Molecular Bioscience MSc

Course Content

• Course Details

  The programme supports you to develop your knowledge and understanding of key aspects of your chosen pathway and is aimed at individuals that have a prior knowledge of, or keen interest in, Molecular Medicine or Genetics and Genomics.

  Areas of focus in Molecular Medicine include immunological cancers, diagnosis and mechanisms of bacterial infections, the pathology of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disease and the role of bioenergetics in health and disease.

  Our Genetics and Genomics pathway is also very diverse, with current research at Northampton focusing on antimicrobial resistance, the genetics of neurological disease and the impact of human genetic variation on the fight against infection.

  Whether you wish to follow an applied career in bioscience or go on to further study at PhD level this Programme gives you the skills, qualification and insight to follow your dreams.

  Students study six modules over one year full time, or two years if studying part time.  You will follow subject specific and Research Methods modules and undertake a research project in your area of interest that gives an individual focus, whilst also integrating you into the Molecular Biosciences Research Group within the University’s Research Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences. You can find out more about the research interests and expertise of the Bioscience team on the Department of Science research profiles page.

  The Dissemination module supports you to develop your communication skills and disseminate your research findings in the form of conference presentations, submission to peer reviewed journals, or to a wider audience.

  You will study Current Topics in Molecular Bioscience which allows you to study relevant and cutting-edge issues in Bioscience, working independently to pursue your own interests with the support of a supervising tutor.

  To improve your employability, apply your skills and build your social capital you will also complete 240 hours of Applied Practice in a stimulating and well-structured placement.  You could apply your skills to either industrial, academic, clinical or educational aspects of Molecular Bioscience and gain valuable real-world work experience.

  Modules

  For the full list of modules for the Molecular Medicine pathway, please click here.

  The modules for the Genetics and Genomics pathway are listed below:

   

  • Stage 1
    • Molecular Bioscience Dissertation (60 Credits)
      Module code: SLSM013

      Status: Compulsory
      The module provides an opportunity for the student to apply knowledge concepts and research techniques to a question or problem in a specific discipline within their studies. The module builds and expands on students' prior knowledge and aims to develop expertise and understanding of the scientific process including research methodology skills to execute planning conducting analysis and writing up of their research. It will develop the student's ability to work independently and to reflect on the subject-specific research process.All assessments will be directly related to the student?s chosen pathway specialism either: MSc Molecular Bioscience (Molecular Medicine) MSc Molecular Bioscience (Genetics and Genomics)
    • Genetics and Genomics (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLSM014

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of both molecular genetics and genomics including bioinformatics and large data analyses. Students will explore the impact of genomic changes and variation and how these contribute to outcomes such as disease. This will include the development and use of novel technologies and their application in the clinic and more broadly in society.
    • Current Topics in Molecular Bioscience (20 Credits)
      Module code: SLSM015

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to identify and examine current topics within Molecular Bioscience. The students will explore an identified issue and develop their critical analysis of contentious or contemporary issues. They will review the literature and propose strategies that affect positive change in shaping future practice and research.
    • Applied Practice (40 Credits)
      Module code: SPOM019

      Status: Compulsory
      Applied Practice provides an opportunity for students to apply complex theoretical knowledge innovative ideas and strategies to autonomously investigate a novel idea/proposition to a real world setting relevant to their chosen pathway through engagement in a work-based learning environment. The module will provide opportunities to develop and consolidate skills in evidence-based practice and engages the student in critical thinking enquiry and analysis including research and critical appraisal skills.
    • Dissemination (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPOM020

      Status: Compulsory
      The Dissemination module enables students to communicate their research and findings generated during the programme enhancing external practice and learning. They will gain a holistic understanding of how to add to academic debate communicating with key stakeholder groups using a range of appropriate media.
    • Research Methods (20 Credits)
      Module code: SPOM029

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will focus on examining a specific area of interest chosen by the student to develop their understanding of the research process and designing and developing a valid research proposal. It will also advance the students understanding of concepts principles and techniques associated with quantitative and qualitative statistical analyses commonly used in research projects.

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• Entry Requirements

  You will need to have a minimum 2.2 class honours degree in a Biological Science from a UK university or international equivalent in order to be eligible to apply for this course.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at postgraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  2021/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £7,470
  • UK – Part Time: £830 per 20 credit module.
  • International – Full Time: £14,000

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2021. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK and EU – Full Time: £7,425
  • UK and EU – Part Time: £825 per 20 credit module
  • International – Full Time: £13,750

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2020. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  Postgraduate Loans

  If you are starting a postgraduate Master’s course in 2020/21 or 21/22 either full-time or part-time* you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan through Student Finance England.

  *The maximum period of study allowed for part-time courses is two years

   

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

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• Facilities/ Special Features

  Our Biomedical Science laboratories are modern and well equipped with research facilities that will enable you to learn and develop your skills in an innovative and supportive environment. Current specialist facilities include:

  • cell culture facilities (for working with human cell lines – i.e. cancer cells)
  • genetics/genomics facilities for the analysis of DNA and RNA (including PCR and next-generation sequencing technology)
  • specialist Microbiology laboratories fluorescence, bright-field and electron microscope.
  • Experienced subject specialists actively researching and publishing in their fields.
  • Opportunities to attend and present research at international conferences.
  • Independently focused areas of study fully supported.
  • Great links with local academic, industrial and clinical partners.

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• Contact the Programme Leader

  If you would like to find out more information, please contact the Programme Leader
  Alexandra.Woodacre@northampton.ac.uk.

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