Molecular Medicine

Advance as a scientist while exploring molecular methods for diagnosing, preventing, and treating various diseases. Learn how cutting-edge technologies, inspired by the Human Genome Project, are reshaping scientific discovery and healthcare practices.

Course description

Our Molecular Medicine Msc brings together the most recent advances in the molecular and cellular understanding of diseases, enabling you to comprehend human diseases in detail at the most fundamental level. It covers the cellular, molecular, and genetic factors behind a wide range of illnesses and demonstrates how new technologies are revolutionising scientific discovery, diagnosis, and treatment.You will investigate diseases caused by single gene defects and explore the intricate molecular mechanisms leading to cancer and chronic diseases with overlapping causes that affect the ageing populations.

Additionally, you will study the crucial role of the immune system, and in the laboratory, you will examine models of the immune system in both healthy and diseased states.

You will receive training in RNA and DNA sequencing technology, mass spectrometry techniques, and the use of these methods to process large volumes of bioinformatic data. This training will enhance your understanding of the changes that lead to the transition from a healthy to a diseased state.

In our state-of-the-art computational laboratories, you will gain hands-on experience in mapping genetic sequences, designing precise PCR reactions for detailed data analysis, and identifying genetic variations in patients. Additionally, you have the option to take an introductory course on utilising computer programming to manage and analyse extensive bioinformatic datasets.

This course simplifies the principles and offers examples illustrating how studying diseases at a molecular level can lead to novel treatments for patients. You'll explore various biological therapies developed in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, and learn about the process of identifying, designing, and testing potential new drugs.

As part of the course, you will undergo a comprehensive research skills training program. Upon finishing the taught component, you'll embark on a 20-week full-time research project. Collaborating with a team of seasoned scientists, you'll explore hypotheses, devise experiments, analyse data, and communicate your discoveries effectively.

Example research projects

• Precision Therapy in an Infantile Genetic Disorder (NBAS-related)
• Role of MisS in colonisation and antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Molecular Mechanisms for Overcoming Chemotherapy-Resistance by Targeting Cancer Dormancy
• Investigating the Role of Candidate Deubiquitinases in Driving Cancer Metastasis in a Zebrafish Tumour Xenograft Model
• Bioinspired cancer-killing nanoparticles
• The (re)solution to Inflammatory Disease: Controlling RNA Stability in Neutrophils as a Therapeutic Mechanism
• Understanding the role of CFTR-Interacting Proteins in Innate Immunity, using a Zebrafish model
• Adapting Biosensors to Monitor G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signalling
• Improving Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Cancer-Induced Bone Metastasis through Targeting Transforming Growth Factor Beta
• Unravelling the DNA processing activities of the human PIF1 helicase, a promising cancer therapy target

We have an extensive list of research projects beyond the ones showcased here. If you're interested in exploring more opportunities or finding a project that aligns with your specific interests, email m.nicklin@sheffield.ac.uk for more information

Intercalation