Masters Degrees (Translational Medicine)

Upon graduation from the Master’s Programme in Translational Medicine (TRANSMED) you can be expected to:
-Be fluent in medical sciences and clinical practice from the point of view of a researcher.
-Be familiar with up-to-date translational research methodologies.
-Be adept at scientific reasoning and critical analysis of scientific literature.
-Acknowledge the regulatory and ethical aspects of biomedical and clinical research.
-Have mastered scientific and medical terminologies.
-Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to find employment in an international and interdisciplinary professional setting.

The University of Helsinki will introduce annual tuition fees to foreign-language Master’s programmes starting on August 1, 2017 or later. The fee ranges from 13 000-18 000 euros. Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries, who do not have a permanent residence status in the area, are liable to these fees. You can check this FAQ at the Studyinfo website whether or not you are required to pay tuition fees: https://studyinfo.fi/wp2/en/higher-education/higher-education-institutions-will-introduce-tuition-fees-in-autumn-2017/am-i-required-to-pay-tuition-fees/

Programme Contents

The TRANSMED studies are built upon three core educational themes:
Development of Research Skills
These include an introduction to current methodologies, which are further developed during a training period in a research group; research ethics: principles of clinical investigation; and writing of research or grant proposals.

Studies in Human Disease
These range from normal human physiology and anatomy, and basic biomedical courses, to more specialised studies covering various topics pertinent to the specialist option. You supplement these studies with clinical rounds, during which you have an opportunity to study selected patient cases in hospital wards, under the supervision of a clinician mentor.

Development of Communication Skills
These are promoted throughout the curriculum, through utilisation of interactive approaches and discussions, problem-based learning and oral presentations. The multidisciplinary TRANSMED community encompasses a wide range of educational backgrounds and provides ample opportunities for direct interactions with medical students, science and clinical teachers to enable you to practice and adopt interdisciplinary communication skills. At the end of the course of study, your communication skills will be evaluated in the final exam, during which you will orally present your research plan to expert examiners.

Selection of the Majors

The major of the programme is Translational medicine. During your first study year you can choose any of the five available specialisation options. These options and their specific goals are:
Neuroscience and Psychobiology
-To acquire knowledge on research methodology and state-of-the-art information in systems and cognitive neuroscience, as well as in clinical neuropsychology.
-To learn to produce new scientific information in the fields of psychobiology of human life, health, and stress, and to transfer the results between basic research and clinical settings.

Cancer
-To acquire basic knowledge of the principles of neoplastic growth, cancer progression and dissemination.
-To acquire basic understanding of the interplay between different cell types during neoplastic growth.
-To acquire knowledge of major research methodologies and disease models in cancer biology.

Regenerative Medicine
-To understand the principles of developmental and stem cell biology and regenerative pharmacology as the basis of regenerative therapies.
-To be familiar with the major technologies applied in regenerative medicine, including tissue engineering, cell and organ transplantation and transplantation immunology.
-To understand the ethical principles of clinical translation of basic research and application of regenerative medicine therapies.

Metabolic Disorders
-To be able to understand the basic metabolic pathways.
-To understand the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and obesity.
-To be able to use genetic knowledge as a basis for prediction, diagnosis and treatment of metabolic disorders.

Cross-Disciplinary Translational Medicine
-To achieve a broad understanding of topics and methods in the field of Translational medicine.

Programme Structure

The scope of the programme is 120 credits (ECTS) and can be completed within two academic years (60 ECTS / year).

The Master of Science in Translational medicine degree includes 60 ECTS of advanced and 60 ECTS of other studies. Both of these include both obligatory and optional studies.

The majority of the advanced studies are related to the chosen specialist option and include:
-Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)
-Placement in a research group for learning advanced methods in your selected field of study
-Methodological and human health and disease-related courses
-Clinical rounds in Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH) clinics
-Final examination in your field of specialisation

The other studies include e.g.
-Article analysis, scientific writing and presentation
-Biomedicine and introductory courses in research methods
-Career planning and orientation
-Individual study coaching and personal study plans
-Research ethics

You can select the optional courses based on your personal interests, or to support your chosen specialisation option. You can also include courses from other suitable Master’s programmes at the University of Helsinki, such as:
-Life Science Informatics
-Genetics and molecular biosciences
-Neuroscience
-Human Nutrition and Food Behaviour

You can also include studies in other universities under the flexible study right-agreement (JOO).

Career Prospects

The Master of Science in Translational medicine degree provides excellent opportunities to apply for and attend postgraduate studies. Currently, 50% of TRANSMED graduates are continuing their studies in doctoral programmes, either at the University of Helsinki or abroad.

TRANSMED graduates are also highly valued in the private sector. Around 35% of graduates have been employed directly by bioindustry, pharma or other health sector enterprises either in Finland or abroad. Titles include product manager, product specialist, personalised health care manager etc. All such enterprises usually recruit both at the graduate (MSc) and postgraduate (PhD) levels.

The health and health technology sectors represent a rapidly emerging field, and one of the areas with a growing importance as the population ages and the costs of new therapies steadily increase. Thus, the demand for well-trained specialists in the field of translational medicine is likely to increase in the near future, providing excellent career prospects globally.

Internationalization

The Translational Medicine major is only available in this international programme, making the programme attractive to both Finnish and international students. Indeed, opportunities for personal interaction with students from different cultures are an integral feature of the studies. During your studies, you can also volunteer to act as a tutor for the incoming international students.

The international research community in The Academic Medical Centre Helsinki actively participates in teaching in TRANSMED. You complete the research group practice for your Master’s thesis in multicultural research groups.

It is also possible to complete your Master’s thesis work or research group placement abroad, or to include coursework done at a foreign university.

Research Focus

The specialisation options of the programme – Neuroscience and psychobiology, Cancer, Regenerative medicine, Metabolic disorders, and Cross-disciplinary translational medicine – are closely aligned with the research focus areas of the Faculty of Medicine: malignancy, inflammation, metabolism, degenerative processes as well as psychiatric disorders and their mechanisms. You therefore have an opportunity to learn from, and be supervised by, the leading experts and professors in their fields.

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Recognising the need for the development of a cohort of appropriately qualified scientific, medical/dental and veterinary graduates, we are offering a research intensive, student-oriented MRes in Translational Medicine. The MRes in Translational Medicine provides high quality graduates with the research rigour, the innovation culture and the leadership skills to be at the forefront of this translational revolution and so develop a cohort of appropriately qualified scientific medical/dental and veterinary graduates.

Translational Medicine allows experimental findings in the research laboratory to be converted into real benefit for the health and well-being of the patient, through the development of new innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches.

The main objective of the MRes Programme in Translational Medicine is to provide high quality candidates with the research rigour, innovation culture and the leadership skills to be at the forefront of this translational revolution. Students will receive expert training in all aspects of translational medicine including how new experimental findings are translated into treatments for patients; the experimental steps in the process, the development of innovative solutions, management and leadership skills and an appreciation of marketing and financial aspects of translational medicine through interaction with business leaders and scientists from Biotech and Pharmacy

This research intensive programme incorporates a 38 week research project in an area selected by the student in consultation with the research project co-ordinator. student selected area.

QUB has an international reputation in translational medicine, achieved through the recognised metrics of high impact peer review publications, significant international research funding, the generation of exploitable novel intellectual property and the establishment of successful spin-out biotech companies. This ethos of innovation was recently recognised with the award of the Times Higher Education Entrepreneurial University of the Year.

This unique course offers students the chance to choose one of these three research streams with the indicated specialist modules:

-

Precision Cancer Medicine

This stream provides students with a unique opportunity to study cancer biology and perform innovative cancer research within the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB). Prospective students are immersed in this precision medicine milieu from Day 1, providing for them the opportunity to understand the key principles in discovery cancer biology and how these research advances are translated for the benefit of cancer patients. The strong connectivity with both the biotech and biopharmaceutical sectors provides a stimulating translational environment, while also opening up potential doors for the student's future career.

-

Cardiovascular Medicine

This stream contains two complementary modules which significantly build on the foundation provided by undergraduate medicine or biomedical science to provide students with an advanced insight into current understanding of cardiovascular pathobiology and an appreciation of how this knowledge is being applied in the search for novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic approaches for the clinical management of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Students who select the Cardiovascular Medicine Stream will be taught and mentored within the Centre for Experimental Medicine which is a brand new, purpose-built institute (~7400m2) at the heart of the Health Sciences Campus. This building represents a significant investment (~£32m) by the University and boasts state-of-the-art research facilities which are supported by a world-leading research-intensive faculty, ensuring that all of our postgraduate students are exposed to a top quality training experience.

-

Inflammation, infection and Immunity

This stream exposes students to exciting concepts and their application in the field of infection biology, inflammatory processes and the role of immunity in health and disease. There will be detailed consideration of the role of the immune system in host defence and in disease. There is a strong emphasis is on current developments in this rapidly progressing field of translational medicine. Students learn how to manipulate the inflammatory/immune response and their interaction with microbes to identify, modify and prevent disease. Students will also be introduced to the concepts of clinical trials for new therapeutics, and the basic approach to designing a trial to test novel methods to diagnose/prevent or treat illness.

Read less

Recognising the need for the development of a cohort of appropriately qualified scientific, medical/dental and veterinary graduates, we are offering a research intensive, student-oriented MRes in Translational Medicine. The MRes in Translational Medicine provides high quality graduates with the research rigour, the innovation culture and the leadership skills to be at the forefront of this translational revolution and so develop a cohort of appropriately qualified scientific medical/dental and veterinary graduates.

Translational Medicine allows experimental findings in the research laboratory to be converted into real benefit for the health and well-being of the patient, through the development of new innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches.

The main objective of the MRes Programme in Translational Medicine is to provide high quality candidates with the research rigour, innovation culture and the leadership skills to be at the forefront of this translational revolution. Students will receive expert training in all aspects of translational medicine including how new experimental findings are translated into treatments for patients; the experimental steps in the process, the development of innovative solutions, management and leadership skills and an appreciation of marketing and financial aspects of translational medicine through interaction with business leaders and scientists from Biotech and Pharma

This research intensive programme incorporates a 38 week research project in an area selected by the student in consultation with the research project co-ordinator. student selected area.

QUB has an international reputation in translational medicine, achieved through the recognised metrics of high impact peer review publications, significant international research funding, the generation of exploitable novel intellectual property and the establishment of successful spin-out biotech companies. This ethos of innovation was recently recognised with the award of the Times Higher Education Entrepreneurial University of the Year.

This unique course offers students the chance to choose one of these three research streams with the indicated specialist modules:

-

Precision Cancer Medicine

This stream provides students with a unique opportunity to study cancer biology and perform innovative cancer research within the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB). Prospective students are immersed in this precision medicine milieu from Day 1, providing for them the opportunity to understand the key principles in discovery cancer biology and how these research advances are translated for the benefit of cancer patients. The strong connectivity with both the biotech and biopharmaceutical sectors provides a stimulating translational environment, while also opening up potential doors for the student's future career.

-

Cardiovascular Medicine

This stream contains two complementary modules which significantly build on the foundation provided by undergraduate medicine or biomedical science to provide students with an advanced insight into current understanding of cardiovascular pathobiology and an appreciation of how this knowledge is being applied in the search for novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic approaches for the clinical management of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Students who select the Cardiovascular Medicine Stream will be taught and mentored within the Centre for Experimental Medicine which is a brand new, purpose-built institute (~7400m2) at the heart of the Health Sciences Campus. This building represents a significant investment (~£32m) by the University and boasts state-of-the-art research facilities which are supported by a world-leading research-intensive faculty, ensuring that all of our postgraduate students are exposed to a top quality training experience.

-

Inflammation, infection and Immunity

This stream exposes students to exciting concepts and their application in the field of infection biology, inflammatory processes and the role of immunity in health and disease. There will be detailed consideration of the role of the immune system in host defence and in disease. There is a strong emphasis is on current developments in this rapidly progressing field of translational medicine. Students learn how to manipulate the inflammatory/immune response and their interaction with microbes to identify, modify and prevent disease. Students will also be introduced to the concepts of clinical trials for new therapeutics, and the basic approach to designing a trial to test novel methods to diagnose/prevent or treat illness.

Read less

Recognising the need for the development of a cohort of appropriately qualified scientific, medical/dental and veterinary graduates, we are offering a research intensive, student-oriented MRes in Translational Medicine. The MRes in Translational Medicine provides high quality graduates with the research rigour, the innovation culture and the leadership skills to be at the forefront of this translational revolution and so develop a cohort of appropriately qualified scientific medical/dental and veterinary graduates.

Translational Medicine allows experimental findings in the research laboratory to be converted into real benefit for the health and well-being of the patient, through the development of new innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches.

The main objective of the MRes Programme in Translational Medicine is to provide high quality candidates with the research rigour, innovation culture and the leadership skills to be at the forefront of this translational revolution. Students will receive expert training in all aspects of translational medicine including how new experimental findings are translated into treatments for patients; the experimental steps in the process, the development of innovative solutions, management and leadership skills and an appreciation of marketing and financial aspects of translational medicine through interaction with business leaders and scientists from Biotech and Pharmacy

This research intensive programme incorporates a 38 week research project in an area selected by the student in consultation with the research project co-ordinator. student selected area.

QUB has an international reputation in translational medicine, achieved through the recognised metrics of high impact peer review publications, significant international research funding, the generation of exploitable novel intellectual property and the establishment of successful spin-out biotech companies. This ethos of innovation was recently recognised with the award of the Times Higher Education Entrepreneurial University of the Year.

This unique course offers students the chance to choose one of these three research streams with the indicated specialist modules:

-

Precision Cancer Medicine

This stream provides students with a unique opportunity to study cancer biology and perform innovative cancer research within the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB). Prospective students are immersed in this precision medicine milieu from Day 1, providing for them the opportunity to understand the key principles in discovery cancer biology and how these research advances are translated for the benefit of cancer patients. The strong connectivity with both the biotech and biopharmaceutical sectors provides a stimulating translational environment, while also opening up potential doors for the student's future career.

-

Cardiovascular Medicine

This stream contains two complementary modules which significantly build on the foundation provided by undergraduate medicine or biomedical science to provide students with an advanced insight into current understanding of cardiovascular pathobiology and an appreciation of how this knowledge is being applied in the search for novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic approaches for the clinical management of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Students who select the Cardiovascular Medicine Stream will be taught and mentored within the Centre for Experimental Medicine which is a brand new, purpose-built institute (~7400m2) at the heart of the Health Sciences Campus. This building represents a significant investment (~£32m) by the University and boasts state-of-the-art research facilities which are supported by a world-leading research-intensive faculty, ensuring that all of our postgraduate students are exposed to a top quality training experience.

-

Inflammation, infection and Immunity

This stream exposes students to exciting concepts and their application in the field of infection biology, inflammatory processes and the role of immunity in health and disease. There will be detailed consideration of the role of the immune system in host defence and in disease. There is a strong emphasis is on current developments in this rapidly progressing field of translational medicine. Students learn how to manipulate the inflammatory/immune response and their interaction with microbes to identify, modify and prevent disease. Students will also be introduced to the concepts of clinical trials for new therapeutics, and the basic approach to designing a trial to test novel methods to diagnose/prevent or treat illness.

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Our Translational Medicine and Therapeutics MRes is a research-based course with a taught component that is equivalent to an MSc. It provides a springboard into a career that involves a working knowledge of scientific research.

The course is designed for graduates with a BSc in the life sciences or other science disciplines, and for intercalating and fully qualified MBBS or BDS students. It can be taken either as a stand-alone qualification or as an entry route onto a PhD or MD.

The taught component of the course includes subject-specific content in the area of translational medicine and therapeutics. You have the flexibility to develop your own bespoke course by selecting additional, complementary modules. You will also participate in training in general research principles, and other professional and key skills.

Subject-based modules in translational medicine and therapeutics provide the opportunity to learn about the development and evaluation of new medicines and to develop skills in translational research relating to therapeutics. Teaching and supervision is provided by both university-based academics and experts from the pharmaceutical industry.

Your research project comprises the major element of the course. This project will involve 24 weeks of research in an area of translational medicine and therapeutics under the supervision of an expert academic researcher in the field.

The course allows you to experience an internationally competitive research area, predominantly in academia but also potentially in industry.

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This Masters in Translational Medicine is the first year of a British Heart Foundation 4-Year PhD studentship: it is not offered as an individual programme of study.

Why this programme

◾The programme will provide you with the skills needed to assess critically recent advances in biology relevant to human disease.
◾It covers the areas of cardiovascular medicine, inflammation and immunology, neuroscience, mathematics, bioinformatics and cell biology, and advances in fundamental biomedical science relevant to integrative mammalian biology.
◾You will be taught the administrative procedures and ethical and project planning requirements for applying for statutory licenses (personal and project) for animal work as well as ethical aspects of gene and cell therapy.
◾The University is one of the few centres in the UK offering BHF 4-Year PhD studentships. Successful applicants accepted into the programme will be fully funded. For more information, see: BHF 4 year PhD programme.

Programme structure

The programme is part of a 4-year PhD with the first year being an MRes. The MRes is made up of three individual 12-week research placements after an intense two-week induction. Each project will be based on different themes with three different supervisors. Years 2-4 make up the PhD portion of the programme.

Induction

You will be required to attend an in-depth introductory programme, which will provide training in research ethics, statistics, project design, literature review and laboratory safety techniques.

Placements

The induction is followed by three individual research placements. These are at the core of this programme, providing three separate projects to allow you to define your areas of interest for your PhD studies. Each placement is a 12-week project and this will be with three different principal supervisors. You will be encouraged to choose placements beyond your undergraduate subject experience to maximise your exposure to new techniques and science. Supervisors are drawn from a wide range of academic disciplines, such as medicine, biomedical and life sciences, mathematics, electronics and electrical engineering, and veterinary medicine.

Career prospects

You will be taught the practical laboratory skills needed to pursue a career in basic translational medicine and applied science through research projects. After successfully completing year 1, you will be awarded an MRes, and progress to a PhD. The programme produces fully trained scientists ready for progression to academic or industrial careers.

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Our Master of Research (MRes) in Translational Medicine provides high-quality research and training skills for students who want to use state-of-the-art biotechnologies to rapidly translate disease research into improved clinical healthcare.

With advances in technology, graduates are now faced with heightened expectations to conduct effective bioscience research.

Employers demand skillsets comprising biological, medical, physical and computational characteristics and this Masters is designed to provide this breadth of training.

The core aim is to train the next generation of scientists able to 'fast-track' biological and scientific data into advanced therapies and diagnostics tools.

Our understanding of the molecular basis of disease and drug mechanisms has improved dramatically in recent years, yet there is a distinct shortage of individuals able to apply this knowledge into effective clinical benefit.

Our MRes in Translational Medicine (Interdisciplinary Molecular Medicine) provides intense training in 'omics' skills and techniques such as genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics.

The training in metabolomic techniques is novel for a UK course, and teaching on the integration of different omic platforms and data in a systems medicine strategy is unique.

With its extended 35-week research project and broad training in biotechnology for medical healthcare, this MRes provides an excellent platform to progress into PhD research, or for a career in academia or the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, or as a clinical academic.

The MRes has substantial interdisciplinary focus; training comprises four taught modules before you undertake an extended 35-week research project within The University of Manchester, Waters or one of the Greater Manchester teaching hospitals.

A wide choice of projects are available, allowing individuals to focus on areas of interest such as the use of gene expression profiling, proteomics, metabolomics, stem cell research, tissue culture or pharmacogenetics in the biology of cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, stroke or diabetes.

The MRes lasts for one year full-time, so it provides the ideal opportunity to experience the challenges of multidisciplinary research first-hand before committing to further training.

Over 85% of our graduates secure further research (PhD), pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, or medical training posts upon completion.

Career opportunities

Our MRes, with its extended 35-week research project and broad training in biotechnology for medical healthcare, provides an excellent platform to progress into PhD research, or for a career in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology Industries or as a clinical academic.
-More than 50% of our graduates progress into PhD research (for example, within the Universities of Manchester, Cambridge, Imperial College London, Newcastle, Glasgow, Liverpool, Bristol).
-Around 15% pursue a career in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry in the UK or abroad.
-Approximately 25% are intercalating medics who complete their medical education.
-An estimated 10% pursue an undergraduate medical degree.

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Our PGCert in Translational Medicine provides high-quality training skills for students who want to use state-of-the-art biotechnologies to rapidly translate disease research into improved clinical healthcare.

With advances in technology, graduates are now faced with heightened expectations to conduct effective bioscience research.
Employers demand skillsets comprising biological, medical, physical and computational characteristics and this PGCert is designed to provide this breadth of training.

The core aim is to train the next generation of scientists able to 'fast-track' biological and scientific data into advanced therapies and diagnostics tools.

Our understanding of the molecular basis of disease and drug mechanisms has improved dramatically in recent years, yet there is a distinct shortage of individuals able to apply this knowledge into effective clinical benefit.

This course provides intense training in 'omics' skills and techniques such as genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics.

The training in metabolic techniques is novel for a UK course, and teaching on the integration of different omic platforms and data in a systems medicine strategy is unique.

Teaching and learning

The postgraduate certificate requires the completion of four taught units delivered using a variety of face-to-face, workshop and e-learning approaches. Each unit lasts the equivalent of two weeks and consists of a package of lectures, workshops and tutorials.

Career opportunities

The aim of the PGCert is to give you a thorough knowledge and understanding of the key technologies used in the field of translational medicine.

This will help you to obtain laboratory-based positions or progress your career if you are already employed within academia or the pharmaceutical industry.

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The twelve month, full-time programme is structured to allow for 3 hours lectures per week whilst the rest of the time is spent in the lab or carrying out other research project related work.

MRes in Biomedical Sciences & Translational Medicine students undertake 3 research projects that comprise 10 weeks of lab work followed by 2 weeks in which to write a report. Students also present either a poster or talk at the end of every research project. During the project, all students are encouraged to suggest experiments, design experimental protocols, as well as being taught subject specific techniques and advanced knowledge in transferable skills. The research projects will include at least three different research techniques to enhance experimental training skills that need to be clearly stated at the end of each project.

The lectures relate to state-of-the-art research techniques, application of knowledge in scientific and clinical areas, and the development of personal and professional transferable skills. Important and innovative parts of the transferable skills students take part in include the following workshops “IP and Commercialization (our own version of Dragon’s Den)”, Demonstrator Training and “Writing a PhD Studentship”, as well as taking part in debates for public understanding of science.

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The course combines an introduction to the theory behind and technologies currently used in drug discovery, pharmacokinetics, role of biomarkers and surrogate endpoints, preclinical safety assessment, first-time-in-human studies, clinical investigation paradigms, research governance and medical statistics.

Suitable for all medical disciplines, but of particular interest to Cardiovascular/Respiratory, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Metabolic medicine, the programme is highly suitable for graduates in medicine who wish to pursue a career as clinical academics and for medical professionals in industry.

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Translational Cancer Medicine enables you to gain detailed knowledge and understanding of research methods applied to rational drug design, clinical study design, molecular and cell biology, tumour immunology, genetics and cancer imaging. Practical experience gained through two six-month laboratory rotations.

Key benefits

- The range of topics including advanced imaging methods is unique for this translational cancer programme

- The sponsoring laboratories and departments all have international standing and have agreed to closely supervise the trainees

- Recently released data from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce) shows that King’s College London is equal top in England (with Queen Mary, University of London) for its PhD completion rates. This programme will potentially select candidates for the PhD programme within the Division of Cancer Studies

Visit the website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-courses/translational-cancer-medicine-mres.aspx

Course detail

- Description -

Overview of subjects covered:

• Biomarkers, biostatistics and modelling
• Breast cancer
• Cancer bioinformatics
• Cancer imaging (optical)
• Cancer imaging (PET)
• Clinical trials and translational research
• Gene discovery through to therapeutic applications
• Haemato-oncology and associated genetics/genomics
• Immunology of cancers
• Molecular pathology
• Signal transduction in cancers

- Course purpose -

The programme will provide students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of research methods applied to rational drug design, clinical study design, molecular and cell biology, tumour immunology, genetics and cancer imaging, all of which are relevant to Translational Cancer Research. In addition, practical experience will be gained through two laboratory rotations of six months duration.

- Course format and assessment -

Work with 2 supervisors and their teams, 6 months in each lab

Assignments:

• 30 credit taught module:

2-3 weekly lectures during first 3 months

Throughout the year, students also attend literature reviews and journal clubs that their labs/departments organise and any other internal or external seminars deemed relevant to their projects/assignments.

The assessment for this module is an essay on the fundamentals and the overall concept of Translational Cancer Medicine

• 75 credit laboratory based research project 1:

Assessed by a written dissertation, a seminar presentation and an oral examination

• 75 credit laboratory based research project 2:

Assessed by a draft of a paper of the standard and format required by a scientific journal.

Career prospects

Future PhD studies. Clinical and non-clinical academic careers in cancer medicine.

How to apply: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/taught-courses.aspx

About Postgraduate Study at King’s College London:

To study for a postgraduate degree at King’s College London is to study at the city’s most central university and at one of the top 20 universities worldwide (2015/16 QS World Rankings). Graduates will benefit from close connections with the UK’s professional, political, legal, commercial, scientific and cultural life, while the excellent reputation of our MA and MRes programmes ensures our postgraduate alumni are highly sought after by some of the world’s most prestigious employers. We provide graduates with skills that are highly valued in business, government, academia and the professions.

Scholarships & Funding:

All current PGT offer-holders and new PGT applicants are welcome to apply for the scholarships. For more information and to learn how to apply visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/funding/sources

Free language tuition with the Modern Language Centre:

If you are studying for any postgraduate taught degree at King’s you can take a module from a choice of over 25 languages without any additional cost. Visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/mlc

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Programme overview

This programme aims to provide you with a firm foundation in biomedical research methodology, focused on translational cardiovascular medicine, by enhancing your knowledge, understanding, critical awareness and practical research experience in this area. The programme provides a firm theoretical grounding in the scientific principles and clinical applications of translational cardiovascular medicine, as well as intensive training in research methodology, experimental design, statistical analyses, data interpretation and science communication.

The core of the programme is a six-month research project, conducted within one of the University of Bristol's internationally recognised translational cardiovascular medicine research groups. Opportunities will be available in laboratory or clinical-based investigations.

The programme is suitable for clinical and bioscience graduates who wish to develop their research skills within this exciting field. It is also suitable for clinical students interested in pursuing a research-intensive intercalation option after three years of study.

Programme structure

This programme is delivered by research scientists and clinicians through lectures, tutorials, seminars, research clubs and practical classes. In addition to four mandatory units relating to research methodology, students choose two units on aspects of cardiovascular science.

Mandatory units

- Introduction to Research Methods in Health Sciences (10 credits)
This unit introduces a variety of research methods used in basic and applied clinical research including: finding and reading relevant research information; presenting research results; basic statistical analysis; data interpretation; ethics.
- Further Research Methods in Health Sciences (20 credits)
This unit aims to develop further knowledge and practical experience in statistical analyses, experimental design and laboratory methods and includes training in the use of a statistical software package and practical experience in several laboratory techniques.
- Research Club in Health Sciences (10 credits)
This unit aims to develop your ability to present, critically evaluate and discuss scientific findings by contributing to journal clubs, attending and summarising research seminars and presenting your own research.
- Research Project in Translational Cardiovascular Medicine (100 credits)
During this unit you will gain extensive experience in scientific/clinical research by conducting an independent project. You will write up your research in the form of a thesis, present and discuss your work in a viva and research symposium.

Plus a choice of two of the following units:

- Coronary Artery Disease I (20 credits)
- Coronary Artery Disease II (20 credits)
- Heart and Valve Disease (20 credits)
- Paediatric Heart Disease (20 credits)
- Aneurysm, Peripheral Vascular Disease and Stroke (20 credits)

Careers

This programme is suitable for those with a bioscience or clinical background who wish to develop their research skills before embarking on a research/clinical career in academia or the pharmaceutical industry. It provides the ideal foundation for further studies leading to a PhD.

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Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine are rapidly expanding fields with the potential to revolutionise modern medicine. This cross-disciplinary programme provides students with a robust scientific understanding in these fields, combined with a "hands-on" practical and translational focus.

Degree information

This programme will equip students with a critical understanding of:
-How nanotechnology can be harnessed for the improved detection and treatment of disease.
-The use of stem cells in medicine.
-Tissue engineering strategies for tissue regeneration.
-Improving biomaterials for directing cell behaviour.
-The regulatory, ethical and commercial hurdles for the translation of these emerging technologies.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of five core modules (75 credits), one optional module (15 credits) and a research project (90 credits). A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) is offered. The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits) and two optional modules (30 credits).

Core modules
-Nanotechnology in Medicine *
-Applied Tissue Engineering *
-Biomaterials
-Research Methodologies
-Practical Bio-Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine
-*PG Cert - compulsory modules

Optional modules - choose one of the following options; attendance at the other module is possible but will not be assessed.
-Stem Cells in Medicine and their Applications in Surgery
-Translation of Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine

Dissertation/report
All students undertake an extensive laboratory-based (90 credits) research project which culminates in a dissertation of c.15,000 words and an individual viva voce.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, group discussions, practical sessions, and demonstrations. Assessment is through presentations, problem-solving workshops, written practical reports, coursework, unseen written examinations and the dissertation.

Careers

Student career options and progression during and following the completion of the degree are considered to be of the utmost importance. Personal tutors will offer individual advice and seminars are arranged on a variety of career competencies including CV writing, writing research proposals and positive personal presentation.

Networking with world-leading scientists, new biotechnology CEO's and clinicians is encouraged and enabled throughout the programme. Research output in terms of publishing papers and presenting at conferences is also promoted.

Recent career destinations include:
-PhD or Medicine at UCL, Imperial College London and Universities of Oxford and Cambridge
-Clinical PhD training programmes
-NHS hospitals in the UK
-EU and overseas hospitals and research facilities

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Health Careers Program, Harvard University
-PhD Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast
-PhD Bioengineering, Imperial College London
-PhD Nanomedicine, UCL
-DPhil Researcher (Biomedical Sciences), University of Oxford and studying MSc Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, -University College London (UCL)

Employability
Graduates of the programme gain the transferable laboratory, critical and soft skills, such as science communication, necessary to pursue a scientific or clinical research career in the fields of nanomedicine and regenerative medicine.

Why study this degree at UCL?

Based within the world-leading medical research environment of the UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science this MSc retains a clinical focus and addresses real medicine needs. Students learn about the route of translation from research ideas into actual products which can benefit patients.

An in-depth laboratory-based research project is an integral component of the programme: expert support allows students to investigate cutting-edge projects and thereby open up opportunities for further research and publications.

Students are embedded within the vibrant research community of the Faculty of Medical Sciences which provides students - through research seminars, symposia and eminent guest lecturers - outstanding networking opportunities within the research, clinical and translational science communities.

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Genomics Medicine and Healthcare Courses

The Genomic Medicine and Healthcare course has been developed for healthcare professionals including Specialist Medical Practitioners, General Medical Practitioners, Allied Health Professionals, Nurses and Midwives, Genetic Counsellors and those with related undergraduate degrees or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience. It will be of interest to health professionals in the UK and internationally and will provide a solid foundation in the core concepts of genetics and genomics applied to modern medicine and healthcare. Although there are other courses covering the subject area, none are completely online so they are difficult and costly for global healthcare professionals to get involved. This course will reach an international audience in a cost effective, flexible and inclusive way, helping to develop a worldwide network of genomic medical and healthcare leaders.

Our course is well timed given increasing public and professional interests in genetic and genome-level diagnostic and predictive testing for clinical management, disease risk evaluation, prevention of major complications and offering the prospect of improved prognosis. Personalised benefits include the option for reproductive choices and reducing lifetime medical or health risks by judicious use of new emerging preventive medicines and devices combined with lifestyle/behaviour modifications.

Diploma in Genomics Medicine and Healthcare Courses

Our online 1 year Postgraduate Diploma in Genomic Medicine & Healthcare is designed to be practical and clinically focused. The course will provide an integrated approach to Genomic Medicine and Healthcare and focus on applying scientific principles to direct patient care. The Genomics Diploma course is worth 120 credits and comprises 6 modules of 20 credits each.

The Diploma course aims to equip graduates with critical knowledge and understanding of genomics medicine. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge for direct clinical benefit and future study. Our Genomics Medicine Diploma course caters to the educational needs of a primary and secondary care audience and is the only one of its kind that is completely accessible online.

Our Genomic Medicine Diploma has been designed for General Medical Practitioners, Specialist Medical Practitioners (for example Paediatrics, General Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Medical Oncology), Allied Health Professionals (Clinical Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists), Nurses (Cancer, Cardiac, Paediatric, Neurology etc.) and Midwives. In addition, the course would be of interest to those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Dietetics, Biomedical Science, Pharmacy) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience

On completion you will demonstrate:

- a systematic understanding of genetics and genomic factors in human diseases
- a critical awareness of current issues affecting the management of inherited human diseases
- an advanced knowledge of clinical genomics that will facilitate decision-making in unpredictable and/or complex situations
- an ability to critically evaluate current research in applied and translational genetics and genomics
- an ability to deliver management strategies for the investigation and treatment of patients with inherited human diseases
- a basic understanding of the scope and effect of genomics on treatments including horizon scanning of potential new targeted treatments for wider population

Course Structure

The online course lasts one calendar year and is a part time distance learning course. It consists of 6 modules per year, each of 6 weeks duration.

Module 1 - Principles of Medical Genetics and Genomics
Module 2 - Genetic Counselling
Module 3 - Genomics and Society
Module 4 - Practice of Clinical Genomics
Module 5 - Reproductive Genomics
Module 6 - Genomic Healthcare

Assessment

Online Diploma in Genomic Medicine and Healthcare

The course puts assessment at the heart of learning by using clinical scenarios to facilitate problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. The scenarios act as both the focus for learning and assessment thus embedding assessment within the learning process.

Each of the 6 modules have the same assessment format. Due to the online nature of the course, students are expected to login and participate in the course regularly throughout the module (ideally on a daily basis).

Students are split into groups of 10-15 students and are assigned a dedicated expert tutor who:

Facilitates clinical case discussions with the group.
Monitors, assesses and marks each student throughout the module.
Students use the skills gained during the lectures to engage with the different activities (see below).
Clinical case scenarios with case based discussion - 40%
Individual learning portfolio - 10%
Group/individual activity - 20%
Case based examination - 30%

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This programme aims to develop your interest in translational cardiovascular research and medicine and equip you with an enhanced knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of the current approaches and emerging research in this area. The programme, which is delivered by clinicians and scientists, provides a firm theoretical grounding in the basic scientific principles and clinical applications of translational cardiovascular medicine, and will help you to develop essential skills and prepare for employment or a further higher degree in this field. In addition, you will be introduced to key practical techniques employed in this field.

The programme is designed to appeal to a wide range of students, including scientists and clinicians. Students have the option to study by distance learning or on campus. For distance learning students two-week residential workshops will be held in Bristol, comprising lectures and seminars as well as journal clubs, practical sessions, visits to clinical sessions and assessments. Campus-based students will attend lectures, seminars, journal clubs, visits to clinical sessions, tutorials and practicals in Bristol. Each module will comprise tutorials and lectures plus essays and assessments.

Programme structure

Core units
-Generic Laboratory Skills
-Clinical Trials and Statistics
-Coronary Artery Disease I
-Coronary Artery Disease II
-Heart and Valve Disease
-Paediatric Heart Disease
-Aneurysm, Peripheral Vascular Disease and Stroke

Research project
This can either be a 'wet' (based in Bristol) or a 'dry' (remote) project of an appropriate area of study. It will be presented both in written form and orally with a mini presentation.

Careers

Our MSc programme is suitable for a wide range of students: basic scientists, clinicians, and allied health professionals (eg radiologists, perfusionists, cardiac nurses). The course may enable students to go on to apply for a PhD, or become an allied health professional. In addition, it should enable students to progress in their current careers.

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