Applied Biosciences, by Research, MSc

Our MSc by Research in Applied Bioscience suite of courses allow you to tailor the course towards the area you wish to specialise in. These courses will fully prepare you for research work upon graduation.

The following course titles are available:

• MSc by Research Biotechnology
• MSc by Research Cancer Biology
• MSc by Research Environmental Management
• MSc by Research Microbiology
• MSc by Research Molecular Cell Biology
• MSc by Research Neuroscience
• MSc by Research Pharmacology.

Reasons to choose these courses

• These courses are aimed at students wishing to be fully prepared for research work on graduation, but who have limited practical laboratory experience from their first degree.
• Through studying 60 credit points (CP) of taught modules directly related to acquisition of research skills and a 60 CP Research Project you will emerge as a well-trained researcher with good prospects for further study to PhD or to directly work in industry.
• You will be working with experts in individual disciplines and will have the opportunity to study a variety of aspects of your discipline of choice.

Excellence in postgraduate and professional education
Our thriving research community has a strong national and international profile and is involved in a wide range of research activities. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in 2008, 90% of our research work in Subjects Allied to Medicine was judged to be of international standard, with 20% being recorded as world class.

Our principal commitment is to translating our research and teaching excellence into competitive, effective graduates who are equipped to inspire and innovate in their chosen careers.

Any questions?

Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 3373
Visit the School of Science and Technology website.

To complete to full the Masters course, you have to complete 180 credit points (credit points). Core modules which all students study:

• Research Methods and IT (15 credit points)*
• Practical Techniques in Genomics and Proteomics (15 credit points)
• Scientific Analysis, Review and Presentation (30 credit points)*
• Research Project (60 credit points)*

*The content of these modules is directly relevant to your chosen degree title, as you will have options to tailor the work involved to your interests through discussion and negotiation with relevant staff. Research Methods and IT and Scientific Analysis Review and Presentation lead you through techniques necessary for performing post-graduate level research.

Through choice of topics you will have the opportunity to both prepare for your Research Project and to explore the wider field of interest while learning to put into practice key skills in research. These modules will require you to interact effectively with research literature and data, for the structured production of poster, oral and written presentations through interactive seminars and lectures.

In addition, you will have a choice of modules from our portfolio to complement your past experience and the degree title.

Environmental Management

• Associate Certificate in Environmental Management UK*
• Environmental Management Systems*
• Practical Resource Management**

Pharmacology

Core modules

• Pharmacology

Optional modules

• Molecular Biology and DNA Technology
• Cell Culture and Antibody Technology
• Business and Bioethics
• Enzyme Technology and Biocatalysis

Microbiology

Core modules

• Microbial Physiology and Genomics

Optional modules

• Molecular Biology and DNA Technology
• Business and Bioethics
• Special Topics in Molecular Biology
• Enzyme Technology and Biocatalysis

Neuroscience

Core modules

• Neurobiology and Neuropathology

Optional modules

• Molecular Biology and DNA Technology
• Cell Culture and Antibody Technology
• Business and Bioethics
• Enzyme Technology and Biocatalysis

Cancer Biology

• Molecular Biology and DNA Technology
• Cell Culture and Antibody Technology
• Biology of Disease

Molecular Cell Biology

• Molecular Biology and DNA Technology
• Cell Culture and Antibody Technology
• Special Topics in Molecular Biology
• Enzyme Technology and Biocatalysis

Biotechnology

Core modules

• Microbial Physiology and Genomics

Optional module

• Molecular Biology and DNA Technology
• Cell Culture and Antibody Technology
• Special Topics in Molecular Biocatalysts
• Enzyme Technology and Biocatalysts

* Delivered by e-learning
** Eight day residential field course

Two of the 20 credit point modules on MSc by Research Environmental Management (Associate Certificate Course in Environmental Management (UK)), Environmental Management System (ISO14001)) are delivered by eLearning plus supportive seminars. The materials have been specially designed to provide you with a supported and structured learning experience. You can contact your tutors and discuss ideas with other students via email and discussion boards. Completed assessments are submitted online via the University's virtual learning environment. This course also involves attendance at an intensive eight day field course for the module Practical Resource Management, where you will have the opportunity for detailed discussions with peers and staff and will have hands-on experience of relevant techniques and computer programmes.

The Research Project forms a major part of the course and you will be guided on the choice of topic by discussion with the Course Leader, Module Leader and individual academic staff. This provides the opportunity for you to learn to work independently and research an area of interest in depth. Throughout the course of the project you will be supported by your individual supervisor with regular meetings being held to assess progress.

How do you study?
Each module has an academic team which is responsible for developing the curriculum, producing the learning materials, providing support, and assigning coursework and grades. In addition your course leader will provide on-going support during the completion of your course.

Assessment
You will undertake self-guided and formal assessments, including written assignments, tests, formal examinations, oral and poster presentations to test your acquisition of master's level knowledge and skills.

Facilities
This course benefits from the excellent facilities and equipment available in the School of Science and Technology.