MRes in Biomedical Science

Applications are now being considered for 1st October 2008 start.  Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.  Places are limited.
 MRes in Biomedical Science 2008-9 Application Form

Who should apply?

This is a one-year full-time course commencing in October 2008. It is particularly appropriate both for applicants who want a stand alone master’s course with a strong emphasis on biomedical research and for those who want a year of postgraduate research training before proceeding to a PhD in the biomedical field. Some combinations of specialist modules and projects would also be appropriate to those from a Medical or Health Care Professional background who wish to gain research experience for professional development or prior to taking a research degree. 

Course structure

The course consists of four core of modules which support the research process and cover research methods, statistics, critical appraisal and research project planning & management (60 credits). Students will also take one specialist module from those listed below (15 credits):

• Cell Signalling in Health and Disease

Will cover critical insights into the cutting edge technologies used to understand cell signalling processes and their malfunction in metabolic, developmental and ion channel linked human diseases.

• Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Infectious Diseases

Provide a current view host-pathogen interactions during an infection, with a particular emphasis on HIV, TB and malaria.

• Cardiac and Vascular Sciences

A critical review the aetiology of degenerative vascular disease to provide a background for insights into the development of novel cell-based or drug-based therapies.

• Human Genetics

Reviews the cutting edge genetic technologies such as human cloning and manipulation of genetic databases to provide a grounding for researchprojects involving gene identification.

• Reproductive Science and Medicine

Overview of recent advances in the science of reproductive disorders, including infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome and pre-eclampsia.

• Applied Research in Rehabilitation

This module will enable students to develop a critical awareness and systematic understanding scientific enquiry in rehabilitation research.

The core and specialist modules will be delivered by a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials and will include opportunities for students to develop scientific presentation skills.

The specialist modules will provide the basis for a laboratory or clinical research project (105 credits) which will be conducted throughout the year and will be written up as a final dissertation. Students will be working within an established research team and will receive individual supervision from specialists active at the cutting edge of research in their own fields.

Research Project opportunities

Project areas may include the following:

• immunopathogenesis of HIV, TB or malaria
• genetics of cardiomyopathy, infantile seizures, motor neuron disease, Noonan syndrome or deafness
• developmental and reproductive cell signalling (e.g.in polycystic ovary syndrome or pre-eclampsia )
• reproductive science (e.g. steroid hormone synthesis, oocyte maturation, or ovarian follicle and cyst development)
• the role of ion channels in health and disease (e.g. in hereditary arrhythmias, cystic fibrosis)
• structure and function of lipoproteins
• mesenchymal stem cells in vascular disease
• molecular and metabolic signalling (e.g. cell growth & apoptosis)
• functional recovery in stroke patients

For detailed information on the research being carried out in these and other areas and on recent publications please consult our web site: www.sgul.ac.uk/depts

Application process

Applicants who are interested in applying for the course are encouraged as part of the application process to make email contact with research leads in their chosen area of interest to discuss the potential for research projects as follows:

Inquiries regarding the course can also be addressed to the Course Director Dr Debbie Baines (dbaines@sgul.ac.uk) or the Dean for Postgraduate Studies Prof Paul Andrews (pandrews@sgul.ac.uk ) both in the Division of Basic Medical Sciences, St George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE.

Applicants should normally have, or expect to obtain before commencement of their studies a degree in a subject which offers an appropriate grounding in Biomedical Sciences with a minimum classification of second class (or an equivalent overseas qualification). Fees for home/EU students are £4377 for 2008/9. Fees for overseas students are £9270 for 2008/9

Application forms can be downloaded from the web here   MRes in Biomedical Science 2008-9 Application Form  Completed forms should be returned to Ms Caroline Dacey, Assistant Registrar, St George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London SW17 0RE (tel: 020 8725 2630/2629 email: c.dacey@sgul.ac.uk)

Background on St George’s, University of London

St George’s is a research-led institution specialising in medical, biological, health and social care sciences which is part of the University of London. Recent Research Assessment Exercise ratings included a 5 for pre-clinical studies. We currently have 270 research students, 250 taught postgraduates and 1920 undergraduates on our site which is shared with St George’s Hospital. St George’s is conveniently located for access to central London with its wide range of educational and leisure facilities.