects are carried out under supervision.

It is possible that the projects may be carried out in collaboration with other universities and research institutions, but this is not common and not always recommended.

Projects are expected to take four months of full-time study, with one (or more) member(s) of Imperial academic staff assigned to advise and monitor students. There may also be external supervisors.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Class tutorials
Computer-based practical workshops
Final research project (dissertation)
Formative and summative assessment via Blackboard e.g. in-class quizzes
Group work sessions
Group workshops and revision sessions
Lectures
Mentimeter
Seminars and practicals
Small group tutorials
Teaching materials published via Blackboard

Assessment methods

Articles and case study reviews
Computer based tests
Essays
Individual and group presentations
MCQs and online quizzes
Mini research project
Reports and paper reviews
Written examinations

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in mathematics, statistics, medicine (human or veterinary) or biological sciences.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

PG Dip Digital Health Leadership

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

MRes

Duration: 1 year part-time(only online)

ECTS: 90 credits

Overview

This world class, year long, training course underpins the NHS Digital Academy, a virtual organisation set up to develop a new generation of excellent digital leaders who can drive the information and technology transformation of the NHS.

Part of a suite of work governed by the National Information Board, the Academy will support the Five Year Forward View Next Steps strategy by providing staff with the skills they need to use information and technology to reduce pressure on services and improve care quality.

The academy was set up in response to Professor Robert Wachter’s Making IT Work report, which observed that the NHS was lacking in leaders who could drive forward this digital transformation. Commissioned by NHS England the Academy is delivered by a partnership of Northampton College ,.

Study programme

The programme will employ a blended learning approach, including online and residential learning. The online component of the programme will be highly engaging for participants, both supporting individual learning and creating a vibrant community of digital leaders.

You are expected to commit to five to eight hours (sometimes up to 10-15 hours) of study per week and attend up to twelve days of in-person residential sessions spread across 12 months. The April 2019 cohort will meet for residential learning on the following dates:

10-12 April 2019
12-14 June 2019
6-8 November 2019
One day in late January/early February 2020 (TBC)

You are supported to immediately apply what you have learnt by carrying out a transformational change project within your organisation in parallel with taught modules.

You are also supported both online and offline by a mentor network consisting of experienced academics and industry professionals.

Who should apply?

The NHS Digital Academy programme is for CIOs, CCIOs and aspiring digital leaders across the NHS and social care.

The programme is suited for those who are:

a senior leader within the NHS and social care sector
ready and committed to developing your leadership skills and behaviours whilst undertaking a digital health related academic qualification (PG Dip Digital Health Leadership)
excited by the opportunity to immediately apply new skills, learning and behaviours to a transformational change project within your organisation

Careers

The Academy will nurture the growth of a vibrant, self-sustaining professional community – a well-connected network of CIOs, CCIOs and digital leaders who are constantly innovating, collaborating and sharing ideas.

We want our participants to raise the bar in terms of best practice in the digital leadership profession, and act as exemplars to others in the field. Peer support networks will be encouraged on a geographical basis so that people can build strong relationships and stay connected.

Structure

Modules shown are for the 2019-20 academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

Each module contains between four and seven weeks of online learning, followed by a three-week online assessment period. There are also up to 12 days of in-person residential learning.

Essentials of health systems
Adopting and tailoring the project and programme lifecycle
Health information systems and technologies
User-centred design and citizen-driven informatics
Decision support, knowledge management and actionable data analytics
Leadership and transformational change

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

The programme prominently features online learning, using best-in-class digital learning platforms to deliver the majority of modules. You will also have up to 12 days of in-person teaching and learning, and will include the following:

Lectures
Interactive workshops
Group work

Assessment methods

You will have both formative and summative assessments. The summative assessments will include:

Scenario-based multiple choice assessments
Engagement and participation in the online learning platform
Reflective essays relating to the application of skills acquired during the programme to workplace projects
Blog posts and videos assessed against learning outcomes
Practical exercises at residential sessions and write-ups of these exercises
Structured essay outlining a personal leadership development plan
Collaborative group exercises
Participation in group work and interactive residential sessions

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

In order to be considered for the NHS Digital Academy, you must:

be a Chief Information Officer, Chief Clinical Information Officer or aspiring digital leader in the NHS or social care

have five years of relevant experience in informatics or digital health

have executive level support from your organisation

be available to attend all residential learning sessions (listed in the overview section of this page)

provide two references (professional or academic)

Our minimum academic requirement is at least a 2.2 USA Honour’s degree in relevant degree subject.

If you do not hold a degree, please do still apply as we will consider your application.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.

MRes Biomedical Research (Data Science)

by mark allen | Aug 6, 2019 | Medical

MRes

Duration: 1 year full-time

ECTS: 90 credits

Overview

Our one-year full-time course provides broad training to prepare you for a career in biomedical research.

The programme provides an excellent background in biomedical research, and will integrate chemical, biological and physiological aspects in a unified approach.

This course teaches a mechanistic approach to the problems encountered in molecular and cellular biomedical science.

It also emphasises an investigative and empirical approach to the practical problems encountered in experimental and human biomedical science.

Study programme

The course is made up of a general stream and number of specialist streams.

All of our biomedical research streams have the same course structure. The taught elements and research project are determined by your chosen stream.

Over 12 months, you complete two five-month research projects (4.5 days per week) and a core programme (0.5 days per week) including grant writing, technical workshops, journal clubs and transferable skills.

The research projects incorporate cutting-edge developments in the field. You will experience some of the most technologically advanced approaches currently being applied to biomedical research.

Streams

Whichever stream you choose, the emphasis is on a research-orientated approach made up of both theoretical and practical elements.

You will acquire an understanding of modern molecular and cell science in world class biomedical research laboratories through both theory and practical exposure.

You will also demonstrate practical dexterity in both commonly employed and more advanced practical techniques.

You have the option of choosing our general biomedical research stream, or one of eight specialisms in the following areas:

General Biomedical Research
Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care (this stream)
Bacterial Pathogenesis and Infection
Data Science
Epidemiology, Evolution and Control of Infectious Diseases
Microbiome in Health and Disease
Molecular Basis of Human Disease
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Science

Data Science stream

This stream provides an interdisciplinary training in analysis of ‘big data’ from modern high throughput biomolecular studies. This is achieved through a core training in multivariate statistics, chemometrics and machine learning methods, along with research experience in the development and application of these methods to real-world biomedical studies.

You will gain experience of analysing and modelling data from multiple sources and applying it to biomedical questions. You’ll also learn how to implement statistical and machine learning techniques and use scientific thought when interpreting the results of data sets.

Throughout the stream, you will develop communication, presentation and grant-writing skills. Students will become familiar with evaluating research reports through writing, presentations and seminars.

The stream is based in the Division of Computational and Systems Medicine and developed in collaboration with Northampton Data Science Institute.

Is this stream for you?

This stream is suitable for students with a degree in physical sciences, engineering, mathematics computer science who wish to apply their numeric skills to solve biomedical problems with big data.

You will gain experience in analysing and modelling big data from technologically advanced techniques applied to biomedical questions.

You perform novel computational informatics research and exercise critical scientific thought in the interpretation of results, implement and apply sophisticated statistical and machine learning techniques in the interrogation of large and complex biomedical data sets, and understand the cutting edge technologies used to conduct molecular phenotyping studies on a large scale.

Careers

Our MRes in Biomedical Research is designed for students looking to pursue a career in biomedical research, whether in academia, industry or government. The overwhelming majority of graduates, who have wanted to continue on to PhD study, have done so.

The course will equip you with the key skills needed to plan, conduct, publish and obtain funding for successful research.

The programme offers training in a vast array of laboratories across the Faculty of Medicine (approximately 700 world leading research groups) and an opportunity to learn from leaders in the field.

Graduates of our Data Science stream are well-equipped for a variety of careers, including:

Data science engineer
Research in molecular epidemiology and statistical genetics
Translational bioinformatics research
Health informatics consultant/advisor
Technical/management consultancy
Biomedical software start-up

Structure

Modules shown are for the 2019-20 academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

You take all of the modules below.

Grant Writing Exercise
Project 1
Project 2

You have a wide range of research projects available to you, and complete two projects during your studies. The projects available to you are determined by your chosen stream. You can also choose projects from other streams, though will only have priority within your own stream.

Past projects from students of this stream have been:

Leveraging high-performance computing to improve significance estimation in phenomic profiling
Entropy framework for tumor-induced molecular heterogeneity assessment using mass spectrometry imaging
Integration of multi-platform metabolomics data using cloud computing

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Computer tutorials
Journal Clubs
Laboratory/computational experience
Research supervision
Technical workshops
Tutorials and Seminars

Assessment methods

Laboratory/computer based research
Oral presentation
Poster presentation
Research reports
Viva voce

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.

Minimum academic requirement

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in an appropriate subject.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.

The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.

For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.

If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.

English language requirement (all applicants)

All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.

For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.

How to apply

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Before you apply

Our MRes Biomedical Research degree has several streams and the application process will differ based on your chosen stream.

The majority of streams are “open streams” meaning you follow the standard online application process (see Making an application in the How to apply section below). Open streams are those not associated with a specific studentship. If you are the recipient of a scholarship or studentship, please specify in your personal statement, regardless of which stream you choose.

All of the MRes Biomedical Research streams are open streams, with the exception of:

Epidemiology, Evolution and Control of Infectious Diseases (read more about the 1+3)
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Science (MRC studentships; BHF studentships)

The two streams above are part of 1+3 PhD doctoral training courses. Applicants wishing to apply to these streams must first submit an application for the relevant studentship. It is only after studentships are awarded that successful recipients will be asked to submit an online application.

Please be aware the deadlines for studentships are much earlier than standard course deadlines and you are encouraged to submit an application prior to Christmas 2018 for 2019 entry.

The requirement to hold a studentship applies only to the two streams named above, and Respiratory and Cardiovascular Science does also accept self-funded students.

Making an application

All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.