Molecular Medicine, MSc

Program Overview

The University of Aberdeen's MSc in Molecular Medicine empowers students to design their own curriculum, gaining expertise in molecular medicine across various fields. Through hands-on learning and research experiences, students develop the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in academia, industry, and healthcare, addressing real-life applications of molecular medicine.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The MSc in Molecular Medicine is a unique program that allows students to create their own curriculum from offered molecular medicine courses.
This program aims to provide students with knowledge of molecular medicine and the tools to understand and treat human diseases.
• Objectives:
• Equip students with expertise in molecular medicine across various fields.
• Allow students to design their own curriculum based on their research and academic interests.
• Provide opportunities for hands-on learning and research experiences.
• Offer insight into real-life applications of molecular medicine.
• Description: This program is delivered by molecular medicine researchers, providing a research-led teaching experience.
Students will gain the skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers in diverse molecular medicine fields within both academia and industry.

Outline:

• Content: This program covers a broad curriculum focused on recent advances in molecular medicine.
• Structure:
• Stage 1:
Students take compulsory courses such as MT5010 (Basic Skills - Induction) and choose 2-3 courses from a list of options including MB5021 (Bioinformatics), BT5014 (Biotechnology), and MB5025 (Molecular Genetics).
• Stage 2: Students take one compulsory course (MB5518: Research Tutorials) and choose three courses from a list of options including MB5522 (Advanced Bioinformatics and Genome Sequencing), BT5511 (Advanced Biotechnology with Computation), and MB5516 (Host-Pathogen Interactions).
• Stage 3: Students choose one compulsory course from MB5904 (Masters Research Project (Laboratory)) or PU5922 (Masters Research Project) depending on their research focus.
• Schedule: This program is offered as a full-time or part-time option with a duration of 12 or 24 months respectively.
The program starts in September each year.
• Modules:
• Stage 1:
• MT5010: Basic Skills - Induction
• MB5021: Bioinformatics
• MT5024: Molecular Pharmacology
• PU5017: Applied Statistics
• MB5028: Profiles of Immunology
• MC5009: Current Microbiology
• Stage 2:
• MB5518: Research Tutorials
• BT5511: Advanced Biotechnology with Computation
• MB5522: Advanced Bioinformatics and Genome Sequencing
• MB5516: Host-Pathogen Interactions
• MB5528: Advanced Genomic Tools in Biomedical Research
• MB5526: Genes and Immunity
• MT5520: Drug Development to Evidence Based Medicine
• BT5509: Biologic Drug Discovery
• MB5524: Applied Developmental Biology
• Stage 3:
• MB5904: Masters Research Project (Laboratory)
• PU5922: Masters Research Project

Assessment:

• Methods: Assessment methods include practical work, written essays, oral presentations, and research projects.
• Criteria: Students must pass all courses at an appropriate standard to receive the MSc degree.

Teaching:

• Methods:
• Lecture-based learning with self-directed learning
• Practical classes and tutorials
• Inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary learning
• Exposure to leading academics and research-led teaching
• Insight into real-life situations and examples
• Faculty: Teaching is provided by a dedicated team of experienced researchers.
• Unique Approach: On-going support, peer support, and small class sizes ensure personalized learning experiences.

Careers:

• Career Paths:
• Research Scientist (Research Assistant or Technologist)
• Clinical Research Associate
• Research and Development Manager
• Scientific Writer or Editor
• Patent Lawyer
• Science Communicator
• Medical Writer or Editor
• Biostatistician
• Opportunities: This program prepares students for careers in various industries, including:
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
• Research institutions
• Hospitals and diagnostic laboratories
• Government agencies
• Educational institutions
• Outcomes: Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in diverse molecular medicine fields.

Other:

• Location: The program is offered at the Foresterhill Health Campus, which includes one of the largest teaching hospitals in Europe, the Institute of Medical Sciences, and the Rowett Institute.
• Skills Training: Students receive training in scientific writing, analytical skills, CV writing, interview skills, and reading scientific literature.
• World-Class Teaching: The program is delivered by experts within the Institute of Medical Sciences, providing access to leading academics and research-led teaching.
• Research Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to undertake a comprehensive research project in molecular medicine.
• Flexible Curriculum: Students can tailor the curriculum to their specific interests and career aspirations.
• Small Class Sizes: This program offers small class sizes for personalized learning experiences and greater access to teaching staff.

EU / International students: £27,000 UK: £12,200 In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.