Masters Degrees in Immunology

This course combines theoretical knowledge and practical training in the immunology of infectious diseases through comprehensive teaching and research methods. Students will gain specialised skills in applying scientific concepts, evaluating scientific data and carrying out modern immunological techniques. Students will benefit from the unique mix of immunology, vaccinology, molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, mycology and clinical medicine at the School.

Infectious diseases represent an increasingly important cause of human morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Vaccine development is thus of great importance in terms of global health. In parallel with this growth, there has been a dramatic increase in studies to identify the innate, humoral or cellular immunological mechanisms which confer immunity to pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. As a result, increasing numbers of scientists, clinicians and veterinarians wish to develop their knowledge and skills in these areas.

The flexible nature of the course allows students to focus on attaining a broader understanding of infectious disease through attending taught units. Students can also undertake an extended research project within groups led by experienced team leaders. Such projects can involve basic investigations of immune mechanisms or applied field based studies.

Graduates from this course go into research positions in academia and industry, and further training such as PhD study.

- Full programme specification (pdf) (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/edu/qualityassurance/iid_progspec.pdf)
- Intercalating this course (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/intercalate)

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msiid.html

Objectives

By the end of this course students should be able to:

- demonstrate specialist knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of host immunity to infection against the diverse range of pathogens which confront human populations

- apply this specialist knowledge to a range of practical skills and techniques, in particular modern molecular and cellular techniques for assessing immune responses to pathogens

- critically assess, select and apply appropriate research methods to investigate basic immunological mechanisms and applied issues in the immunology of infection

- critically evaluate primary scientific data and the published scientific literature

- integrate and present key immunological concepts at an advanced level, both verbally and in written form

Structure

Term 1:
There is a one-week orientation period that includes an introduction to studying at the School, sessions on key computing and study skills and an introduction to major groups of pathogens, followed by two compulsory modules:

- Immunology of Infectious Diseases
- Analysis & Design of Research Studies

Sessions on basic computing, molecular biology and statistics are run throughout the term for all students.

Terms 2 and 3:
Students take a total of five study modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.). The list below shows recommended modules. There are other modules which may be taken only after consultation with the Course Directors.

*Recommended modules

- Slot 1:
Advanced Immunology 1 (compulsory)

- Slot 2:
Advanced Immunology 2 (compulsory)

- Slot 3:
Advanced Training in Molecular Biology*
Clinical Immunology*
Extended Project*
Basic Parasitology
Clinical Infectious Diseases 3: Bacterial & Viral Diseases & Community Health in Developing Countries

- Slot 4:
Extended Project*
Immunology of Parasitic Infection: Principles*
Molecular Biology Research Progress & Applications*
Clinical Infectious Diseases 4: Parasitic Diseases & Clinical Medicine
Epidemiology & Control of Communicable Diseases
Ethics, Public Health & Human Rights
Genetic Epidemiology

- Slot 5:
AIDS*
Antimicrobial Chemotherapy*
Extended Project*
Molecular Cell Biology & Infection*
Mycology*

Further details for the course modules - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section2_coursedescriptions/tiid.html

Residential Field Trip

Towards the end of Term 1, students get the opportunity to hear about the latest, most exciting aspects of immunological research at the British Society of Immunology Congress. The cost is included in the £500 field trip fee.

Project Report

During the summer months (July - August), students complete a research project on an immunological subject, for submission by early September. Some of these projects may take place with collaborating scientists overseas or in other colleges or institutes in the UK. Students undertaking projects overseas will require additional funding of up to £1,500 to cover costs involved.

The majority of students who undertake projects abroad receive financial support for flights from the School's trust funds set up for this purpose.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msiid.html#sixth

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The contribution of Inflammation and Immune dysfunction to a wide range of diseases, from Arthritis to Cancer to Obesity is becoming increasingly clear. The MSc in Immunology and Inflammatory Disease integrates basic, translational and clinical immunology and inflammation biology with cutting edge molecular and cellular techniques to equip students with both a working knowledge of Inflammatory disease together with state of the art research approaches used to study the area.

Why this programme

-You will receive training in the disciplines of Immunology and Inflammation within an internationally recognized centre of excellence
New opportunities to work together with scientists, clinicians and pharmaceutical industry scientists to research, drug discovery to drive improvements in patient care in areas of critical international importance
-You will attend UK Congress of Immunology
-The University of Glasgow is home the ‘GLAZgo Discovery Unit’ a unique facility established between the Respiratory, Inflammation, Autoimmunity Medicines Unit at AstraZeneca and the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation to identify new pathways by which inflammation can promote diseases and ultimately create better medicines for patients, http://www.glazgodiscoverycentre.co.uk
-The University of Glasgow is home to an Arthritis Research UK (ARUK) Experimental Arthritis Treatment Centre to recruit local patients to test new and existing drugs and to find new approaches that can predict which treatment works best in Rheumatoid Arthritis
-The University of Glasgow is home to The Arthritis Research UK Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis Centre of Excellence (in collaboration with Birmingham and Newcastle Universities), which aims to find out more about the causes of rheumatoid arthritis, http://www.race-gbn.org/

Programme structure

The MSc programme will consist of five taught courses and a project or dissertation, spread over 11-12 months. Three courses are compulsory, and two are chosen from a series of options.

The PGDip programme will consist of five taught courses, spread over 7-8 months, with three compulsary courses and two chosen from a series of options.

The PgCert programme consists one core taught course over 3-4 months.

4 Core courses
-Immunology: Basic, Translational and Clinical
-Omic technologies for the biomedical sciences: from genomics to metabolomics
-Designing a research project: biomedical research methodology
-Research project or dissertation

5 Optional Courses (choose 2)
-Drug discovery
-Diagnostic technologies and devices
-Viruses and Cancer
-Current trends and challenges in biomedical research and health
-Technology transfer and commercialisation of bioscience research

The course will include registration and attendance at the British Society for Immunology Annual Congress. This will enable:
-Exposure to the best international immunological research.
-Networking with prospective employers in academia and the pharmaceutical industry.

Excellent opportunities to engage with industrial and clinical scientists, with guest lecturers from the pharmaceutical industry, medical diagnostic laboratories and bioscience business.

Career prospects

The programme provides an ideal grounding for progression to further research studies in Immunology, Inflammation and Infectious diseases, or for a career in pharmaceutical/bioscience industries.
-PhD
-Pharmaceutical industry research and development
-Research technologist
-Graduate research assistant
-Healthcare Scientist
-Scientific publishing
-Scientific management

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Your programme of study

The programme is designed for you to develop your academic knowledge of immunology and its relevance to disease with analysis and research skills designed to enhance your career prospects, or continue to PhD. You can use your training within educational establishments to apply training, work in patents, science outreach and public engagement.

Focusing on the relevance of the immune response in the maintenance of health and development of disease, graduates will be able to attain the intellectual and practical skills needed to address both theoretical and technical aspects of modern biomedical research.
In common with the other molecular biosciences Masters courses, the MSc in Immunology builds on recent advances in genomics to understand the generation of immunological diversity at a cellular level, how this imparts variability in immune responses at the individual and population level and the relevance of the immune system in disease areas such as autoimmunity, cancer, allergy and microbial infections.

Courses listed for the programme

Semester 1
Basic Skills Induction
Generic Skills
Current Topics in Immunology
Introductory Immunology
Applied Statistics

Semester 2
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Genome - Enabled Medicines
Research Tutorials
Immunogenetics

Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/127/immunology/

Why study at Aberdeen?

• You will be taught by world leading researchers in immunology and bioscience with practical training in Flow Cytometry analysis
• You study at one of the largest health campuses in Europe with a teaching hospital, Medical School, and Institute of Medical
Sciences plus Rowett Institute on one campus
• The university ranked 9th in the world and 5th in Europe for international research collaboration (Leiden 2015)

Where you study

• University of Aberdeen
• Full Time or Part Time
• September

International Student Fees 2017/2018

Find out about fees:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/tuition-fees-and-living-costs-287.php

*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
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/finance-funding-1599.php
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/funding/

Living in Aberdeen

Find out more about:
• Your Accommodation
• Campus Facilities
• Aberdeen City
• Student Support
• Clubs and Societies

Find out more about living in Aberdeen:
https://abdn.ac.uk/study/student-life

Living costs
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/finance.php

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The MSc course in Microbiology and Immunology was set up to enhance the training of scientists studying the interactions between microbes and the immune system, and for those students wishing to enter a research career and gain high level skills in Microbiology and Immunology.

The course aims to provide training in theoretical and practical aspects of microbiology and immunology, with particular emphasis on molecular biological techniques and the interactions at the interface between microbes and the immune system. Students will gain basic and advanced knowledge of important viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. Alongside this, students will acquire an understanding and knowledge of the immune system and how it detects and responds to pathogens.

Students who have completed the course will acquire relevant transferable skills such as data management, interpretation and presentation, time management and organisation, and effective verbal and written communication skills. In addition, the students' ability for analytical and creative thinking will also be improved whilst undertaking the course.

The MSc will consist of seven taught modules and a laboratory-based project. Successful completion of the course will necessitate accumulation of 180 credits, 120 of which will derive from the taught modules and 60 from the research project. All of the modules are compulsory. There is an additional non-credit bearing module to provide the students with factfinding networking opportunities with each other and the staff alongside navigation of teaching facilities.

Autumn Semester:

Microbiology and Immunology General Sessions
Introduction to Medical Microbiology
Research Methods in Immunology and Microbiology
Viral Pathogenesis and Infections

Spring Semester:

Bacterial Pathogenesis and Infection
Immunity and the Immune System
Therapeutic Immunology
Innate Immune Recognition
Research Project

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This course focuses on how the body defends itself against disease. It helps us understand processes of viral, bacterial or parasitic infection and how the immune system is sometimes tricked into attacking its own tissue, leading to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or allergy.

What you’ll study

This course will provide you with comprehensive postgraduate life sciences training. You'll receive dedicated training in a broad range of practical laboratory skills. This is complemented by classes that develop your transferable skills in:
-Statistics
-Presentations
-Career development
-Ethics
-Science writing skills
-Your ability to design experiments and analyse sophisticated datasets

Our taught classes capture the excitement of cutting-edge research fields. You'll be taught by active researchers or practising clinical professionals.

Course structure

You'll have two semesters of postgraduate laboratories. You'll attend short optional classes in:
-In Vivo biology
-Drug discovery
-Haematology

You'll also attend a compulsory Immunology class together with a choice of either Clinical Immunology or Applied Immunology.

Finally, you'll undertake a summer project in an active research laboratory.

Future prospects

This course is the perfect route to future training at PhD level. It also gives you a range of skills and experience that employers from industry or in health care are looking for.

Course content

Compulsory classes
-Generic Skills for Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Students
-Entrepreneurship
-Advanced Techniques in Biomedical Research 1 & 2
-Postgraduate Studies in Immunology
-Statistics
-Research project

Elective classes
-In Vivo Biology
-Drug Discovery
-Postgraduate Studies in Haematology
-Postgraduate Studies in Applied Immunology
-Postgraduate Studies in Clinical Immunology

The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials and hands-on practical sessions.

If you successfully complete the required taught classes you can undertake a laboratory project for the MSc.

Assessment of taught classes is through multiple choice tests, computer quizzes, problem solving scenarios, poster and oral presentations, essays, and formal written exams. The laboratory project is assessed through a written thesis.

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Our MSc in Clinical Immunology provides a unique opportunity for you to gain insights into a specialist area of laboratory medicine from clinical leaders in the field, in addition to academic teaching from researchers at the forefront of immunology.

You will gain a fundamental understanding of the principles and mechanisms of the immune system and immune responses in the context of infection, malignancy and immunological disorders.

Six course units span the field of Clinical Immunology, with teaching being delivered on both campus and hospital sites by more than 40 individual contributors. Within each unit you will learn about assays and techniques employed in the clinical laboratory that will develop and enhance your understanding and clinical interpretation of results. The course's content covers:
-Basic and advanced immunology
-Immune deficiency
-Hypersensitivity
-Haematological malignancy
-Autoimmunity

For part-time students, these units are delivered in 2 week blocks and are spread across the 2 years, allowing students to work alongside their studies.

In addition to the taught component, you will develop critical and experimental research skills relevant to the field through a focused literature review, research masterclasses (practical sessions) and a research project.

You will learn alongside students from a range of backgrounds who are studying on aligned courses. This diversity of educational and professional input from both speakers and students provides a fantastic opportunity for enhanced collaborative learning and networking.

If you have an interest in this highly diverse and ever changing field, and you wish to expand your knowledge at the interface of clinical and academic immunology, this master's is ideal for you.

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The Department of Immunology provides a common forum for investigators in many areas of the University of Toronto and an interdisciplinary research experience in immunology. Members and students in the department are located at the Medical Sciences Building; the Ontario Cancer Institute; and the research institutes of Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Ho​spital, the Hospital for Sick Children, and Sunnybrook Hospital.

The Master of Science degree program is offered in two distinct fields of study: Applied Immunology and Fundamental Immunology. The Doctor of Philosophy degree program is offered in Fundamental Immunology.

These degrees cover a wide range of immunological sub-disciplines including molecular mechanisms of lymphocyte development and selection, T-cell and B-cell receptors, cell interactions, growth factor receptors, cytokine networks, antigen processing and presentation, signal transduction in lymphocytes, V(D)J recombination, anergy, apoptosis, transgenic and knock-out models, immuno-targeting and vaccine design, autoimmunity, AIDS, diabetes, and transplantation.

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This is a full-time 1 year MSc programme suitable for biomedical or life scientists who wish to acquire an extensive knowledge and key skills relating to the fundamental molecular and cellular regulation of immunity and its application to the treatment of disease. The programme will be delivered by world leaders at the forefront of immunology and immunotherapy research, each with an internationally renowned research group.

Over the past few years significant advances have been made in our understanding of the molecular and cellular control of immune responses. These discoveries are now being translated into the design and testing of immunotherapeutic interventions for a range of diseases including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory disease. This programme is for biomedical or life scientists who wish to extend their knowledge and skills in both immunology and its translation to immunotherapy.

A series of interlinked taught modules cover molecular mechanisms in immune cell differentiation and function, autoimmunity, transplant and tumour immunology, and inflammation. This is complemented by comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in immunotherapy including the use of microbial products in immunomodulation and vaccination, small molecules and biologics, as well as cellular immunotherapy.

The programme aims to allow you to understand the research process, from the fundamental discoveries at the forefront of immunological research, to the application of novel interventional immune-based therapies.

A key part of the MSc programme is the planning, execution and reporting of a piece of independent study leading to submission of a dissertation. This study will be in the form of an extensive laboratory research project carried out in internationally renowned research groups. Each student will be a fully-integrated member of one of the large number of research teams in a wide variety of topics across both immunology and immunotherapy. We also plan to offer some projects within external biotechnology companies.

About the College of Medical and Dental Sciences

The College of Medical and Dental Sciences is a major international centre for research and education, make huge strides in finding solutions to major health problems including ageing, cancer, cardiovascular, dental, endocrine, inflammatory diseases, infection (including antibiotic resistance), rare diseases and trauma.
We tackle global healthcare problems through excellence in basic and clinical science, and improve human health by delivering tangible real-life benefits in the fight against acute and chronic disease.
Situated in the largest healthcare region in the country, with access to one of the largest and most diverse populations in Europe, we are positioned to address major global issues and diseases affecting today’s society through our eight specialist research institutes.
With over 1,000 academic staff and around £60 million of new research funding per year, the College of Medical and Dental Sciences is dedicated to performing world-leading research.
We care about our research and teaching and are committed to developing outstanding scientists and healthcare professionals of the future. We offer our postgraduate community a unique learning experience taught by academics who lead the way in research in their field.

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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The Gastrointestinal Sciences, Immunology, and Microbiology and Infectious Diseases graduate programs have recently merged under one program director.

Each program offers a unique research opportunity in a wide range of research interests including Physiology, Immunology, Immunopharmacology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Parasitology, Pathology, Epidemiology, and others. These Graduate Programs provide state-of-the-art training opportunities with researchers from both basic science and clinical disciplines.

Through coursework, regular seminars, and journal clubs, our students are able to study a specific research area in depth while gaining a broad understanding of their discipline. Our three specializations are part of a variety of research groups and students are able to take advantage of interdisciplinary training opportunities, professional development activities, and attend conferences both within Canada and around the world.

The Immunology Graduate program provides state-of-the-art training in immunological research at the University of Calgary. Our graduate program is associated with the Immunology Research Group (IRG) with members from various basic science and clinical departments across the Cumming School of Medicine and Department of Biological Sciences.

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MASTERS PROGRAM

The Masters program is a research based program with 12 credits of course work. On average students finish the program within 2-3 years or switch to the PhD program after 1-2 years of successful course and research progress. On average Master Student enrollment within the Department is 30 students with an additional 60 PhD students.

Program Overview

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology offers opportunities for original research in the areas of molecular and applied microbiology, biotechnology, cell and developmental biology, epigenetics, geomicrobiology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, molecular immunology, microbial ecology, microbial pathogenesis, and virology. The Department has excellent research funding and a commitment to high quality research. A list of faculty and associate members and their research interests is available from the Department.

Students must satisfy the admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies International students are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and an English proficiency exam such as the TOEFL or IELTS. The GRE is optional for North American students.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Science
- Specialization: Microbiology and Immunology
- Subject: Life Sciences
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework + Thesis required
- Faculty: Faculty of Science

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Overview

This programme represents an innovative development in higher degree options in the biological sciences. It is targeted at biological and health science graduates who are interested in the major challenges in health and development today and who wish to broaden their understanding of immunology, its importance in global health and the factors that impact on immunological intervention strategies in health and disease. An important component of the course covers emerging and reemerging diseases including diseases of poverty.

Course Structure

The programme will be delivered as 12 taught modules and a lab-based research project. The taught modules include fundamental, clinical and applied immunology, global health and diseases of poverty, epidemiology, medical geography, systems biology, clinical trials, patenting, licensing and bioethics. Each module includes tutorial and/or practical sessions that complement and expand on the lecture content. A series of weekly workshops and seminars will cover important aspects of postgraduate study, including study skills, grant and report writing, scientific writing etc.

Career Options

The MSc in Immunology and Global Health will equip students to avail of career opportunities in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. It is a gateway to further study for a PhD degree or a career in research. Students completing this course will be advantaged in securing prized postgraduate research positions with leading research groups. In addition, candidates from bioscience backgrounds completing this MSc course will be well placed for securing positions in governmental or nongovernmental organisations responsible for implementing health policy.

How To Apply

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code
MHD50

The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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Western’s Graduate Program in Microbiology and Immunology offers research-intensive, thesis-based graduate training at the Masters' and the Doctoral level. We possess world class facilities and a motivating training environment, with high profile research programs overseen by internationally distinguished faculty members.

The Graduate Program of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology revolves around two major fields of scientific endeavor: i) The molecular and cellular biology of microorganisms, and ii) The molecular and cellular biology of the immune system. These fields involve studies on bacteria, virus, parasites, cancer cells, and immune cells with an emphasis on molecular biology, biochemistry, and pathogenesis. This 2-year program is intended for students who are interested in a research career or who are interested in acquiring research skills.

Visit the website: http://grad.uwo.ca/prospective_students/programs/program_NEW.cfm?p=89

Fields of Research

• Cellular and Molecular Biology of Microorganisms
• Cellular and molecular Biology of the Immune System

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please see: http://grad.uwo.ca/prospective_students/applying/index.html

Financing your studies

As one of Canada's leading research institutions, we place great importance on helping you finance your education. It is crucial that you devote your full energy to the successful completion of your studies, so we want to ensure that stable funding is available to you.
For information please see: http://grad.uwo.ca/current_students/student_finances/index.html

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The course will allow you to expand your understanding of immunology, immunopathology and immunotherapy, to further develop skills in analytical approaches to immunodiagnosis and molecular therapeutics, as well as enhance your competence in the design and execution of a laboratory based project. You will be able to take a proactive role in research, development, evaluation and implementation of current immunological techniques while perceiving the subject in the broader perspective of health care and scientific progress.

The scope of the modules included will ensure a breadth of knowledge appropriate for the scientific and professional needs of practising immunologists, at the same time making use of your knowledge and experience. This course is designed so that you can plan your own taught programme to match your interests and experience by combining core and optional modules with emphasis on therapeutics, diagnostics, haematology or public health.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Core modules
-CELL SIGNALLING AND GENETICS
-IMMUNOPATHOLOGY
-IMMUNOTHERAPY
-POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH METHODS
-POSTGRADUATE PROJECT

Option modules
-ADVANCED CANCER BIOLOGY
-EXTENDED POSTGRADUATE PROJECT
-IMMUNOHAEMATOLOGY AND HAEMOSTASIS
-INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
-MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR THERAPEUTICS
-MOLECULAR SCIENCE AND DIAGNOSTICS
-PRINCIPLES OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE
-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY

Associated careers

The course has been designed to provide professionals with a broad range of skills in immunology, immunopathology and immunotherapy. Successful completion of the course will enhance your career prospects in education, in PhD programmes, in academia, research institutes, as well as in pharmaceutical and related industries. UK part-time students are normally employed in hospital or NHSBT laboratories or in research establishments.

You will develop a range of transferable skills that will enhance your employment prospects and research opportunities in the UK or overseas. As an international student with experience in biomedical sciences, following completion of their studies, you will be able to return to your home country to pursue research opportunities or promotion, seek employment as research technician, biomedical scientist, scientific or medical technical officer or research assistant. You may also seek jobs in industry, research or healthcare or apply for further training (biomedical or clinical scientist routes).

Professional recognition

The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

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The Faculty of Medicine of Memorial University of Newfoundland, one of 17 Canadian medical schools, was established in 1967. The Faculty is housed within the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s, a modern facility which also includes the adult and women’s hospital, the Janeway Children’s Hospital, the H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre, and the Schools of Nursing and Pharmacy, plus specialized units and support services. The graduate programs in the Faculty of Medicine are structured to create an academic environment conducive to research training excellence. The programs are designed to provide formal instruction as well as to promote informal exchange in areas of health and health research. There are nine areas of concentration in graduate studies in the Faculty of Medicine: Applied Health Services Research, Cancer Research, Cardiovascular and Renal Sciences, Clinical Epidemiology, Community Health, Human Genetics, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Neuroscience, and Public Health.

These programs are based upon focal areas of health research within the Faculty and are dependent upon a critical mass of actively engaged faculty researchers in these areas. Each area of concentration has a program coordinator chair or director, and includes a core of graduate courses appropriate to the area of health research and mechanisms for formal and informal exchange of research ideas (journal clubs, seminar series, visiting speakers program). In addition to course work and thesis requirements, the broad education of graduate students includes the opportunity to attend and participate in a number of special events and lectureships. Although these opportunities are not formally required by the program of study, students are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in these events.

The MSc (Med) program involves courses and a thesis and can be completed in two years of full-time study.

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The area of cancer immunotherapy considers how to use conventional therapies including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Whilst these treatment have served well and new drugs will continue to be designed, clinical trials over the last five years have shown that boosting the body’s immune system, whose main task is to deal with invading pathogens, can help our immune system to destroy tumour cells. Many of the new immunotherapies may be tested in combination with more conventional treatments or tested alone, but investigators and oncologists now believe immunotherapy, initially combined with pharmacological treatments, will soon provide curative therapies and certainly give many patients a new lease of life.

More about this course

Worldwide the incidence of cancer is increasing, and is expected to reach 22 million new cases per year by 2030. In addition to treatments such as radiotherapy and surgery, chemotherapy has a vital role to play in prolonging the lives of patients.

The aims of the Cancer Immunotherapy MSc are to:
-Provide an in-depth understanding of the molecular targets at which the different classes of anticancer drugs are aimed, and of how drug therapies are evolving
-Review the biology of cancer with respect to genetics, pathological considerations, and the molecular changes within cells which are associated with the progression of the disease
-Enhance intellectual and practical skills necessary for the collection, analysis, interpretation and understanding of scientific data
-Deliver a programme of advanced study to equip students for a future career in anti-cancer drug and immunotherapy development
-Cover new areas in immunotherapy (some of which may enhance existing pharmacological therapies including: History of immunotherapy and review of immune system; Monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy and prevention; DNA vaccines against cancer; Adoptive T cell therapy; Dendritic cell vaccines; Antibodies that stimulate immunity; Adjuvant development for vaccines; Epigenetics and cancer: improving immunotherapy; Immuno-chemotherapy: integration of therapies; Exosomes and Microvesicles (EMVs) in cancer therapy and diagnosis; Dendritic cell vaccine development and Pox virus cancer vaccine vectors; Microbial causes of cancer and vaccination

Students will have access to highly qualified researchers and teachers in pharmacology and immunology, including those at the Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Centre. Skills gained from research projects are therefore likely to be highly marketable in industry, academia and in the NHS. Students will be encouraged to join the British Society of Immunology and the International Society of Extracellular Vesicles.

Assessment is a combination of coursework, which includes tests and essays, the research project and its oral defence and examination.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2016/17 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:
-Advanced Immunology (core, 20 credits)
-Cancer Immunotherapy (core, 20 credits)
-Cancer Pharmacology (core, 20 credits)
-Cancer: Diagnosis and Therapy (core, 20 credits)
-Molecular Oncology (core, 20 credits)
-Research Project (core, 60 credits)
-Scientific Frameworks for Research (core, 20 credits)

After the course

Students will have many opportunities to work in industry. There are established industries working hard to develop cancer immunotherapies including Bristol-Myers Squibbs, MERCK, AstraZeneca and Roche. There are also an innumerate number of start-up companies appearing including Omnis Pharma, UNUM Therapeutics and Alpine Immune Sciences.

Students will also have ample opportunity for future postgraduate study either within the School of Human Sciences and the Cellular and Molecular Immunology Centre at the MPhil/PhD level or beyond, even with some of our research partners within the UK, Europe and beyond.

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