Postgraduate Taught Degrees

MSc Molecular Medicine

Duration:: 1 years
Attendance:: Full Time
Award:: Degree of Master of Science
School of Study:: Biological Sciences
Brochure:: Faculty of Science Postgraduate Brochure (PDF)

Overview
Why Choose Us
Course Profile
Requirements
Fees and Funding
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Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms for disease is an important area of research in the 21st century. Massive steps forward in science, such as the completion of the Human Genome Project, mean that diseases can now be studied at the cellular and molecular level. This will help to understand them, to develop treatments and possibly, in the future, cures.

The MSc in Molecular Medicine draws upon the world-renowned strength of research in biomedical sciences at UEA and on the Norwich Research Park. MSc graduate students will obtain skills that are sought in medical research, the pharmaceutical industry or the health services.

Part I of the programme is taught through face to face lectures, workshops, problem based learning sessions and hands on experiments in our modern biomedical laboratories. These modules provide the opportunity to learn skills in data analysis, critical evaluation of data, laboratory working and report writing in Molecular Medicine.

Part II of the programme includes a major research project where the student designs experiments and carries out original research in a chosen topic. The project will provide an invaluable training environment to enhance research skills. It is a substantial piece of individual work drawing on knowledge and understanding gained from the taught modules. In preparation for the research project the student, in consultation with the project supervisor, prepares an in depth proposal drawing on the current literature.

As well as learning fundamental theory, the student will develop valuable transferable skills. The University will support this by providing Personal Development Sessions including presentation skills, employability and time-management.

Assessment is through a combination of formal exams, laboratory reports, coursework assignments, presentations and problem based learning sessions. In addition the research project is submitted as a formal bound dissertation and assessed by external as well as internal examination.

If you would like to learn more about this programme the Course Organiser is happy to receive enquiries. Email grant.wheeler@uea.ac.uk

Course Organiser:Dr. Grant Wheeler

90% of research activity classified as internationally leading, excellent, or recognised in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.
Teaching of the highest quality; rated “Excellent” in the most recent Teaching Quality Assessment.
Consistently ranked in the top five for overall student satisfaction amongst mainstream English universities (UK National Student Survey).
Research and teaching supported by an impressive array of cutting edge in house facilities and a range of well equipped modern laboratories.
Part of the Norwich Research Park, a major international centre for plant, microbial, food and health science.
Close collaboration with scientists from the Sainsbury Laboratory.

Come and Visit Us

Our Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere.

Year 1

Compulsory Study (180 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 180 credits:

Name	Code	Credits
DATA HANDLING LINKED TO MOLECULAR MEDICINE	BIO-M209	10
This is a compulsory and restricted module for students on the MSc in Molecular Medicine. The aim of this module is to provide knowledge of essential skills in data collection, handling, analysis and presentation. Using a combination of lectures and workshop/seminars, the objective is to understand the principles of data collection by modern methods and the various options available for analysis to gain knowledge and insight from such data.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE I	BIO-M201	20
This is a compulsory module for the MSc in Molecular Medicine. The general aim of this module will be to develop an understanding of Human disease at the molecular and cellular level throughout the body. Lectures will focus on the system in question, the problems and diseases associated with that system and treatments possible with an emphasis on the underlying molecular mechanisms.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE II	BIO-M202	20
This is a compulsory module for the MSc in Molecular Medicine. The aim of this module will be to build upon the knowledge gained in BIO-M201 Frontiers in Molecular Medicine I to understand problems in health and disease in the modern age. The module will involve problem based learning sessions looking at important questions in Molecular Medicine and health and disease. Working in groups and using the problem-based approach, the student will practise reading, dissecting and understanding primary literature dealing with the molecular mechanisms of disease.
GENETICS, GENOMICS AND BIOINFORMATICS	BIO-M109	10
This module provides a Master's level introduction to the structure and function of DNA and its inheritance in pro- and eukaryotic organisms. It also includes an introduction to the study of the genomes of model organisms, together with the analysis of gene function and expression. An introduction to the role of bioinformatics in studies of evolution and genomics is also included. This module forms the foundation for more in-depth coverage of these topics later in the academic year.
MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND HOST:PATHOGEN INTERACTIONS	BIO-M207	10
This is a compulsory module for MSc in Molecular Medicine students. Medical Biotechnology underpins current approaches in improving diagnostics, drug design, drug delivery and disease monitoring and the evolution of personalized medicine will in the future see treatments based on genetic abnormalities rather than symptoms. In this module we will discuss the use of molecular medicine and biotechnology in host:pathogen interaction research as well as in the current clinical setting. Where appropriate, successful case histories will be discussed. On successful completion of the module the student will have gained a knowledge of host-pathogen interactions and the implications of antimicrobial resistance, knowledge of cutting edge techniques used in this field and knowledge of approaches to novel drug and vaccine design.
MODERN EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE	BIO-M203	20
This is a compulsory module for the MSc in Molecular Medicine. The aim of the module is to develop practical experience and understanding of the techniques used in Molecular Medicine that are important for researchers and clinicians. It will focus on approaches widely used in Molecular Medicine, including those from molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, chemical biology and developmental biology.
POSTGRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY PROGRAMME	BIO-M82Y	10
The aim of this module is to provide students with a number of useful transferable skills to assist their learning and career development including: scientific writing, the use of presentation software and the utilisation of IT-based resources.
RESEARCH PROJECT FOR MOLECULAR MEDICINE	BIO-M20X	60
This is a compulsory and restricted module for the MSc in Molecular Medicine. The project involves individual work carried out by the student under the supervision of a member of UEA faculty or one of the staff of an associated institute. The research project is often one of the most enjoyable and useful experiences in a student's science training. The module is intimately linked with BIO-M204 (Research Skills for Molecular Medicine), which involves the formulation of hypotheses and the design of experiments to test them. In this module the students will carry out the experiments, analyse the data generated and critically assess the formulated hypotheses in light of their findings. At the end of the module, the students will write a dissertation and present their results to the rest of the group.
RESEARCH SKILLS FOR MOLECULAR MEDICINE	BIO-M204	20
The aim of this module is to provide training in research skills relevant to students of Molecular Medicine, especially in relation to their Research Project (BIO-M20X). This is a compulsory module of the MSc on Molecular Medicine.

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Entry Requirements

Degree Subject:: Life or Physical Sciences
Degree Classification:: Good first degree (minimum 2.1 or equivalent)
Alternative Qualifications:: Candidates without a relevant degree but with other experience, such as employment within a biomedical company or relevant research experience, will also be considered.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 (minimum 18 in listening, 21 speaking, 19 writing and 20 reading)
PTE (Pearson): 62 (minimum 55 in all components)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests such as TOEIC and the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English are also accepted by the university. Please check with the Admissions Office for further details including the scores or grades required.

INTO UEA and INTO UEA London run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk (INTO UEA Norwich) or pseuealondon@into.uk.com (INTO UEA London).

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees 2013/14

UK/EU £6000
International £15,400

Funding

Faculty of Science Scholarships

International applicants applying to this course can be considered for one Faculty of Science half fees scholarship or up to four £1000 scholarships. The scholarship deadline is 1st April 2013.

Students wishing to apply should submit an essay. You may choose a Biologist of your choice and answer the following question in 1000 words: 'What are the major contributions of (your chosen Biologist) to biology'? Essays should be emailed to the Admissions Office. Please ensure you include your full name, the course you have applied to, and your applicant number in your email.

For more information please contact the Biology Postgraduate Admissions Office (bio.pgt.admiss@uea.ac.uk).

Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.

You can apply online, or by downloading the application form.

Further Information

To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our online enquiry form.

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.