MSc Molecular Medicine

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 and the ability to profile microbiota via whole genome sequencing, mean that diseases can now be studied at the cellular and molecular level in exquisite detail. This work will help to understand diseases, to develop treatments and possibly, in the future, cures.

Our MSc in Molecular Medicine draws upon the world-renowned strength of research in biomedical sciences on the Norwich Research Park. On this course you’ll learn essential skills that are highly sought after in medical research, the pharmaceutical industry and the health services.

As well as learning fundamental theory, you’ll develop valuable transferable skills through personal development sessions, where you’ll cover presentation skills, employability and time-management.

UEA has enormous expertise in biomedical research, with a global reputation for academic excellence and strong links with the major institutes based across the Norwich Research Park. 100% of our research environment was rated world leading and internationally excellent at the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) for Biological Sciences.

About

You aspire to be at the forefront of modern medicine. You’re inspired by the major 21st century advances in 'omics to help us understand disease at the molecular and cellular level. And you’re passionate about how this is opens up new ways to treat and cure major illnesses.

On this fascinating MSc Molecular Medicine, you’ll study a variety of current topics and approaches currently used in molecular medicine and prepare for a fulfilling career in biomedical research, the pharmaceutical industry or the health services.

Choosing this course will enable you to be part of this rapidly growing discipline that is of increasing importance to the future of medical research. You’ll graduate with the knowledge, skills and experience to start your career and work towards becoming an expert in this cutting-edge field.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

We’ll assess your learning in a combination of different ways depending on the module and learning objectives. These include formal exams, coursework assignments and presentations. In addition, you’ll complete a research project, which you’ll submit to us as a formal dissertation. This will be assessed by an external as well as an internal examination.

Structure

This year-long MSc programme is split into two parts. In part one of the programme you’ll take most of your taught modules, giving you the opportunity to learn skills in data analysis, critical evaluation of data, laboratory working and report writing in molecular medicine.

Your modules include Data Handling Linked to Molecular Medicine – a specific module for this course. It’ll train you in the essentials of data collection, handling, analysis and presentation.

Frontiers in Molecular Medicine I and II will help you to understand human diseases at the molecular and cellular level throughout the body. You’ll study the important questions in the field and learn to understand and evaluate primary literature on the topic through teamwork.

You’ll gain hands on practical experience in Modern Experimental Techniques in Molecular Medicine, such as mammalian cell culture, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, transfection of cells with GFP-protein constructs, microscope imagine, live cell imaging and RT-PCR.

Through Research Skills for Molecular Medicine and Bioscience Seminars you’ll develop useful transferable skills to support your learning and career development, such as scientific writing, science communication and engagement and ethics.

You will also gain valuable hands-on research skills via a full-time Research Project in Molecular Medicine, via a placement in a laboratory environment at UEA or one of the Research Institutes on the Norwich Research Park.

Teaching and Learning

Many of your lecturers will be internationally recognised researchers in their area, and with research-led taught units you will benefit from learning at the cutting-edge of the discipline.

You’ll learn through face-to-face lectures, workshops, and hands on experiments in our modern biomedical laboratories.

Independent study

Throughout the programme you will be expected to read and review scientific literature and data, and study independently outside of your contact time.

In the second part of your MSc, you’ll complete a major research project where you’ll design, experiment and carry out original research in your chosen topic. This project will provide an invaluable training environment to enhance your research skills and gives you the chance to work individually, drawing on knowledge and understanding gained from your taught modules. At the beginning of the research project you’ll prepare an in-depth literature review drawing on the current literature, with support from your project supervisor.

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Assessment for Year 1

Compulsory Modules

FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE I

Code BIO-7017A

Credits 20

This module will help you to understand human diseases at the molecular and cellular level throughout the body. You’ll gain knowledge of the normal tissue function in question and how it changes in disease. You’ll also learn how research can identify molecular mechanisms underlying the diseases and lead to the design of tools for disease diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention. You’ll benefit from world-renowned experts in their field across the Norwich Research Park. You’ll learn about the usefulness of model organisms in research and become an expert in the gut, the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system. Up-to-date knowledge on infection, ion channels and metabolism will complement and link the body system. A substantial part of the module is dedicated to stem cells and their risk and potential as therapeutic target. You’ll be assessed through an essay (30%) and a course test (70%) On successful completion of this module, you’ll have a solid background on the structure and function of various organ systems, associated diseases and get insight how disease mechanisms are identified in translational research. This will be transferable into your future career as a PhD student or medical-related work setting.

BIOSCIENCE SEMINARS

Code BIO-7039Y

Credits 20

Have you ever wondered how researchers maintain a deep knowledge of their subject and stay on top of key developments in related fields? This module aims to help you develop those skills and support this your professional development as a bioscientist. Through a process of regular seminar attendance and reflection you will obtain a better understanding of your chosen area of research, gain exposure to the range of world class science taking place on the NRP and develop insight into your own progression as a researcher. And by participating in a weekly “journal club” will have the opportunity to practice deconstructing key research papers related to your project and evaluating the results for your colleagues. Assessment is based on your second journal club presentation and a portfolio of reflective reports based on the seminars that you attended.

DATA HANDLING LINKED TO MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Code BIO-7033A

Credits 20

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.

RESEARCH SKILLS FOR MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Code BIO-7041Y

Credits 20

This module aims to provide you with useful transferable skills to assist with your learning and career development, including: - scientific writing - the use of presentation software and IT-based resources - science communication and engagement; and - knowledge transfer and ethics for bio scientists. Good literary and communication skills are valuable in long-term scientific careers. You will practice a variety of skills in a non-intimidating environment, helping you to develop your CV and gain experience of applying for jobs building on scientific knowledge. It will consider the increasing importance of interacting with different audiences, including the media and non-specialists. This module will also provide training in research skills relevant to Molecular Medicine students, especially in relation to the Research Project (7042X). After an initial discussion with your supervisor(s) to outline the project, you will read the background literature. You will then be required to write a 3000-word document incorporating a literature review.

RESEARCH PROJECT IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Code BIO-7042X

Credits 100

This is a compulsory and restricted research project for MSc Molecular Medicine. Students carry out individual work with the guidance of a UEA or associated institute supervisor. The research project is often one of the most enjoyable and useful experiences in a student's science training and is linked with BIO-7041Y which involves the formulation of hypotheses and the design of experiments. Students will develop practical experience and understanding of the techniques used in Molecular Medicine that are important for researchers and clinicians, focussing on approaches widely used in Molecular Medicine, including those from molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, chemical biology and developmental biology. In this module students will carry out the experiments, analyse the data and critically assess the formulated hypotheses in light of their findings. Students will then write a dissertation and present their results to the rest of the group.

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Important Information

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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

MSc MOLECULAR MEDICINE