Masters degrees in Developmental Biology provide advanced study of the growth and development of multi-cellular organisms. This can include analysing the processes governing simple development such as cell division, to more advanced topics such as reproduction.
Popular specialisms include Stem Cell Science, Reproductive Biology and Developmental Medicine. Entry requirements normally include an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.
Do you have a clear and specific interest in cancer, stem cells or developmental biology? Join our programme and combine research in oncology, molecular developmental biology and genetics. Discover the mysteries of embryonic growth, stem cells, signalling, gene regulation, evolution, and development as they relate to health and disease.
Given that fundamental developmental processes are so often impacted by disease, an understanding of these processes is vital to the better understanding of disease treatment and prevention. Adult physiology is regulated by developmental genes and mechanisms which, if deregulated, may result in pathological conditions.
Become an expert on molecular and cellular aspects of development and disease and create a better understanding of processes underlying cancer and developmental biology. Use techniques and applications of post-genomic research, including single cell and next generation sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics and advanced microscopy techniques.
This course is ideal for you if you want to go into a research career or study for a PhD in the field of Developmental Biology. You’ll study the genes and molecules that control cell growth, differentiation and morphogenesis that create tissues, organs and individuals. You’ll learn in facilities with outstanding provision for experimental work, using a range of model, plant and vertebrate organisms.
The MRes provides a unique mix of taught components, extended laboratory projects, literature reviews and preparation of a grant proposal based on a research dissertation. You’ll gain an insight into a range of research activities and techniques, gaining the transferrable skills training needed for all early stage researchers. You’ll also address the scientific, ethical and commercial context within which the research takes place. You will have the opportunity to study as part of the Centre for Regenerative Medicine at Bath. The Centre enables work in regenerative medicine to be underpinned by an understanding of normal developmental organisms.
All of the MRes courses can be studied as the first year of our Integrated PhD course.
Visit the website http://www.bath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-2018/taught-postgraduate-master-s-courses/mres-developmental-biology/
- 90% of our research judged to be internationally recognised, excellent or world-leading
- Our current research funding portfolio stands at £14 million, supporting internationally excellent research in the biosciences
MRes degree programmes are designed for graduates who are contemplating a research career and who may go on to study for a PhD or to a position in industry involving interaction with research scientists.
If these do not apply, you might consider an MSc programme (http://www.bath.ac.uk/science/graduate-school/taught-programmes/).
For further details please visit our department pages (http://www.bath.ac.uk/bio-sci/)
Since graduating, our students have gone on to employment or further research at institutions in the US, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.
Recent employers include:
Morvus-Technology Ltd
Janssen-Cilag
Royal United Hospital, Bath
Ministry of Defence
State Intellectual Property Office, Beijing
Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford University
AbCam
Salisbury Foundation Trust Hospital
BBSRC
Lonza
Find out more about the department here - http://www.bath.ac.uk/bio-sci/
Find out how to apply here - http://www.bath.ac.uk/science/graduate-school/taught-programmes/how-to-apply/
You’ll study the genes and molecules that control cell growth, differentiation and morphogenesis that create tissues, organs and individuals. You’ll learn in facilities with outstanding provision for experimental work, using a range of model, plant and vertebrate organisms. The course is ideal if you would like to specialise further in a particular field, or if you would like to change direction from your first science degree.
You’ll learn with some of the world’s leading academics in a welcoming and collaborative environment that has strong interdisciplinary links. You will be able to select from a diverse range of topics and projects to tailor your course.
You will have the opportunity to study as part of the Centre for Regenerative Medicine at Bath. The Centre enables work in regenerative medicine to be underpinned by an understanding of normal developmental organisms.
Your studies will help you develop the skills you need to move into a wide range of careers in the sciences or to take on further research. Our graduates have an excellent employment record with companies and academic institutions across the globe. Graduates have moved into roles with employers including the Institute of Cancer Research and Atlas Genetics.
Find out more: http://www.bath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-2018/taught-postgraduate-master-s-courses/msc-developmental-biology/
- 90% of our research judged to be internationally recognised, excellent or world-leading
- Our current research funding portfolio stands at £14 million, supporting internationally excellent research in the biosciences
Since graduating, our students have gone on to employment or further research at institutions in the US, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.
Recent employers include:
Morvus-Technology Ltd
Janssen-Cilag
Royal United Hospital, Bath
Ministry of Defence
State Intellectual Property Office, Beijing
Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford University
AbCam
Salisbury Foundation Trust Hospital
BBSRC
Lonza
Find more about the department here - http://www.bath.ac.uk/bio-sci/
Find out how to apply here - http://www.bath.ac.uk/science/graduate-school/taught-programmes/how-to-apply/
If your interests lie in reproductive health this programme will provide a spring board into this area of medical science and biology. It is led by a team of active researchers across several exciting medical science disciplines at a top 10 UK ranked medical school in the UK. You mix with researchers and students across a wide range of discipline areas in one of the largest medical campuses in Europe where major innovations continue to take place in reproductive health, nutrition, medical imaging and biotechnological areas to name but a few.
You study in depth the areas of feotal development and health, pregnancy management, perinatal diagnosis, in vitro fertilisation, and genomic technology to understand diseases causing gene mutation and abnormalities. You also look at potential for stem cell and gene therapy treatments, latest research and developments. On top of these areas you get to research in a biology lab to understand reproductive biology from the laboratory side of the discipline to further your understanding of the area.
This postgraduate degree may augment your knowledge or take your career into a different direction. You may specialise in reproductive health as a researcher or consultant practitioner in the biological science area or add skills to your medical science clinical expertise. You could be working in universities, specialist health institutes, organisations, and private industry interested in finding new ways to research or innovate. If you come from a clinical background or biological science background this degree could connect you to new innovations, collaborations and discoveries or catapult you to new levels of practice and support of patients. You may wish to progress your studies to PhD to publish new research, patents and teach further generations towards constant new discoveries and applications.
Semester 1
Optional
Semester 2
Optional
Semester 3
Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
Find out about fees
*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.
Scholarships
View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page
Find out more about:
Find out more about living in Aberdeen and living costs
This MSc is aimed at students who wish to extend their knowledge and expertise in the eye as an integrated biological system. The programme provides a unique and integrated review of the physiology and biology of the eye, covering molecular and developmental cell biology, complex genetics, immunology and behavioural neuroscience.
The programme offers students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and expertise in ocular cell biology, genetics, visual neuroscience, development and immunology. On completion of the programme, students gain an enhanced knowledge and understanding of scientific communication skills, scientific design and analysis, sophisticated laboratory techniques and valuable research experience.
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).
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation/research project
All MSc students undertake either a research or informatics project using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment. The project culminates in a dissertation of 15,000–18,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, problem classes, journal clubs, self-directed studies and laboratory practical courses. Assessment is through long essays, coursework, laboratory practicals, oral examination and the research dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Biology of Vision MSc
This programme provides excellent preparation for a PhD or a successful research career in academia or for positions in the public or commercial sectors. Previous students have also successfully obtained specialist trainee positions in ophthalmology at hospitals across the country.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
The programme aims to train first-class basic and clinical scientists in the field of ophthalmology.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The UCL Institute of Ophthalmology is one of the premier centres in the world for the study of vision and the mechanisms, diagnosis and therapy of eye disease. We embrace fundamental research, through the entire spectrum of translational medicine to clinical trials.
This MSc programme draws upon the extensive basic and clinical research experience available at the institute and at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Students gain expertise in basic cell biology, genetics, neuroscience and physiology, specialise in the biology of the eye as an integrated biological system and conduct a six-month research project within a world-class research environment.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Institute of Ophthalmology
80% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
The Master of Science by Research degree in Marine Biology is a 12-month, research only degree, in which the candidate will undertake a supervised research project in the area of Marine Biology, in the School of Biology, University of St Andrews.
The candidate will be based in the interdisciplinary Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI), based at East Sands, St Andrews. The SOI is home to the world famous Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), and hosts a wide-range of researchers with interests ranging from the deep oceans to the coasts, and from the people who use and interact with the sea, to the biological and physical processes that make the oceans function.
There are four research themes running through the SOI: Global Change and Planetary Evolution; Ecology, Fisheries and Resource management; Developmental and Evolutionary Genomics; the Sea Mammal Research Unit. As such, the SOI brings together behavioural and population ecologists, evolutionary biologists, geneticists, conservationists, mathematicians and environmental scientists to contribute towards understanding and managing the future of our oceans and the organisms, big and small, that live within them. Further details about the SOI can be found here: http://soi.st-andrews.ac.uk/.
Candidates may approach potential supervisors in the SOI directly (https://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/research/phd-study/phd-study-supervisors/phd-study-soi-supervisors/) or via advertised projects listed here (https://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/research/mscres/). We strongly recommend that potential candidates make contact with a potential supervisor before applying.
The School of Biology provides a unique and supportive environment for scholarship, amid a beautiful setting for university life. We are a highly research active School, with a diverse and vigorous post-graduate community. The School comprises a large number of research groups organised into three interdisciplinary Research Centres: the Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI), the Biomedical Sciences Research Complex (BSRC) and the Centre for Biological Diversity (CBD). Together these centres encompass the full spectrum of research in biological sciences, spanning investigations on the properties and behaviour of individual molecules through to planetary environmental dynamics. Our postgraduate students enjoy a supportive and welcoming environment, including the student-led ‘Bionet’ society that provides a wide range of networking and social opportunities.
Students in the MSc(Res) program will be assigned an Internal Examiner (IE) and Post-Graduate Tutor by the School. There will be a progress review meeting at three months to monitor and evaluate student progression, convened by the IE, with the student and Tutor in attendance.
In addition to the project-specific training that you will receive during your degree, Msc(Res) students will also have access to a wide range of training in transferable skills through the award-winning University of St Andrews GradSkills program, run by our Professional Development Unit CAPOD. Specific post-graduate programs run within the School of Biology may also offer additional training, for instance in statistical, bioinformatics or molecular techniques.
The degree requires submission and examination of a dissertation at the end of the one-year program. This thesis will consist of up to 30,000 words. The thesis will be evaluated by the IE and an External Examiner appointed at time of submission. Evaluation will be based on the written submission and there is no requirement for a viva voce examination.
For details of post-graduate tuition fees relevant to our research degrees including the MSc(Res), please visit:
http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/pg/fees-and-funding/research-fees/
Please apply via the University’s Post-Graduate Application portal: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/pgr/home.htm
Our department is home to a world-renowned sensory neuroscience research group. Their projects provide the basis for teaching and research training on this MSc.
The course covers molecular, cell and developmental biology of auditory and visual systems. Advanced imaging and behavioral analysis focus on information processing: from sensory transduction to the central nervous system and behaviour. You’ll also study animal models of sensory deficits and the development of therapeutic treatments for hearing loss and blindness.
Graduates with skills in stem cell and regenerative medicine are in demand. Your degree will prepare you for a career in research in academia or industry, or in a clinical-related field. Our graduates are working all over the world – from the UK to China, India and the USA – and over half go on to doctoral study.
The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) rates us No 1 in the UK for research in this field. Our international reputation attracts highly motivated staff and students. Sheffield is a vibrant place to take a masters based on pioneering research.
Regular seminars from distinguished international experts help you to connect your studies to the latest developments. We’re also part of collaborative research groups for developmental biology, cell biology, physiology, pharmacology, neuroscience, models of human disease, stem cell science and regenerative medicine.
Our three research centres focus on translating laboratory research to the clinical environment: Bateson Centre, the Centre for Stem Cell Biology, and the Centre for Membrane Interactions and Dynamics.
We have a long track record of groundbreaking discoveries. These include breakthroughs in human stem cells for hearing repair, and the generation of animal models for Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, muscular dystrophies and their use for therapeutic studies.
We have purpose-built facilities for drosophila, zebrafish, chick and mouse genetics and for molecular physiology. Other facilities provide all the tools you’ll need to examine and analyse a range of cellular structures. We have an electron and a light microscopy centre, a PCR robotics facility, a flow cytometry unit and an RNAi screening facility.
There are lectures, practical classes, tutorials and seminars. In small group teaching classes you’ll discuss, debate and present on scientific and ethical topics. Laboratory placements within the department provide you with one-to-one attention, training and support to do your individual research project. Assessment is by formal examinations, coursework assignments, debates, poster presentations and a dissertation.
Our teaching covers ethics, practical scientific skills and an overview of the current literature. You’ll also develop useful career skills such as presentation, communication and time management.
Lead academic: Dr Mark Fenwick
The course provides training in reproductive and developmental medicine for scientists, clinicians and others, for instance ethical advisers or lawyers looking to specialise.
It’s a good platform for a research career or a career in clinical laboratory training for IVF or embryology.
Through the taught modules you’ll develop a solid understanding of reproductive science relevant to clinical applications.
We cover the breadth of processes from gonadal development and production of gametes through to pregnancy and parturition. Each module is taught by leading scientists and clinicians in that field.
You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the ethical issues and international laws regulating reproductive medicine.
Finally, you’ll undertake a research project to develop a depth of knowledge in a specialist topic.
Gain professional level knowledge of tissue regeneration, stem cell biology and biochemistry. Develop skills in a fast growing area of biomedical research.
This course is ideal if you want to gain experience and knowledge in the sought-after field of regenerative medicine.
You’ll focus in particular on modern research in developmental biology, stem cell biology and tissue engineering, and how these can be applied to human health. You will develop an insight into the scientific principles and clinical applications, and how to apply these to human health. The course is a collaborative programme within the Centre for Regenerative Medicine.
The MRes provides a unique mix of taught components, extended laboratory projects, literature reviews and preparation of a grant proposal based on a research dissertation. You’ll gain an insight into a range of research activities and techniques, gaining the transferable skills training needed for all early stage researchers. You’ll also address the scientific, ethical and commercial context within which the research takes place.
All of the MRes courses can be studied as the first year of our Integrated PhD course.
Visit the website http://www.bath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-2018/taught-postgraduate-master-s-courses/mres-regenerative-medicine/
- 90% of our research judged to be internationally recognised, excellent or world-leading
- Our current research funding portfolio stands at £14 million, supporting internationally excellent research in the biosciences
MRes degree programmes are designed for graduates who are contemplating a research career and who may go on to study for a PhD or to a position in industry involving interaction with research scientists.
If these do not apply, you might consider an MSc programme (http://www.bath.ac.uk/science/graduate-school/taught-programmes/).
For further information please visit our department pages (http://www.bath.ac.uk/bio-sci/)
Since graduating, our students have gone on to employment or further research at institutions in the US, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.
Recent employers include:
Morvus-Technology Ltd
Janssen-Cilag
Royal United Hospital, Bath
Ministry of Defence
State Intellectual Property Office, Beijing
Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford University
AbCam
Salisbury Foundation Trust Hospital
BBSRC
Lonza
Find out more about the department here - http://www.bath.ac.uk/bio-sci/
Find out how to apply here - http://www.bath.ac.uk/science/graduate-school/taught-programmes/how-to-apply/
