Masters Degrees in Molecular Biology, Ireland

The MSc in Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation is a unique course aimed at highly-motivated students with an interest in biomedical research in the areas of cancer biology, infection/immunity or molecular neuroscience and entrepreneurial thinking. The course will provide you with a truly interdisciplinary educational experience by combining advanced discipline-specific training with core scientific research, technical expertise and business skills.

Visit the website: http://www.ucc.ie/en/ckr44/

Course Details

A distinctive feature of the MSc in Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation is that you will receive formal innovation and technology commercialisation training through modules from the College of Business and Law at UCC.

With three primary research themes – cancer biology, infection/immunity and molecular neuroscience, you will select projects with internationally-renowned research groups from the Schools of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Department of Anatomy/Neuroscience, following the completion of discipline-specific modules.

You will not only possess excellent research and technical skills on graduation but also the necessary business development and commercialisation skills for life science innovation.

Format

The course will consist of lectures, tutorials, hands-on workshops and a research dissertation based on individual research.

Core Scientific Modules (25 credits)

- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Human Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering Techniques
- Biological and Clinical Perspectives of Human Disease

Scientific Skills-Development Modules (10 credits)

- Biotechniques
- Scientific Communication of Current Topics in Molecular Cell Biology Core Business Modules (10 credits)
- Marketing for High Technology Entrepreneurs
- Technology and Business Planning

Elective modules (5 credits)

- Creativity and Opportunity Recognition
- Innovation Finance
- Intellectual Property Law for High-Tech Entrepreneurs

Research Project (40 credits)

You will select a project offered by internationally-renowned research groups from the Schools of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Microbiology and Anatomy/Neuroscience. With three primary research themes – cancer biology, infection/immunity and molecular neuroscience, you will complete a six month project based on individual research in one of these themes and compile the results into an MSc dissertation on completion.

You will gain invaluable hands-on, practical experience in experimental design, implementation and data interpretation and develop a wide array of transferable skills, including written and verbal communication; data recording, analysis and presentation; critical evaluation of published material; learning to work collaboratively and independently as well as project and time-management.

Further details on the content and modules are available on the Postgraduate College Calendar - http://www.ucc.ie/calendar/postgraduate/Masters/science/page04.html#molecular

Assessment

Taught modules are examined by formal written examination and continuous assessment. The research dissertation for the six-month research project must be submitted by the end of the first academic year of registration for examination by internal and external examiners.

Careers

You will be ideally positioned to enter into a PhD after graduation, but could also pursue a number of career paths including: technology transfer officer within higher education institutions and national agencies, R&D project manager, commercialisation manager within a life science start-up, or development manager within the pharmaceutical sector. The course will also equip you with the skills required to develop your own start-up venture.

A first destination surveys from 2012 - 2014 have revealed that 100% of our graduates are in employment or further education within one-year of completing the MSc in Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation.

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

Funding and Scholarships

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

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Key Features of the MRes in Biochemistry and Cell Biology

The MRes in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at University College Cork is a research-intensive course designed to maximize a student's hands-on laboratory experience and research skills. The 12-month research project is supervised by an internationally-recognized investigator based in the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Research projects are available in the areas of bioanalysis, bioinformatics, proteomics, cancer biology, cell signaling, gene expression, trafficking, molecular genetics, neurobiology, RNA biology, translational control and synthetic biology. The MRes has a strong focus on presentation and writing skills that are required for a successful research career, including research planning proposal writing. In addition to this, students develop their general and transferable skills in laboratory techniques and safety, research ethics and integrity, information literary, science communication and statistics. Students are also required to attend weekly research seminars presented by both external and internal speakers.

Core and Elective Modules

Students in the MRes programme begin their research projects with a selected supervisor in week two, following a research induction and orientation. In addition to the research component, the following modules must be completed:
- Scientific Communication of Current Topics in Molecular Cell Biology
- Scientific Research Planning and Proposals
Students must also complete one (10-credit) or two (5-credit) electives from several options:
- Scientific Training for Enhanced Postgraduate Studies
- Biotechniques
- Information Literacy Skills
- Scientific Outreach and Communication
- Introduction to Research Ethics
- Statistics and Data Analysis for Postgraduate Research Students

Why choose the MRes in Biochemistry and Cell Biology?

With an emphasis on the individual, the MRes has a dedicated director and experienced academic staff who will help students fulfill their research career ambitions. The School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology is a strong research unit based at University College Cork, Ireland's first 5 star university (QS) and the world's first 'Green Campus'. Recently named 'University of the Year 2016' by The Sunday Times and located within walking distance of Cork city centre, UCC enjoys a great location and a vibrant campus.
Students who complete the MRes will be competitive to secure a PhD position or enter directly into employment within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical sectors. All of the students in our current class have ambitions of continuing on to a PhD.

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Government and private companies are working to develop new ways to improve existing food and animal feed crops, and to develop novel crops to meet future challenges. The last decade has seen rapid developments in our understanding of plants and their significance to our wellbeing and this has been achieved through advances in a range of disciplines including genetics, genomics, cell biology, physiology, ecology and studies on climate change.

Graduates of this one-year MSc will be equipped with the knowledge and skills in these recent advances to rise to the future challenges in academia, industry and policy development. Innovation and entrepreneurship permeate the course as central themes and, in addition, a specific module on entrepreneurship in plant biology is delivered. This MSc covers a wide diversity of both topics and approaches, and is taught by a high-profile research-oriented group of academics. Students will have full involvement in active research groups and access to, and experience of, a large array of state-of-the-art facilities and technologies.

Key Fact

Researchers from the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science represent the single largest grouping of plant scientists in Ireland, with research interests ranging from genetics and molecular biology of the cell to plant physiology and ecology. They actively work with organisations such as Coillte (Forestry), the Irish Agricultural and Food Development Authority (Teagasc), the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and industry partners.

Course Content and Structure

Modules include:
• Entrepreneurship in Plant Biology
• Future Crops and Sustainability
• Current Developments in Plant Biology
• Insect-Plant Interactions
• Biological Invasions
• Plant-Atmosphere Climate Interactions
• Ecological Significance of Different Photosynthetic Pathways
• Plant Development
• Programmed Cell Death in Plants
• Plants and Stress

Career Opportunities

Graduates will have a distinct advantage when applying for PhD studentships or other more advanced graduate training in the area of plant biology and biotechnology. This MSc is ideal for graduates interested in pursuing scientific careers in academia, agriculture and plant science-based or biotechnology industries. Graduates will haveo pportunities to pursue postgraduate education and research and work in areas such as plant biotechnology, scientific journalism/publishing and for government agencies involved in governmental and non-governmental policy.

Facilities and Resources

• UCD Rosemount Environmental Research Station
• Controlled plant growth facility and bioreactors
• Plant Metabolomics Technology Platform
• Plant Cell and Tissue Culture Facility

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The number of industries requiring highly skilled graduates in the biological and biomolecular sciences is rapidly expanding and remains based on the principle that employable graduates should possess a range of key skills. The MSc in Biological and Biomolecular Science by Negotiated Learning will afford students the flexibility to broaden their understanding of biological and biomolecular science against a backdrop of learning core technical, methodological and innovation skills relevant to the industry and academia.
Several innovative specialisations are available from a carefully chosen range of modules from the relevant disciplines within the UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science and the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science. These provide students with an exciting prospect of studying and researching in the interdisciplinary fields of genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology and biodata analysis. This diverse offering aims to enhance and develop a student’s current knowledge and skill base using a wide range of taught components and applied research skills. Guidance from expert faculty is provided to tailor a programme that will meet the anticipated requirements of the student’s objectives and career goals.

Key Fact

This MSc in Biological and Biomolecular Science is the first of its kind offered in Ireland by Negotiated Learning. This offers students a unique opportunity to combine skills and learning from several related disciplines with guidance from expert faculty staff, and to deepen their knowledge in one of our specialisations.

Course Content and Structure

The course is divided into the following:
•Core Laboratory Research Skills (30 credits) – including techniques such as RT-PCR, western blotting and imaging studies.
•Core Professional Taught Skills Modules (20 credits) – including career development, quantitative tools, science writing and communication skills.
•Optional Taught modules (40 credits) – involves selecting one of the following specialisations and selecting specific modules within
these that meet the student’s learning objectives.

The Specialisations Available:
• Genetics and Cell Biology: investigates cellular signalling, architecture, imaging, trafficking and transport, genetic basis of disease, model organisms, epigenetics, etc.
• Microbiology and Infection Biology: investigates mechanisms of pathogenic micro-organisms, host response to infection, immunopathologies, host-pathogen interactions, development of diagnostics, applied microbiology, etc.
• Biochemistry and Synthetic Biology: investigates metabolism and disease, protein-protein interactions, cell signalling, protein structure and analysis.

Career Opportunities

This programme will enable you to choose from a wide range of careers and areas of postgraduate study. This multi-disciplinary course provides a solid grounding for careers in industry, health and research, such as Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Microbiology, Process control, Technical Transfer, Research and Development, and Regulatory Affairs, Scientific Editor or Writer, Lab Technician or Analyst roles.

An academic staff member will advise you on a specialisation and module choices based on the opportunities you hope to unlock.

Facilities and Resources

Students on this programme will benefit from the use of a research skills laboratory in the prestigious UCD Conway Institute, as well as state-of-the-art teaching and laboratory facilities in the new O'Brien Centre for Science.

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The MSc in Biotechnology is a one-year course designed to provide you with the theoretical and practical skills for employment in the industries of biomedical research, biopharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and biotechnology. The course curriculum consists of six months of lectures, laboratory practical sessions, career service workshops, industry-based seminars and a six-month research project. The curriculum has been developed with input from staff in local biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries, to provide you with the necessary skills required by employers. Students have the choice to complete the six-month research project in a national or international industry or university environment.

Visit the website: http://www.ucc.ie/en/ckr01/

Course Details

This is the most established MSc in Biotechnology course in Ireland and is the most popular MSc course in UCC. The international success of this course is attributed to the industry-led curriculum offered to students and the opportunity to complete a six-month placement in industry or an academic research lab. The global recognition of the course is also evident from our international alumni and receipt of several industry-sponsored scholarships available to students entering and on completion of the course.

The course will:

- introduce you to the theory and practice of bioanalytical chemistry?
- introduce you to molecular biotechnology, eukaryotic-, prokaryotic- and plant-biotechnologies, recombinant DNA technologies and their - application in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries
- introduce you to the principles of process and biochemical engineering?
- introduce you to the role of process validation and quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry, and give you an awareness of the - - latest trends in good manufacturing, laboratory and validation practices
- introduce you to the principles of food and industrial microbiology
- provide you with the opportunity to conduct and complete a body of independent research in a biotechnology-related area and present your research findings in a minor dissertation.

Format

The curriculum consists of approximately 250 contact hours over two academic terms (October to December and January to March), consisting of eight course modules, set practical sessions, career service workshops and an industry lecture series.

During the third academic term (April to September), students complete a six-month research project on a topic related to biotechnology, biopharmaceutical or biomedical research. Industry-based projects in these areas are managed by a dedicated placement officer who facilitates career workshops during which you prepare for and are interviewed by staff from companies interested in hosting students. For students interested in a career in biomedical research or PhD, projects are offered in a broad range of research areas utilising modern research techniques. All research projects are undertaken in consultation with an academic supervisor and examiner.

The MSc in Biotechnology degree course consists of eight course modules, set practical sessions, career service workshops, an industry lecture series and a six-month research project.

Students study the following eight modules and complete a research project:

- Advanced Molecular Microbial Biotechnology
- Biopharmaceuticals: formulation design, secondary processing and regulatory compliance
- Bioprocess Engineering
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Functional Foods for Health
- Genetic Engineering
- Modern Methods in Analytical Chemistry
- Plant Genetic Engineering

Research Project and Industry Placement

You will be required to complete a six-month research project based on your individual research and development in a selected field of modern science. You carry out your research in UCC’s laboratories or at an approved academic or industrial partner.

When you complete your research dissertation in an industrial setting, it provides the company with an opportunity to assess your skills and abilities and to screen potential future full-time employees.

Students who secure employment upon graduation fit into the organisation and contribute productively much sooner that other graduates. For students with an interest in biomedical research and future careers as PhD researchers, research projects are offered across a broad range of topics including but not limited to; cancer biology, neuroscience, immunology, microbiology and plant biotechnology.

Further details on the content and modules are available on the Postgraduate College Calendar - http://www.ucc.ie/calendar/postgraduate/Masters/science/page05.html#4%20

Assessment

The MSc in Biotechnology is awarded after passing written examinations across taught course units, the continuous assessment of practical work and completion of a six-month research project, which has to be written up in the form of a dissertation and approved by an external examiner. All students must complete written examinations (typically held over a two week period in March) and submit a research project. Full details and regulations governing examinations for each course will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2013 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2015/2016 - http://www.ucc.ie/modules/

Careers

The course is suitable for students wishing to extend their specific undergraduate degree knowledge in biotechnology, and for those wishing to bridge their undergraduate degree and gain more specialised knowledge and training in biotechnology. The course allows you to follow a number of career pathways. Each year, over 70 per cent of our students gain employment while approximately 20 per cent of graduates progress to international PhD opportunities.

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

Funding and Scholarships

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

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The MSc Biotechnology programme aims to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are needed to pursue a successful career in biotechnology. Through tutorials, lectures, assignments and a four-month research project, the programme focuses on the adaptation and application of biological processes for commercial and industrial use. This course would be suitable for graduates with a primary degree in the Biological Sciences who wish to extend their knowledge and skills for a career in the biotechnology sector.

Graduates have found employment in the pharmaceutical and food industries, and in diagnostic and research services, with companies such as Abbott, Allergan, ICON Clinical Research, Norbrook Laboratories and Pfizer. They are pursuing careers in manufacturing, quality assurance, product development and research, as well as the broader sectors of sales, marketing, and regulatory affairs.

Programme Content:

Core Modules

Research Project:

Five-month laboratory project with an academic research team on a biotechnology topic.

Frontiers in Biotechnology:

An interactive tutorial-based module that will develop students' transferable skill and knowledge of recent advances in biotechnology.

Current Methodologies in Biotechnology:

Experts will teach methodologies fundamental to biotechnological research and application.

Diagnostic Biotechnology:

A comprehensive overview of immunological and molecular diagnostics applied in current biotechnological applications.

Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology:

Fundamental understanding of how drugs work and how they are discovered and developed.

Protein Technology:

Enhancing protein production and function of biopharmaceutical and industrial proteins on a commercial scale.

Introduction to Business:

Concepts of marketing, management and accountancy and their application in biotechnology businesses.

Optional Modules (Choose 2)

Advanced Industrial Process:

This module is designed to develop an awareness of microbial technologies and their applications to biotechnology.

Applied Concepts of Pharmacology:

This module introduces students to autonomic pharmacology and drug discovery and development.

Scientific Writing:

This module aims to provide students with an in-dept understanding of the process of scientific publications.

Immunology:

Emphasis on the clinical value of manipulation of the immune system.

Quality Management Systems:

QMS for the efficient and safe running of commercial and industrial biotechnology enterprises.

Cell & Molecular Biology: Advanced Technologies

This module outlines the fundamentals of cell and molecular biology.

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The MSc in Cancer Research is aimed at life science and medical graduates who wish to specialise in the field of cancer research. The purpose of the programme is to provide students with extensive research-laboratory training and an overarching theoretical knowledge of cancer biology. The course has a unique, research-oriented approach with taught modules, resulting in an internationally recognised MSc degree. The obtained knowledge and skillset enables our graduates to pursue a career as a research-scientist in academia, in the medical field or in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical sector.

Specifically the course aims to:

1. Provide a broad and in-depth knowledge in molecular-, cellular- and clinical cancer biology.

2. Provide knowledge in a broad range of classic as well as state-of-the-art research technologies applied in cancer research.

3. Provide training in laboratory and research skills both at basic and advanced levels by assigning students a laboratory research project through which they will develop both technical competencies and critical thinking abilities.

4. Facilitate the interdisciplinary approach of cancer research by engaging clinical and nonclinical scientists, enabling the cross-fertilisation of ideas and thus promoting medically-focused research.

The MSc in Cancer research is a modular course, consisting of 30% taught material (equalling 25 ECTS units) combined with a strong, 70% research element (equal to 65 ECTS) allowing ample time for the students to gain in-depth research exposure.

The course material is delivered using a blended learning format (combination of face-to-face/traditional-format lectures, tutorials, self-directed learning and assignments) that will not only deliver the information the students have to attain, but also trains the students how to research independently and evaluate the information critically, which are key and valuable skills for a highly qualified cancer research scientist.

The research element will encompass two semesters. After an induction phase, the students will work on one research project throughout the two semesters allowing them to acquire a broad range of research skills ranging from state-of-the-art technologies through data interpretation to experimental design and data presentation. Available research project titles in participating laboratories of the School of Natural Sciences and other programme-associated Institutes will be provided to the students from which they can choose their project options. The students will write the MSc thesis on the findings of their research project..

Overall, the knowledge and laboratory experience providesour graduates with a great advantage when competing for either academic or industry-linked careers.

For further information please visit: http://www.nuigalway.ie/courses/research-postgraduate-programmes/structured-phd/cancer-research.html


How to apply:
Applications are made online via Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/nuigalway). The following documents must be supplied:
- A Curriculum Vitae
- A personal statement of approximately 600 words explaining why the the applicant wishes to undertake the Structured MSc in Cancer Research programme and how the programme fits into their career objectives.
Academic transcripts, unless the applicant is a graduate or current student of NUI Galway.

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Overview

Students entering the Structured Postgraduate Programme in Biology will be under the supervision of an experienced researcher. All academic staff members in the Biology Department are experienced and active researchers and can supervise research students. Information about their research can be found on the Biology Department Website (https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/biology/our-research) and interested students should initially contact researchers directly to discuss potential MSc projects.

In most but not all instances, your stipend, university fees, consumable, equipment and travel costs will be paid from a research grant from a national or international grant agency or charity. Your supervisor usually competitively obtains this grant, but students can also obtain their own scholarships.

Upon entering the programme each student will be assigned two additional mentors, an Advisor and an Assessor. The Advisor provides additional mentorship for the student throughout the programme and is someone the student can discuss issues with in addition to their supervisor. The Assessor is a member of staff who will provide an annual constructive critique of the students work programme and will aid, together with the Advisor, in outlining possible future research plans.
In addition to the research project, training is provided through compulsory attendance of a variety of generic and transferable skills as well as subject specific modules. For example, the established Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning will provide research students with experience in practical class demonstrating and teaching and learning methodologies. Training in subject specific skills is provided through modules offered either through the Biology Department or as part of the Dublin Region Higher Education Alliance (DRHEA). Advanced modules in many life science topics are already established within the Biomedical Sciences and Chemistry strands of the DRHEA provides a variety of to students on the programme. Finally, research students will be encouraged to attend at least one international conference during their programme, at which they will be expected to present an oral or poster presentation.

Course Structure

Students must take a minimum of 10 credits in taught modules (at least 5 in generic/ transferable modules and at least 5 in subject specific/advanced specialist modules).

Career Options

Career Options include PhD research in academic research labs in Ireland or worldwide, positions in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries, Teaching, Scientific writing, etc. Modules available for postgraduate students at Maynooth University provide transferrable skills for careers in both academic and industry settings.

How To Apply

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

PAC Code
MHD04 Full-time
MHD05 Part-time

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

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

Important: Before applying to PAC, you must contact the head of the laboratory you wish to apply to.
Find out how to apply here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/biology/our-courses/msc-biology#tabs-apply

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

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