Molecular Medicine

Entry requirements

A 2:1 degree with a substantial element of human or animal biology. We also welcome medical graduates and graduates in other scientific subjects such as biotechnology.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Course description

This flexible course focuses on the molecular and genetic factors of human diseases. Understanding those factors is crucial to the development of therapies.

Core modules cover the fundamentals. You choose specialist modules from the pathway that interests you most.

We also give you practical lab training to prepare you for your research project. The project is five months of invaluable laboratory experience: planning, carrying out, recording and reporting your own research.

Recent graduates work in academic research science, pharmaceuticals and the biotech industry.

Core modules

• From Genome to Gene Function
• Human Gene Bioinformatics
• Research Literature Review
• Human Disease Genetics
• Modulating Immunity
• Laboratory Practice and Statistics

Six optional pathways

Genetic Mechanisms pathway

• Modelling Protein Interactions
• Gene Networks: Models and Functions

Microbes and Infection pathway

• Virulence Mechanisms of Viruses, Fungi and Protozoa
• Mechanisms of Bacterial Pathogenicity
• Characterisation of Bacterial Virulence Determinants

Experimental Medicine pathway

• Molecular and Cellular Basis of Disease
• Model Systems in Research
• Novel Therapies

Cancer pathway

• Molecular Basis of Tumourigenesis and Metastasis
• Molecular Techniques in Cancer Research
• Molecular Approaches to Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Cardiovascular pathway

• Vascular Cell Biology
• Vascular Disease: Models and Clinical Practice

Clinical Applications pathway

Apply directly to this pathway. Available only to medical graduates. Students are recruited to a specialist clinical team and pursue the taught programme (1-5) related to the attachment. They are then attached to a clinical team for 20 weeks, either for a clinical research project or for clinical observations. See website for more detail and current attachments.

Teaching and assessment

Lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory demonstrations, computer practicals and student presentations.

Assessment is continuous. Most modules are assessed by written assignments and coursework, although there are some written exams.

Two modules are assessed by verbal presentations.

Your research project is assessed by a thesis, possibly with a viva.

Information for international students

Overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in listening and 6.0 in all other components.

Students applying for the Clinical Applications pathway will need an IELTS score of 7.0 to include a score of 7.0 in the listening component

Qualification and course duration

MSc