Course content
The course will introduce you to recent advances made in the study of disease, with an emphasis on how advanced molecular technologies inform, and impact upon, clinical practice.
You can tailor many elements of the course to focus on your personal or employment interests. For example, you’ll undertake a research project which can be completed at your place of work or at the University.
The course will introduce you to recent advances made in the study of disease, with an emphasis on how advanced molecular technologies inform, and impact upon, clinical practice. You’ll develop hands-on practical skills during two one-week residential short courses.
You can tailor many elements of the course to focus on your personal or employment interests. For example, you’ll undertake a research project which can be completed at your place of work or at the University.
The course will introduce you to recent advances made in the study of disease, with an emphasis on how advanced molecular technologies inform, and impact upon, clinical practice.
You can tailor many elements of the course to focus on your personal or employment interests. For example, you’ll undertake a research project which can be completed at your place of work or at the University.
Professional body accreditation
Professional body accreditation
Professional body accreditation
Modules
The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.
Masters Research Project
This flagship module is where your academic journey culminates in a fully independent, MSc-level research project; designed, developed, and delivered by¿you. You will explore a topic area that interests you, conduct a critical review of the existing literature, and develop clear research questions. You will learn how to plan and justify an appropriate methodology and prepare a professional research proposal, including submitting an ethical approval application. Youll take full ownership of a topic aligned to your course and personal interests, working one-on-one with an experienced academic supervisor. Youll manage every stage of the research process, from refining your research question and gaining ethical approval, to collecting and analysing data, interpreting results, and producing a¿journal-style article¿ready for academic or professional audiences. Throughout the project, youll be supported to uphold the highest standards of¿research integrity by adhering to industry standards and ethics, demonstrating autonomy, critical thinking, and subject expertise. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to your field, sharpen your research skills, and showcase your ability to produce work of postgraduate quality, ideal preparation for professional roles or further academic study.
Module code: SPOR70974
Molecular Genetics In Medicine
This module provides an in-depth examination of molecular genetics in the context of human health and disease. You will study the molecular pathology of genes, explore advanced techniques for genome mapping and genetic manipulation in mammalian systems, and delve into the principles and applications of DNA sequencing, including PCR, deep sequencing, and genome editing. Through a combination of interactive lectures, seminars and workshop activities, and data analysis tasks, you will develop the skills to apply molecular genetics knowledge to the diagnosis, management, and prevention of disease. The module also covers the integration of systems biology and omics technologies in personalised medicine, enabling you to interpret complex genetic data and reflect on the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic technologies in healthcare. By engaging with real-world case studies and reflective exercises, you will learn to critically evaluate current research, understand molecular mechanisms in medicine, and communicate your insights effectively preparing you for further study or professional practice in this rapidly advancing field.
Module code: BIOL70683
Translational Molecular Biology
This module offers an in-depth exploration of the latest advances in molecular biology and their application to human health and disease. You will learn how novel molecular and genomic technologies are driving innovation in disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Teaching is delivered through a dynamic mix of face-to-face lectures, interactive tutorials, hands-on workshops, and seminar classes. The module is ideal if you are seeking to bridge the gap between laboratory science and clinical practice as it prepares you for further academic research and careers in biomedical science, translational medicine, and other related fields.
Module code: BIOL70685
Applied Molecular Biology
This module offers an immersive exploration of contemporary molecular biology techniques and their pivotal role in health and disease. You will build a robust foundation in laboratory and analytical skills, progressing from environmental sample collection and microbial characterisation to advanced molecular analysis and clinical bioinformatics. Through interactive lectures, seminars, and workshop activities, you will learn to collect and quantify environmental and clinical bacterial samples, record colony characteristics, and use microbial staining to identify pathogens involved in public health and disease outbreaks. You will gain hands-on experience in PCR and bacterial DNA extraction, mastering gel electrophoresis for the identification of infectious agents. The module covers genome sequencing and bioinformatics, enabling you to analyse microbial genomes, trace sources of infection, and investigate antibiotic resistance. You will perform post-PCR clean-up and Sanger sequencing to accurately identify disease-related microbes, and explore recombinant DNA technology, including plasmid isolation, restriction digestion, ligation, and transformation, with applications in developing gene therapies and vaccines. You will integrate multi-omics data and clinical bioinformatics approaches to address complex health conditions, inform personalised medicine, and facilitate translational research. Real-world case studies and reflective exercises will challenge you to critically evaluate current research, communicate scientific insights, and consider the ethical and societal implications of molecular technologies in healthcare. By the end of the module, you will be equipped with the practical expertise and analytical skills required for further study or professional practice in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and bioscience research.
Module code: BIOL70682
Principles Of Molecular Biology
This module provides you with the fundamental knowledge and hands on experience needed to understand the molecular basis of life and its relevance to health and disease. You will delve into the essential principles of molecular biology, exploring DNA, RNA, and protein structure and function, as well as key processes such as replication, transcription, translation, and gene regulation.Through a combination of interactive lectures, student-led activities, and laboratory practical you will gain confidence in using essential techniquesfrom DNA extraction and PCR to gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry, and ELISA. You will develop the skills to analyse experimental data, interpret molecular mechanisms, and understand how these underpin biological systems and disease processes. By engaging with reflective laboratory work, you will learn to connect theory with practice, critically evaluate scientific evidence, and communicate your findings effectively.
Module code: BIOL70684
Modules
The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.
Translational Molecular Biology
This module offers an in-depth exploration of the latest advances in molecular biology and their application to human health and disease. You will learn how novel molecular and genomic technologies are driving innovation in disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Teaching is delivered through a dynamic mix of face-to-face lectures, interactive tutorials, hands-on workshops, and seminar classes. The module is ideal if you are seeking to bridge the gap between laboratory science and clinical practice as it prepares you for further academic research and careers in biomedical science, translational medicine, and other related fields.
Module code: BIOL70685
Principles Of Molecular Biology
This module provides you with the fundamental knowledge and hands on experience needed to understand the molecular basis of life and its relevance to health and disease. You will delve into the essential principles of molecular biology, exploring DNA, RNA, and protein structure and function, as well as key processes such as replication, transcription, translation, and gene regulation.Through a combination of interactive lectures, student-led activities, and laboratory practical you will gain confidence in using essential techniquesfrom DNA extraction and PCR to gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry, and ELISA. You will develop the skills to analyse experimental data, interpret molecular mechanisms, and understand how these underpin biological systems and disease processes. By engaging with reflective laboratory work, you will learn to connect theory with practice, critically evaluate scientific evidence, and communicate your findings effectively.
Module code: BIOL70684
Masters Research Project
This flagship module is where your academic journey culminates in a fully independent, MSc-level research project; designed, developed, and delivered by¿you. You will explore a topic area that interests you, conduct a critical review of the existing literature, and develop clear research questions. You will learn how to plan and justify an appropriate methodology and prepare a professional research proposal, including submitting an ethical approval application. Youll take full ownership of a topic aligned to your course and personal interests, working one-on-one with an experienced academic supervisor. Youll manage every stage of the research process, from refining your research question and gaining ethical approval, to collecting and analysing data, interpreting results, and producing a¿journal-style article¿ready for academic or professional audiences. Throughout the project, youll be supported to uphold the highest standards of¿research integrity by adhering to industry standards and ethics, demonstrating autonomy, critical thinking, and subject expertise. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to your field, sharpen your research skills, and showcase your ability to produce work of postgraduate quality, ideal preparation for professional roles or further academic study.
Module code: SPOR70974
Applied Molecular Biology
This module offers an immersive exploration of contemporary molecular biology techniques and their pivotal role in health and disease. You will build a robust foundation in laboratory and analytical skills, progressing from environmental sample collection and microbial characterisation to advanced molecular analysis and clinical bioinformatics. Through interactive lectures, seminars, and workshop activities, you will learn to collect and quantify environmental and clinical bacterial samples, record colony characteristics, and use microbial staining to identify pathogens involved in public health and disease outbreaks. You will gain hands-on experience in PCR and bacterial DNA extraction, mastering gel electrophoresis for the identification of infectious agents. The module covers genome sequencing and bioinformatics, enabling you to analyse microbial genomes, trace sources of infection, and investigate antibiotic resistance. You will perform post-PCR clean-up and Sanger sequencing to accurately identify disease-related microbes, and explore recombinant DNA technology, including plasmid isolation, restriction digestion, ligation, and transformation, with applications in developing gene therapies and vaccines. You will integrate multi-omics data and clinical bioinformatics approaches to address complex health conditions, inform personalised medicine, and facilitate translational research. Real-world case studies and reflective exercises will challenge you to critically evaluate current research, communicate scientific insights, and consider the ethical and societal implications of molecular technologies in healthcare. By the end of the module, you will be equipped with the practical expertise and analytical skills required for further study or professional practice in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and bioscience research.
Module code: BIOL70682
Molecular Genetics In Medicine
This module provides an in-depth examination of molecular genetics in the context of human health and disease. You will study the molecular pathology of genes, explore advanced techniques for genome mapping and genetic manipulation in mammalian systems, and delve into the principles and applications of DNA sequencing, including PCR, deep sequencing, and genome editing. Through a combination of interactive lectures, seminars and workshop activities, and data analysis tasks, you will develop the skills to apply molecular genetics knowledge to the diagnosis, management, and prevention of disease. The module also covers the integration of systems biology and omics technologies in personalised medicine, enabling you to interpret complex genetic data and reflect on the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic technologies in healthcare. By engaging with real-world case studies and reflective exercises, you will learn to critically evaluate current research, understand molecular mechanisms in medicine, and communicate your insights effectively preparing you for further study or professional practice in this rapidly advancing field.
Module code: BIOL70683
Modules
The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.
Applied Molecular Biology
This module offers an immersive exploration of contemporary molecular biology techniques and their pivotal role in health and disease. You will build a robust foundation in laboratory and analytical skills, progressing from environmental sample collection and microbial characterisation to advanced molecular analysis and clinical bioinformatics. Through interactive lectures, seminars, and workshop activities, you will learn to collect and quantify environmental and clinical bacterial samples, record colony characteristics, and use microbial staining to identify pathogens involved in public health and disease outbreaks. You will gain hands-on experience in PCR and bacterial DNA extraction, mastering gel electrophoresis for the identification of infectious agents. The module covers genome sequencing and bioinformatics, enabling you to analyse microbial genomes, trace sources of infection, and investigate antibiotic resistance. You will perform post-PCR clean-up and Sanger sequencing to accurately identify disease-related microbes, and explore recombinant DNA technology, including plasmid isolation, restriction digestion, ligation, and transformation, with applications in developing gene therapies and vaccines. You will integrate multi-omics data and clinical bioinformatics approaches to address complex health conditions, inform personalised medicine, and facilitate translational research. Real-world case studies and reflective exercises will challenge you to critically evaluate current research, communicate scientific insights, and consider the ethical and societal implications of molecular technologies in healthcare. By the end of the module, you will be equipped with the practical expertise and analytical skills required for further study or professional practice in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and bioscience research.
Module code: BIOL70682
Principles Of Molecular Biology
This module provides you with the fundamental knowledge and hands on experience needed to understand the molecular basis of life and its relevance to health and disease. You will delve into the essential principles of molecular biology, exploring DNA, RNA, and protein structure and function, as well as key processes such as replication, transcription, translation, and gene regulation.Through a combination of interactive lectures, student-led activities, and laboratory practical you will gain confidence in using essential techniquesfrom DNA extraction and PCR to gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry, and ELISA. You will develop the skills to analyse experimental data, interpret molecular mechanisms, and understand how these underpin biological systems and disease processes. By engaging with reflective laboratory work, you will learn to connect theory with practice, critically evaluate scientific evidence, and communicate your findings effectively.
Module code: BIOL70684
Molecular Genetics In Medicine
This module provides an in-depth examination of molecular genetics in the context of human health and disease. You will study the molecular pathology of genes, explore advanced techniques for genome mapping and genetic manipulation in mammalian systems, and delve into the principles and applications of DNA sequencing, including PCR, deep sequencing, and genome editing. Through a combination of interactive lectures, seminars and workshop activities, and data analysis tasks, you will develop the skills to apply molecular genetics knowledge to the diagnosis, management, and prevention of disease. The module also covers the integration of systems biology and omics technologies in personalised medicine, enabling you to interpret complex genetic data and reflect on the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic technologies in healthcare. By engaging with real-world case studies and reflective exercises, you will learn to critically evaluate current research, understand molecular mechanisms in medicine, and communicate your insights effectively preparing you for further study or professional practice in this rapidly advancing field.
Module code: BIOL70683
Translational Molecular Biology
This module offers an in-depth exploration of the latest advances in molecular biology and their application to human health and disease. You will learn how novel molecular and genomic technologies are driving innovation in disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Teaching is delivered through a dynamic mix of face-to-face lectures, interactive tutorials, hands-on workshops, and seminar classes. The module is ideal if you are seeking to bridge the gap between laboratory science and clinical practice as it prepares you for further academic research and careers in biomedical science, translational medicine, and other related fields.
Module code: BIOL70685
Masters Research Project
This flagship module is where your academic journey culminates in a fully independent, MSc-level research project; designed, developed, and delivered by¿you. You will explore a topic area that interests you, conduct a critical review of the existing literature, and develop clear research questions. You will learn how to plan and justify an appropriate methodology and prepare a professional research proposal, including submitting an ethical approval application. Youll take full ownership of a topic aligned to your course and personal interests, working one-on-one with an experienced academic supervisor. Youll manage every stage of the research process, from refining your research question and gaining ethical approval, to collecting and analysing data, interpreting results, and producing a¿journal-style article¿ready for academic or professional audiences. Throughout the project, youll be supported to uphold the highest standards of¿research integrity by adhering to industry standards and ethics, demonstrating autonomy, critical thinking, and subject expertise. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to your field, sharpen your research skills, and showcase your ability to produce work of postgraduate quality, ideal preparation for professional roles or further academic study.
Module code: SPOR70974