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MSc Molecular Medicine

MSc
Duration: 1 year full-time

ECTS: 90 credits

Overview

 

This course is designed to appeal to both clinical and basic scientists, and provides a comprehensive, theoretical and practical training using state-of-the-art techniques in molecular and cellular biology as applied to medicine.

The practice of clinical medicine is currently being revolutionised by rapid and extraordinary technological advances in molecular biology in areas such as gene discovery, cancer, inherited diseases and gene therapy.

Designed to appeal to both clinical and basic scientists, this degree provides a comprehensive, theoretical and practical training using state-of-the-art techniques in molecular and cellular biology as applied to medicine.

 

Study programme

  

The MSc Molecular Medicine is a one-year full-time course, starting in October. The course is organised as follows:

 

Taught modules (5 months)

 

You complete the two core taught modules and the mini research project between October and February. These are based at the Hammersmith Campus. All lectures are given by scientists actively engaged in their respective research field.

 

 

 

Part one

 

This part of the course will concentrate on basic, leading to advanced, concepts of molecular and cellular biology, beginning with Molecular and Cellular Systems. Topics covered include:

 

  • Chromatin Structure and Gene Regulation
  • DNA Replication and Genomic Stability
  • Cell Surface Receptor Signalling
  • Recombinant DNA Technologies
  • Genomic Imprinting
  • Regulation of Coagulation
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Vaccines and Immunisation
  • Complement System in Health and in Disease
  • Molecular Embryology
  • Regulation of Endothelial Cell Function

Part two

 

The second part of the taught component focuses on disease systems, specifically the application of molecular biology to the discovery, diagnosis and management of diseases. Topics covered include:

 

  • Genetics of Obesity and Appetite Regulation
  • Genetic causes of diabetes
  • Genetics of Cleft Lip or Palate
  • Coeliac Disease
  • Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT)
  • Sepsis
  • Tuberculosis
  • Influenza
  • Oncogenic Herpes Viruses
  • Coagulation Disorders
  • Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer and Lung Cancer Biology
  • Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy
  • Gene Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy
  • Alopecia Areata

Research project (6 months)

 

You complete a laboratory-based research project between March and September. The project can be completed at any Northampton campus, depending on the topic and nature of the project.

Careers

 

Many graduates proceed to PhD study, or if medically qualified, to clinical practice or research. As well as scientific training, this course expands your transferable skills, allowing you to enter a variety of other careers including, industry, finance, management and various types of consultancy.

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.

You take both of the core taught modules below.

 

  • Molecular andCellular Systems
  • Disease Systems
  • Mini Research Project

You take both research projects below.

 

Mini Research Project

 

You complete a mini research project to equip you with the skills and understanding required to complete the six-month research project. The mini research project is taken over two and a half weeks, either in pairs or groups of three, providing experience of a hands-on approach to experimental work.

In a set frame of scientific theme and of available samples, equipment and reagents, you first define your working hypothesis. You subsequently answer your framed scientific questions by researching and developing the most adapted protocols, performing all the experimental work, computing and critically analysing your own data.

The mini research project will be undertaken in dedicated teaching laboratories at the Hammersmith Campus.

 

Six-month Laboratory Research Project

 

You complete your six-month research project in the Faculty of Medicine at Hammersmith, , Charing Cross or South Kensington campuses (subject to approval).

Each student will be assigned a research project and will be selectedon the basis that you can reasonably be expected to make an original contribution to the chosen area of research within the time period allotted.

You are provided with training in academic research and acquisition of practical skills, including the design of a research project, planning of experiments, dealing with practical problems, recording, presenting and analysing data. Time will be allocated towards the end of the project period to write a report of 10,000 words.

Teaching and assessment

 

Teaching methods

   

  • 4 week Mini-Research Project
  • 6 month Laboratory Based Research Project
  • Class tutorials
  • Computer Data Analysis Sessions
  • Group Revision Sessions
  • Group Work Sessions
  • Formative assessment on Blackboard
  • Laboratory Teaching
  • Lectures and keynote Lectures
  • Online tutorials on Blackboard
  • Small Group Tutorials

 

Assessment methods

 

  • Data interpretation exercises
  • Research paper critique
  • Viva voce
  • Written examinations
  • Written Research Thesis Report

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 2.2 degree in biological science, medicine or veterinary science.

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

 

You can submit one application form per year of entry, and usually choose up to two courses.

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Making an application

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