Masters Degrees (Oral Biology)

This course offers a wide ranging, in depth knowledge of oral biology in its broadest sense including relevant microbiology and disease processes. It also provides a sound educational background so that you can go on to lead academic oral biology programmes within dental schools.

Why study Oral Biology at Dundee?

This course is specifically designed for individuals who wish to pursue career pathways in academic oral biology, with a focus, though not exclusively, on developing individuals who can deliver and, more importantly, lead oral biology courses within dental schools.

Oral Biology is a significant subject area that is integral to undergraduate and postgraduate dental training worldwide. The scope of Oral Biology includes a range of basic and applied sciences that underpin the practise of dentistry. These subjects include: oral and dental anatomy; craniofacial and dental development; oral physiology; oral neuroscience; oral microbiology. These subjects will be integrated with the relevant disease processes, for example, craniofacial anomalies, dental caries and tooth surface loss.

What's so good about studying Oral Biology at Dundee?

This programme focuses on the research and education experience of the staff in the Dental School in Dundee. Such expertise lies in the fields of craniofacial development and anomalies; pain and jaw muscle control; salivary physiology; cancer biology; microbiology; cariology and tooth surface loss.

In addition it makes use of the extensive resources available for postgraduate programmes: extensive histological collections; virtual microscopy; oral physiology facilities; cell biology and dental materials laboratories.

Who should study this course?

The MSc in Oral Biology is for graduates who wish to pursue a career in academic oral biology. The course will be of particular interest for those wishing to establish themselves as oral biology teachers, innovators and course leaders within a dental school.

Teaching and Assessment

The Dental School is well placed to deliver such a course with an established staff of teaching and research active within oral biology, and its related fields, an in-house e-learning technologist and substantial links to the Centre for Medical Education in the School of Medicine. There will be an opportunity for students to exit with a PGCert in Oral Biology after successful completion of modules 1 -4 or a Diploma in Oral Biology after successful completion of modules 1 - 7.

How you will be taught

The programme will be delivered via a blend of methodologies including: face-to-face lectures / seminars / tutorials; on-line learning; directed and self- directed practical work; self-directed study; journal clubs.
What you will study

The MSc will be taught full-time over one year (September to August). Semester one (Modules 1 – 4) and Semester 2A, 2B (Modules 5 – 8) will provide participants with wide ranging, in-depth knowledge of oral biology, together with focused training in research (lab-base, dissertation or e- Learning) and its associated methodology. The MSc course is built largely on new modules (5) supported by 2 modules run conjointly with the Centre for Medical Education within the Medical School. All modules are compulsory:

Semester 1:

Module 1: Academic skills 1: principles of learning and teaching (15 credits)
Module 2: Cranio-facial development and anomalies (15 credits)
Module 3: Dental and periodontal tissues, development and structure (20 credits)
Module 4: Oral mucosa and disorders (10 credits)

Semesters 2A and 2B

Module 5a: Academic skills 2a: principles of assessment (15 credits)
Module 5b: Academic Skills 2b:educational skills
Module 6: Neuroscience (20 credits)
Module 7: Oral environment and endemic oral disease (20 credits)
Module 8: Project (60 credits)

The project is designed to encourage students to further develop their skills. This could take the form of a supervised laboratory research project, a literature based dissertation or an educational project. The educational project would be based around the development of an innovative learning resource utilising the experience of the dental school learning technologist.

How you will be assessed

Exams on the taught element of the programme will be held at the end of semester one. Essays and assignments will also contribute to the final mark, and the dissertation will be assessed through the production of a thesis and a viva exam.

Careers

The MSc Oral Biology is aimed at dental or science graduates who are either early in their careers or wish to establish themselves as oral biologists within dental schools. Oral Biology is a recognised discipline in many dental schools worldwide. Graduates will have gained sufficient knowledge and skills to enable them to be teachers, innovators and educational leaders in the field. In addition, successful graduates will be well placed to undertake further postgraduate study at PhD level. In some cases, this may possible within the existing research environments within the Dental School, the wider College of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing and the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification of the University of Dundee.

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This 12-month full-time MSc course explores the interdisciplinary field of oral biology, for those from either a scientific or clinical background. It provides the opportunity to develop a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights around the subject.

The course involves four taught core modules and a five-month laboratory research project leading to a dissertation. It encompasses a wide breadth of biomedical research that is also applicable to clinical dentistry and medicine, derived from the research strengths available within the School of Dentistry. The course has a strong research focus in the taught element, as well as the laboratory research projects, and it is envisaged as an entry for postgraduate research.
Distinctive features

The distinctive features of this course include:

• This is a hybrid course, which provides taught components and a laboratory-based research project.
• The taught part of the course has a strong focus on research methodology and modern experimental design/approaches, as well as the relevant Oral Biology background, thus laying a good foundation for the research project.
• Students will develop laboratory research skills.
• Training is provided to enable students to use research equipment independently.

Structure

This is a 12-month full-time multidisciplinary modular programme consisting of four taught core modules (part 1) to a total of 120 credits and a laboratory-based research project (part 2) studied over five months and worth 60 credits.

• Part 1: Taught Component

During Part 1, the modules are delivered concurrently over a 26-week period.

• Part 2: Research Project

Following satisfactory completion of the assessed course work and examinations in Part 1, you will progress to Part 2 of the course, the dissertation, which commences in April. You will be required to complete and submit a laboratory-based research project dissertation and present your work as a poster presentation (total 60 credits) to obtain a Master’s degree.

The research projects offered as part of the MSc course in Oral Biology are all laboratory-based. Research projects will be collated from supervisors in the School of Dentistry and their collaborators. We have an extensive collaborative network with co-supervisors/collaborator based in the Schools of Medicine, Biosciences and Pharmacy. You will be asked to propose a first and second choice of research project, and in most cases students will be able to pursue their first choice.

Those who do not achieve the MSc in Oral Biology may be eligible for the exit awards of a Postgraduate Diploma in Oral Biology (120 credits) or a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits).

For the Postgraduate Certificate award, students must have completed a particular module together with one other module, which will give them the knowledge and the intellectual, practical and transferable skills appropriate to a qualification in basic science and its practical application.

Core modules:

Research Methods
Cell Biology of Oral Tissues
Microorganisms in Oral Diseases
Tissue Repair, Regeneration & Scientific Methods
Dissertation

Teaching

All taught elements are delivered within the School of Dentistry. Students may attend other Schools (such as Medicine, Pharmacy or Biosciences) to undertake their research project.

A range of teaching methods is used on this programme, including:

Lectures
Small group teaching
Discussion groups
Self-directed learning
Oral scientific presentation
Poster / scientific presentation
Laboratory research skills
Writing a dissertation

Due to the relatively small intake for the MSc course, most teaching is delivered via small group teaching, involving seminars or student-led discussion groups. Such a teaching environment should facilitate a good student-teacher relationship, where academic problems can be identified and addressed with relative ease. Students may arrange for additional mentoring as required via the module leaders.

Additionally, all students will attend Student Induction, which includes presentations on the structure of the course and each module, the student services and graduate centre, a tour of the building and library and IT facilities.

During the taught component, you will be provided with reading lists for each module. To foster the high research element of the course the majority of course reading will be via peer-reviewed research journals which are readily accessible via the University electronic library for e-journals. Text-books are available within the libraries on the Heath Campus.

Assessment

Throughout the course, you will be issued with student assessments that may take the form of essays, presentations and reports. These will be used to monitor your academic progress.

You must pass both parts of the course in order to qualify for the Master’s degree. You must pass Part 1 in order to progress to Part 2.

Module assessments are used to assess learning outcomes and allow you to express Master’s level concepts of understanding, analysis, evaluation and presentation. You will be required to pass all four module assessments in the taught element and the dissertation with a minimum pass mark of 50%.

You must complete each assignment according to the assignment submission schedule issued to students at the start of the course.

Career prospects

A Master's degree in Oral Biology opens the door to a variety of possible future careers. The modules are designed to prepare each student to optimise their learning towards their chosen future career. The core skills modules immerse you in the research environment, developing research skills which will be practised in the laboratory-based research project, leading to a dissertation. This should allow you to distinguish yourself in today's highly competitive job market.

We anticipate that students will pursue further PhD qualification leading to research careers in the biomedical or pharmaceutical industry or an academic career in biomedical or dental research and teaching.

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Dental disease is the most common disease in the UK and many developed countries. This disease can cause by small daily problems but often leads to long term suffering and loss of quality of life.

This programme is the only MSc Oral Biology in the UK. It is designed for dental and basic or applied science graduates who may in future be responsible for the teaching of related subjects, or who need a greater understanding of the subject in order to develop their future academic or research careers.

This course focuses on the latest scientific development related to oral biology and health, it offers basic science in a clinical context
Students will get hands-on clinical exposure to the major scientific developments relating to both preventative medicine techniques to avoid disease, and commercial research into products
You will explore the latest developments in therapeutic dentistry; for example, the latest research into the oral delivery of drugs
Oral biology is a growing area of commercial research within the pharmacological industry , making graduates of this programme attractive to employers

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Chemical biology is the application of chemical tools and ideas to biological and medical problems. This programme is designed to build on an existing knowledge of chemical structure and reactivity to give you a thorough grounding in contemporary chemical biology and drug discovery as well as introducing you to topics from the research frontier.

You’ll be taught by experts from across the Astbury Centre in chemical biology, biophysics and medicinal chemistry using a "problem-based" approach. Visiting lecturers from the pharmaceutical industry will share their expertise in industrially-relevant applications of chemical biology and drug design with you.

Bridging the gap between your undergraduate degree in a core subject, and interdisciplinary research in chemical biology, you’ll develop the skills to solve real-life research problems, benefitting from a multi-million pound investment in fantastic research facilities. Rather than focusing on a single discipline, you’ll learn to use either chemical or biological approaches to tackle the problem in hand.

Accreditation

Royal Society of Chemistry Accreditation

The University of Leeds launched the first taught MSc degree in Chemical Biology in the UK. The course was one of the first two MSc courses in the UK to receive accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry; graduates from the programme with an appropriate first degree in chemistry satisfy the academic requirements for the award of Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Course content

In the first half of the year you’ll cover a core range of modules designed to build on an existing knowledge of chemical structure and reactivity to give you a thorough understanding of chemical biology and the techniques required for drug design. In the second half of the year you’ll spend the majority of your time working on an interdisciplinary research project which will allow you to work with and gain advice from two supervisors with complementary expertise.

This project will contribute 50% of the mark for your degree. The School will help you to select the project that is right for you, in an area that interests and motivates you. The project will provide you with key research experience to take your career forward. With the core modules behind you, you’ll be ideally positioned to choose an exciting problem to investigate.

The breadth of expertise available at Leeds means that you will be able to combine a wide range of techniques from computational ligand design to synthesis, protein engineering and laser spectroscopy. These techniques might span one of more of the following general areas;

• Synthesis of biologically active molecules
• Medicinal chemistry
• Enzymology and directed evolution
• Biophysical chemistry
• Chemical genetics

You’ll receive training in the generic skills that are required for the module, including scientific writing and giving oral presentations. You’ll select your project at the start of the second semester,undertaking a programme of directed reading before writing an initial report. You’ll then spend over four months in your supervisors' research laboratories working alongside PhD students and experienced postdoctoral researchers. During the research project, you’ll have access to the outstanding research facilities in chemical biology that are available in Leeds.

Course structure

Compulsory modules

• Foundation of Chemical Biology 10 credits
• Drug Discovery and Development 15 credits
• Emerging Topics in Chemical Biology 25 credits
• Extended Laboratory Project for Chemistry-based MSc courses 90 credits

Optional modules

• Practical Bioinformatics 10 credits
• Molecular Diagnostics and Drug Delivery 10 credits
• Advanced Topics in Chemical Biology (40 Credit) 40 credits
• Advanced Topics in Chemical Biology (30 Credit) 30 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Chemical Biology and Drug Design MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

You will be taught by experts across the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, meaning you’ll learn from both chemists and biologists to gain the skills and knowledge to work in a multidisciplinary environment. You’ll be taught through a series of lectures, small group workshops and practical lab sessions. You will also get involved in student led activities such as literature presentations.

Assessment

The wide range of continual assessment formats will allow you to improve your generic skills, and to hone your ability to solve problems. As part of the continual assessment of modules, you will give a wide range of oral presentations; prepare short articles, essays and research reports; perform computational exercises; and undertake group-based problem solving activities. Your research project will be assessed through your practical work and a written research report.

Career opportunities

On graduation, you’ll be ideally placed to undertake interdisciplinary research in academia and the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. You’ll also be in a strong position to pursue a science-related career, such as patent work, scientific publishing or scientific administration.

In addition, this course will leave you well-placed to forge a career at companies working at the interface between chemistry and biology. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are increasingly seeking researchers with a strong interdisciplinary background.

Further study

Many of our graduates have secured positions on Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry PhD programmes in the UK and internationally. The Astbury Centre hosts a wide range of PhD programmes incorporating Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, offering many opportunities for students graduating from the MSc course. The MSc provides tailored training at the interface between chemistry and the biological sciences, and will enhance your prospects of securing a place on one of these highly competitive postgraduate programmes.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

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Wild animal health has become increasingly popular among non-veterinarians with a first degree in zoology and biology. Recognising this, the RVC, University of London, together with the Zoological Society of London, has developed a unique course aimed at non-veterinary biological science graduates and leading to the MSc in Wild Animal Biology.

Under the microscope

This course has been designed to provide you with practical exposure to wild animal species and an understanding of wild animal health, welfare and conservation, as well as providing training in research methods relevant to the study of wildlife.

You will benefit from working and studying alongside veterinary graduates taking the MSc in Wild Animal Health as well as learning from internationally renowned experts in their field.

The course

The MSc in Wild Animal Biology consists of three levels:

Certificate in Wild Animal Biology - you are introduced to the course objectives, the mission of the partner organizations running the Course and the services you can receive at the Zoological Society of London and the Royal Veterinary College. You will also undertake four core modules:
- Conservation biology module
- The Impact of disease on populations
- Health and welfare of captive wild animals
- Interventions


Diploma in Wild Animal Biology - building on the knowledge and skills learned in the Certificate in Wild Animal Biology, you will undertake four further modules of study:
- Detection, surveillance and emerging diseases
- Ecosystem health
- Evaluation of the health and welfare of captive wild animals
- Practical module


Master of Science in Wild Animal Biology - a graduate of the Master of Science in Wild Animal Biology must demonstrate (in addition to the achievements of the PG Certificate and Diploma):
- A comprehensive understanding of research and inquiry including (i) critical appraisal of the literature, (ii) scientific writing and (iii) scientific presentation
- The ability to design and analyse hypothesis-driven laboratory and/or field studies

Research planning - develop the extensive skills required to design and conduct practical research projects, critically appraise and review the literature, deliver effective scientific presentations, and write scientific papers suitable for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

Project - each MSc student will be required to undertake an individual research project, between mid-June and the end of August, and to submit a typewritten report not exceeding 10,000 words in the form of a literature review and a scientific paper suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. The project will encompass a practical study on an approved aspect of wild animal biology. The project may be undertaken at any place approved by the Institute/College with the guidance of a course supervisor.

Assessment - you will be assessed by four written papers, course work (assignments, casebook), an individual research project report and an oral examination, irrespective of students’ performance in other parts of the course. Project reports are submitted by the end of August and oral examinations are held in mid-September

Project reports are submitted at the end of August and oral examinations are held in mid-September.

How will I learn?

The MSc in Wild Animal Biology is completed over one year of full-time study.

The course starts in mid-September each year, and can be broken down broadly into three sections, comprising two groups of taught modules and a research project. The first section is completed by mid-January, the second by mid-May, and the MSc research project is undertaken during the summer months, finishing in mid-September. More detailed information can be found in the course outline (see link in the top left of the page).

We deliver the programme through two terms of lectures, seminars, tutorials and problem-based learning, with modular examinations. There are no part-time or distance-learning options available.

Learning outcomes

During the programme you will acquire:
- A critical awareness of current problems in wildlife disease with implications for wildlife conservation and welfare·
- A new insight into veterinary interventions for the management of captive and free-living wild animals·
- A systematic understanding of the biological principles underpinning wild animal conservation and management, and the epidemiology, diagnosis and control of wildlife disease·
- Basic competence in veterinary techniques and preventative medicine for wild animals·
- A conceptual and practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create knowledge in the field of wild animal health·
- A comprehensive understanding of scientific skills, including critical review of the scientific literature, and design and analysis of laboratory or field studies.
- Upon completion of the MSc in Wild Animal Biology, you will have gained the analytical skills, understanding, confidence and the language to progress your career within a wide range of organisations, such as zoos, national parks, universities, conservation organisations and government departments worldwide.

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Access advanced technology and approaches being used in cancer biology

If you're looking for a career in the fight against cancer - this is the course for you. This full-time MRes offers two research projects to give your future career in cancer biology a boost. With two streams on offer – Cancer Biology, and Cancer Informatics – we have the options available for you to choose the best way for you to use your life-sciences degree to meet your objective. We will provide you with a broad-training in research as well as theoretical and practical skills to help you take the next step in your career.

Streams

There are two streams available:

•Cancer Biology - http://www.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/study/postgraduate/masters-programmes/mres-cancer-biology/
•Cancer Informatics - http://www.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/study/postgraduate/masters-programmes/mres-cancer-biology-cancer-informatics/

Is this programme for you?

You will perform novel laboratory-based research, accumulate experimental findings and exercise critical scientific thought in the interpretation of those findings.

The course comprises both theoretical and practical elements, embracing cutting-edge developments in the field. You will experience some of the most technologically advanced approaches currently being applied to the broad field of cancer research.

As the taught component of the MRes is short, you will be expected to have sufficient lab experience in order to be able you to hit the ground running when you enter the lab.

You will need to be an independent person, who is looking for a challenge. If you're not afraid of hard work then we would welcome an application from you!

Application

Decisions on applications are made in batches, with the following deadlines for each batch:
•09:00 GMT (UTC) Tuesday, 31 January 2017
•09:00 BST (UTC+1) Wednesday, 26 April 2017
•09:00 BST (UTC+1) Monday, 31 July 2017

You will receive notification of a conditional offer or rejection in the weeks following these deadlines. If you do not hear from us, it is because you have been placed on the waiting list. We withhold the right to close application early, so ensure that you submit your application sooner, rather than later.

Please note that we are unable to consider your application without at least one academic reference from your most recent institution.

Programme structure

The course comprises an initial four/five week taught component in which the cellular and molecular basis of cancer biology are covered, plus an introduction to the clinical and pathological aspects of carcinogenesis. This information is contained within the lectures which will partly be on the lecturer's own research, making use of the excellent researchers we have within Imperial College London. Within this period will also be a series of workshops covering key transferable skills such as oral presentation of scientific data and grant writing.

This is followed by two separate research placements of roughly 20 weeks each within the recently created Imperial College Cancer Research UK Centre, the Faculty of Medicine at the Hammersmith Hospital campus of Imperial College, and other collaborating institutes across London (e.g. Institute of Clinical Sciences, The Francis Crick Institute).

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The Postgraduate Certificate in Marine Biology (Conversion Programme) is a part-time programme running from September to March for graduates from non-biological or environmental disciplines unable to meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto the MSc in Marine Biology programme. Students successfully passing all modules will be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Marine Biology. Those wishing to progress onto the MSc in Marine Biology must obtain an aggregate of at least 60% to be eligible to transfer onto the Master’s programme in the following academic year and will hold exemptions in passed modules taken in the Postgraduate Certificate in Marine Biology if she/he applies for the Master's in Marine Biology within 5 years from the date of successful completion of the Certificate Examinations.

Visit the website: http://www.ucc.ie/en/cku14/

Course Details

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

- Demonstrate a clear understanding and integration of knowledge of marine flora and fauna, the marine environment and its biological and physical properties and processes;

- Define the roles of management and conservation across the marine environment;

- Apply the knowledge and skills acquired in this course in the working environment enabling the development of policy

Format

This part time 30 credit programme will run two days a week from September to the end of February. Three modules (BL6010, BL6012 and BL6019) will run from September to December with examinations in December and one module (BL6016) will run from mid- January to the end of February with an examination at the end of February. There will be continuous assessment associated with all four modules on the programme and it is expected that students will also need to do significant reading of texts and scientific journals in their own time during the programme to show their wider knowledge of the subject matter.

Students take four taught modules to the value of 30 credits as follows:

BL6010 Characteristics of the Marine Environment (5 credits)
BL6012 Marine Megafauna (10 credits)
BL6016 Marine Ecology and Conservation (10 Credits)
BL6019 Ecological Applications of Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)

Assessment

This part time 30 credit programme will run two days a week from September to the end of February. Three modules (BL6010, BL6012 and BL6019) will run from September to December with examinations in December and one module (BL6016) will run from mid- January to the end of February with an examination at the end of February. There will be continuous assessment associated with all four modules on the programme and it is expected that students will also need to do significant reading of texts and scientific journals in their own time during the programme to show their wider knowledge of the subject matter.

Careers

As well as a number of professionally certified courses that will be provided throughout the course, students will also gain a variety of technical skills associated with research and computer skills (GIS in particular). Many transferable skills are also fostered through different learning approaches, including critical thinking, problem solving, report writing, oral presentations, statistical analysis, independent research and time management.

How to apply: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/

Funding and Scholarships

Information regarding funding and available scholarships can be found here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/cblgradschool/current/fundingandfinance/fundingscholarships/

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This MRes programme aims to train students in the fast-growing area of synthetic bgiology, a discipline which takes the knowledge and understanding we now have of the individual parts of biological systems and uses them in a defined way to design and build novel artificial biological systems.

Degree information

Students develop an understanding of the areas making up synthetic biology, including engineering principles, mathematical modelling, molecular biology, biochemical engineering and chemistry. Modules also provide the necessary skills for acquisition and critical analysis of the primary scientific literature and transferrable research development skills. The programme includes a major research project that will give in-depth training in synthetic biology research methods.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (60 credits) and an extended research project (120 credits). There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Synthetic Biology
-The Scientific Literature
-Biosciences Research Skills

Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent laboratory-based extended research project which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000–18,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars and tutorials, combining research-led and skills based courses. The taught courses are assessed by assignments and coursework. The research project is assessed by an oral presentation, submission of a dissertation and is subject to oral examination.

Careers

Synthetic biology is a fast growing area of research and will have a major economic and social impact on the global economy in the coming decades. The involvement of engineers, physical scientists, chemists and biologists can create designed cells, enzymes and biological modules that can be combined in a defined manner. These could be used to make complex metabolic pathways for pharmaceuticals, novel hybrid biosensors or novel routes to biofuels. A future integration of biological devices and hybrid devices as components in the electronic industry might lead to a whole new high value industry for structured biological entities.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Science Technician, King Richard's School
-Scientific consultant, Labcitec
-PhD Synthetic Biology, UCL
-PhD Biochemistry, University of Oxford
-PhD Bioenergy and Industrial Biotechnology, University of Cambridge

Employability
The Synthetic Biology MRes will qualify students to go on to work in the growing number of small companies engaged in synthetic biology both here in London and across the UK and the world. There are many large companies that are building their own synthetic biology potential and some of students are already working with these groups. Our students often go on to do further research in PhDs and EngDs globally. Our graduates have practical experience in unique facilities of generating novel research that makes them of great value to employers and collaborators.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL is recognised as one of the world's best research environments within the field of biochemical engineering and synthetic biology as well as biological and biomedical science.

UCL Biochemical Engineering is in a unique position to offer tuition and research opportunities in internationally recognised laboratories and an appreciation of the multidisciplinary nature of synthetic biology research.

Students on this new MRes programme undertake a major research project where topics can be chosen spanning the expertise in six departments across UCL.

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The MSc Marine Biology aims to train graduates in multiple areas of marine biology and equip them with professional certificates in Sea Survival, Powerboat Handling, Marine Radio and First Aid as well as necessary field skills.

The areas of marine biology covered in this master’s course include fisheries and aquaculture, genetics, marine ecology and conservation, marine mammals and ecological aspects of Geographic Information System (GIS). In addition, the course has a significant field work component including ship work as well as survey and sampling techniques training. This course, run entirely by the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences at University College Cork, will provide an understanding of these various disciplines and skills needed in order to meet the growing demand for trained marine biologists at home and abroad.

Visit the website: http://www.ucc.ie/en/ckr38/

Course Details

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

- demonstrate a clear understanding and integration of knowledge of marine flora and fauna, the marine environment and its biological and physical properties and processes
- assess the sustainability of exploitation (fisheries and aquaculture) and assess the impact of other anthropogenic factors on the marine environment
- define the roles of management and conservation across the marine environment
- demonstrate a wide range of research skills (field and laboratory) including safety-related and professional qualifications
- apply the knowledge and skills acquired in this course in the working environment enabling the development of policy.

Format

This full-time 12-month course is split into Part I taught modules running from September to April and Part II, a four-month research project for students passing Part I. The course includes ship time experience aboard the Irish State research vessel, Celtic Voyager and field work day trips to various locations in County Cork as well as a week-long residential field course in the West of Scotland in March. In addition, students undertake professional certificate courses in January and February at the National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy, Cork

Part I of the course consists of eight taught modules to the value of 60 credits involving lectures, practicals, seminars and fieldwork. Part II is a substantial research project (BL6017) to the value of 30 credits for those passing Part I. Each of the prescribed taught modules will be examined by a written paper and/or continuous assessment. Each student progressing to Part II of the course must submit the research project in an area of marine biology by a date as prescribed by the School of BEES.

Part I

BL6010 Characteristics of the Marine Environment (5 credits)
BL6012Marine Megafauna (10 credits)
BL6013Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture (10 credits)
BL6014Marine Fieldwork and Survey Techniques (10 credits)
BL6015Practical Marine Workplace Skills (5 credits)
BL6016Marine Ecology and Conservation (10 credits)
BL6019 Ecological Applications of Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)
BL6020 Genetics and the Marine Environment (5 credits)

Part II - Four-Month Research Project

BL6017Marine Biology Research Project (30 credits)

Assessment

The taught modules in the course are assessed by a combination of written examinations and continuous assessment elements (including essays, practical reports, critiques, seminars, dossiers and analytical elements). The four-month research project is assessed by a dissertation, project seminar and an assessment of your practical ability throughout the duration of the project.

Careers

As well as a number of professionally certified courses that will be provided throughout the course, students will also gain a variety of technical skills associated with research and computer skills (GIS in particular). Many transferable skills are also fostered through different learning approaches, including critical thinking, problem solving, report writing, oral presentations, statistical analysis, independent research and time management.

How to apply: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/

Funding and Scholarships

Information regarding funding and available scholarships can be found here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/cblgradschool/current/fundingandfinance/fundingscholarships/

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This is the only MRes programme in the UK with a specific focus on oral cancer. It provides a robust and wide-reaching education in both fundamental and applied cancer biology, together with focused training in laboratory research and associated methodology. There is a particular focus on oral cancer, its aetiology, diagnosis and management.

Why study Oral Cancer at Dundee?

Dundee University is internationally renowned for the quality of its cancer research and has over 50 cancer research groups: current funding for cancer research is about £40 million from research councils and charities.

This course offers a Masters level postgraduate education in the knowledge and understanding of molecular aspects of cancer with a particular emphasis on oral cancer, its aetiology, diagnosis and management. We offer outstanding research-focused teaching from internationally-renowned scientists and clinicians.

The MRes Oral Cancer will also provide you with considerable experience in the design and execution of a substantive laboratory-focused research project in the field of molecular oncology.

Throughout the course, you can also take part in journal clubs to develop your critical analytical skills. In addition, you will be given comprehensive training in academic writing and presentation skills.

What's so good about studying Oral Cancer at Dundee?

The MRes Oral Cancer has been developed from the innovative collaboration between the College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing and the School of Life Sciences, and it complements the establishment of the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Centre here in Dundee.

The Dundee Cancer Centre aims to enhance cancer research and apply discoveries to improve patient care. Key to this is training the next generation of cancer researchers.

How you will be taught

The course will be taught through a combination of face-to-face lectures, tutorials, discussion group work and journal clubs, self-directed study and supervised laboratory research.

What you will study

Semester one will provide in-depth teaching and directed study on the molecular biology of cancer, with a particular emphasis on oral cancer, and comprises five compulsory modules plus a mandatory course introduction/orientation:

Module 1: Cell Proliferation and Cancer
Module 1a: Research Techniques
Module 2: Cell Signalling and Cancer
Module 3: Cancer Cell Biology
Module 4: Oral Cancer: Aetiology, Diagnosis and Management

Following the successful completion of the taught modules 1-4, students will be guided to focus on a specific research project, which, after completion of a series of practical classes and a relevant literature review, will be carried out in semester 2 and throughout the remainder of the year.

How you will be assessed

Modules 1-4 will be assessed by examination (60%) and coursework (40%). The research project will be assessed by coursework and oral examination (100%).

Careers

The course is aimed primarily at early career dentists and has been designed to prepare participants for clinical academic research careers. Upon graduating, participants will be ideally positioned to continue to postgraduate study, at PhD level.

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Cell Biology lies at the heart of today's central questions in the biological sciences. Research in Cell Biology is crucial to understand the inner workings of animals, plants and bacteria. It is central to diverse subjects including cell communication, cell division and cell motility. Importantly, our understanding of Cell Biology will undoubtedly help in the quest for treatments for major diseases, including cancer. This programme will give you the unique opportunity to consider the most exciting current problems in cell biology under the guidance of leading experts in Cell Biology.

You will gain training and experience in the concepts and techniques used in cutting edge research in cell biology and it's application in widespread fields of research. Importantly, you will have the opportunity to directly apply these ideas in your research projects. The diverse fields studied and large number of leading researchers employing Cell Biological approaches in Manchester permits you to perform your studies in the area you find most stimulating.

Through this programme, you will have a unique opportunity to define the mechanisms that define and regulate the function of cells and organisms.

This is a research focused master's course. We do not teach Cell Biology using a traditional lecture-based format; instead we use an interactive approach where you learn through seminars, workshops, small group tutorials and during your research placements.

Teaching and learning

The programme comprises four compulsory components:

Research projects: Your two projects will provide experience in carrying through a substantive research project including the planning, execution and communication of original scientific research. They are assessed by written report.

Tutorials and Workshop Unit : Tutorials give you the opportunity to learn about research being carried out in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and thereby to acquire a broad knowledge of biological sciences.The Bioethics Workshop gives you experience of exploring and debating some of the ethical issues that surround current scientific research. Activities for the Tutorials and Bioethics unit include preparative directed reading, private study and preparation of oral presentations. This unit is assessed by members of staff for the tutorial session and staff assessment of oral presentation during the tutorial and written reports.

Science Communication Unit: This unit allows you to acquire the ability to listen to a presentation, understand the key concepts and record important details, and then summarise its contents in a brief written report. Activities include private study and preparation of written assignment. For each of 5 seminar presentations, a 500 word precis has to be written. You are assessed on these assignments plus a poster and an oral presentation.

Experimental Design and Statistics Unit: This unit aims to introduce you to the procedures and tools used in the design of experiments and the methods and tools used in statistical data analysis. Activities include lectures, workshops, group discussions and e-learning. Assessment is through multiple choice exam, critical assessment of literature and online statistics exercises.

Career opportunities

This course will provide training in transferable and subject specific skills. Your experiences of group based activities and presentations will be valuable in scientific and non-scientific careers. Your general scientific training will provide you with invaluable skills for a career in academic research, further study (e.g. PhD) or in industrial research. Finally, the widespread impact of Cell Biology on diverse subject areas will provide you with experiences in diverse subject areas and permit you to work within almost any area in the Biological Sciences.

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This masters programme is designed to prepare you for a career in research in molecular and cellular biology and its applications.

It comprises a year of intensive training and research experience leading to the award of an MRes degree which will give you a ‘flying start’ to a subsequent PhD programme, if this is your chosen career path.

This programme is designed to prepare you for a career in research in molecular and cellular biology and its applications. It comprises a year of intensive training and research experience leading to the award of an MRes degree which will give you a ‘flying start’ to a subsequent PhD programme, if this is your chosen career path.

The programme aims to provide training in the practical aspects that underlie research science in this field. To achieve this aim the course contains a very high level of hands-on research, as it is our view there is no better training than lab experience.

Programme content

Two-thirds of the programme is taken up by two approximately 18-week research projects, which are undertaken in different laboratories and with different supervisors. A very wide range of research topics falling within the scope of molecular and cellular biology is available within the School; this range extends from structural biology at one extreme to multicellular systems at the other.

In addition to this direct research experience, there are two compulsory taught modules which provide training in:

- Science Funding and Enterprise Skills in Biosciences
- Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology
These modules cover the basic principles underlying scientific research methods and the design of biological/biochemical experiments, and discussion of modern techniques in molecular and cellular biology. In addition, the science funding and enterprise module provides the skills required to obtain funding for sciences. This includes grant and business case writing and scientific presentation skills. You can also take courses to develop general research skills arranged through the Biosciences Graduate Research School.

The taught modules consist of a combination of seminars and lectures. The lab work that is carried out during the course is student-led. You will be able to choose areas of molecular and cellular biology that fit with your career aspirations.

Assessment

The two taught modules are assessed via examination, essays and oral presentations. The two research projects are assessed via written thesis and an oral examination.

Skills gained

This programme offers the following advantages:

Broad training in the skills and techniques of contemporary research in molecular and cellular biology
The opportunity to experience research in at least two different areas
Increased breadth and experience, which will enhance subsequent employability
The course will also enable you to:

Conduct and fund independent research
Present research results in an appropriate manner both written and orally
Have an appreciation and knowledge of the use of modern techniques in molecular and cellular biology
Build and develop scientific research projects in the public and private sector
Careers

Those who perform effectively in the MRes often continue at Birmingham to a PhD; however, the MRes also provides a very good qualification to move into research and a wide range of professions.

About the School of Biosciences

As one of the top biosciences departments in the UK, our research covers the entire spectrum of cutting-edge biosciences. We are home to the Institute of Microbiology and Infection and part of the University’s Systems Science for Health initiative.
Our research focuses on a number of important themes that run through modern biological and biochemical research: Biosystems and Environmental Change; Microbiology and Infection; Molecules, Cells, Signalling and Health; and Plant Science.
Our postgraduate students join a diverse international community of staff and students. For students on research degrees, the annual Biosciences Graduate Research Symposium, organised by PhD students, is an example of an event where the whole School comes together to talk about science.
We have extensive high-technology facilities in areas such as functional genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, including a world-class Advanced Mass Spectrometry Facility. Our cutting-edge facilities extend to protein structure determination and analysis, confocal microscopy, drug discovery, horticulture, structural biology and optical imaging. The £8 million Phenome Centre Birmingham is a large metabolic phenotyping facility led by internationally recognised metabolomics and clinical experts at the University of Birmingham, in collaboration with Birmingham Health Partners.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is the specialty concerned with the diagnosis and management of diseases, injuries and defects affecting the mouth, jaws, face and neck.

All units are based on the speciality of oral surgery but within the wider context of maxillofacial surgery. The three year course provides specialist oral surgery clinical training. You will undertake minor oral surgery under supervision, carried out under local anaesthesia, conscious sedation and general anaesthesia. You will also attend theatre to assist and observe major surgery and attend consultation clinics, trauma clinics, ward rounds and carry out ward duties.

The clinical component of the course consists of the following units:
-Surgical Basic Sciences (Basic surgical science, preoperative and postoperative care) and Patient Care (Assessing patients, medical aspects of patient care and control of pain and anxiety)
-Reflective Oral Surgery Practices
-Dental Tissues (Infections and inflammation of the teeth and jaws, removal of teeth and surgical implantology)
-Bone: Disease and Injury (Diseases of bone and the maxillary sinus, oral and maxillofacial injuries)
-Soft Tissues (Cysts, mucosal disease, premalignancy and malignancy)
-Salivary Tissue, Pain and TMJ (Salivary gland disease, facial pain and disorders of the temporomandibular joint)

You will attend weekly interactive seminars led by senior staff and some invited guest speakers. Some of these have actor patients present to allow you to rehearse your clinical skills. If you study the full three year MSc you will also attend external teaching events such as residential blocks for basic science applied to surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Aims

The course aims to:
-Provide dental practitioners with the knowledge and skills to undertake oral surgery in the context of wider knowledge of oral and maxillofacial surgery
-Provide you with the appropriate knowledge, understanding, intellectual skills, practical skills and attitude to practice oral surgery in selected cases
-Enable you to carry out critical evaluation, problem solving and use sound judgement for clinical problems
-Give you the knowledge to criticalyl understand the issues involved in the scientific basis of oral and maxillofacial surgery
-Ensure you are competent in the design and interpretation of original clinical research at the forefront of current dental research (including data collection and statistical analysis using appropriate computer software)
-Provide you with the knowledge and experience to plan, implement and complete a research project showing initiative and personal responsibility

Career opportunities

MSc courses are designed for dental practitioners who wish to further their knowledge of surgery and are a useful foundation for specialist training in this field.

The three year course provides specialist oral surgery clinical training.

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This course is designed for dentists who wish to advance their knowledge of this clinical specialty at a postgraduate level.

There are four separate units: Research Methods (15 credits); Biostatistics (15 credits); Specialist Clinical Component (90 credits); and, for MSc students, a dissertation (60 credits).

In the cases of the Research Methods and Biostatistics units, the aim is to enable you to become competent in the design, data collection, and simple analysis and interpretation of clinical research projects.

The aim of the Specialist Clinical Component is to give you an understanding of the scientific basis of oral and maxillofacial surgery with particular emphasis on current theories relevant to the diagnosis, treatment planning and clinical management of patients. The evidence base supporting clinical surgical practice is emphasised.

The Specialist Clinical Component permits observation of a wide range of surgery including facial trauma, implant and reconstructive, cancer and reconstructive, salivary gland and orthognathic surgery, as well as participation in dentoalveolar surgery.

The aim of the dissertation (for MSc students only) is to offer research training in identification, formulation and implementation of a specific research project. The research project is in line with the research themes of control of pain and anxiety or surgical implantology or oral cancer and health services research.

Aims

The course aims to provide dental practitioners with the knowledge and skills to undertake minor oral surgery in the context of a wider knowledge of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Teaching and learning

Teaching and learning methods are designed to encourage you to take responsibility for your own learning and to integrate work with formal educational activities.

The core text book for the course is provided. This book, Master Dentistry Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Radiology, Pathology and Oral Medicine (ISBN 0443061920), has been produced by Division of Dentistry staff: Coulthard, Horner, Sloan and Theaker.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment is by essay and SBA's throughout the course and related to the taught units. You will also maintain a clinical surgical logbook and undertake a clinical competency test. There is also an oral examination.
-Research Methods: Formal assessment takes the form of two tutor marked assignments
-Biostatistics: Formal assessment takes the form of two tutor marked assignments
-Clinical component: This is assessed by written examination and clinical examination in the form of an oral presentation
-Dissertation (10,000-15,000 words)

Career opportunities

The course prepares you for a future career in clinical practice, teaching or research.

Some graduates return to established surgical practice whilst for many this degree forms the first step in training and they go on to pursue specialist clinical training and appropriate clinical examinations.

Graduates may find their advanced knowledge a good foundation for surgical dentistry, oral surgery or oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. Some graduates proceed to undertake higher research degrees such as MPhil or PhD.

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About the course

This course will equip you with a critical, systematic understanding of oral pathological conditions that require diagnosis by histopathological methods. You’ll study the laboratory methods used to prepare oral diagnostic material for histopathological examination and the research tools used to advance the practice of diagnostic oral pathology.

We teach you competence in the microscopical diagnosis of common and significant oral pathological lesions. You’ll learn when further information or additional procedures are needed to confirm a diagnosis.

Your career

We offer clinical and non-clinical courses that will further your career and develop your interests. Many of our clinical graduates go on to specialist dental practice, hospital practice or academic posts.

World-leading dental school

Our internationally recognised oral and dental research is organised into two overarching themes: ‘clinical and person centred’ and ‘basic and applied’. These themes are supported by three interdisciplinary research groups: Bioengineering and Health Technologies, Integrated Bioscience, and Person Centred and Population Oral Health.

We believe that dental science should not be constrained by the traditional boundaries created by specific clinical disciplines and that progress derives from a multidisciplinary approach. Our research supports our teaching enabling a blended approach to learning.
Your course will make the most of virtual learning environments and advanced practical sessions, as well as traditional lectures and seminars.

Facilities

You’ll develop your clinical skills in one of our two clinical skills labs or in our new virtual reality Simulation Suite where you can use haptic technology to undertake a range of clinical techniques.

You’ll complete your clinical training in Sheffield’s Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, part of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. There are 150 dental units with modern facilities for treatment under sedation, a well-equipped dental radiography department, oral pathology laboratories and a hospital dental production laboratory.

We have new modern research facilities and laboratories for tissue culture, molecular biology, materials science and histology- microscopy. All laboratories have dedicated technical support and academic expertise to guide you.

Core modules

Basic Principles of Pathology; Basic Techniques in Histopathology; Research Problems and Approaches; Laboratory Research Methods; Diagnostic Oral Histopathology; Advanced Oral Histopathology; Current Concepts in Dentistry; Dissertation.

Teaching

Teaching is through an induction period, observational work- shadowing, supervised reporting, staff and student-led seminars, practical laboratory techniques, lectures, literature review, dissertation, independent directed self-study.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through introductory multi-choice assessment, examinations at the end of each semester consisting of written papers and a microscope-based exam, assessed essays and presentations at journal clubs and seminars, dissertation project.

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