Masters Degrees in Molecular Genetics, Ireland

There is a separate entry on admission to the P.Grad.Dip. in Molecular Medicine.

This course aims to give participants an indepth understanding of the emerging field of molecular medicine which draws together developments in molecular and cellular biology to describe disease processes at a functional level - that of molecular interactions.

The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the molecular basis of human disease and its implications for the practice of clinical medicine and research in the life sciences. The course will ensure that students from all disciplines have the skills necessary to conduct research and critically evaluate the scientific and medical literature.

The course includes lectures on cellular biology and molecular genetics as they apply generally to normal cell and tissue function and to disease processes. Modules on molecular signalling and therapeutics, bioinformatics and ethical-legal aspects of the discipline are included, as well as literature reviews, laboratory practicals and a laboratory project.

The course is available in a one-year, full-time and a two-year, part-time format. It consists of lectures on cellular biology and molecular genetics as they apply generally to normal cell and tissue function and more specifically to disease processes such as cancer, immune dysfunction, and diseases with an inherited component. The course content includes molecular signalling and therapeutics, molecular and population genetics, nanoscience, and high content cell analysis. There is a core, 'Research Skills' module which encompasses bioinformatics and ethical-legal aspects of the emerging discipline, literature reviews, and laboratory practicals in basic molecular and cellular techniques. Candidates will complete a laboratory project of three months (full-time) or six months (part-time) duration. Candidates must also complete the taught module, Molecular Mechanisms of Human Disease I. This course provides the applicant with state-of-the-art information and critical analysis of: The human genome at a molecular level, the integration of molecular and cellular biology in relation to human diseases; the molecular basis of human genetic disease; the molecular interactions between microbiological pathogens and the human host; the technology currently employed in researching molecular medicine; the molecular basis of common human inflammatory diseases and malignancies; the utilisation of knowledge on the molecular basis of human disease in planning and design of novel therapies, using pharmacological agents or gene therapy; the ethical and legal aspects of molecular medicine as it impinges on clinical practice. You will also gain a working appreciation of molecular and cellular biology at the practical level and development of the ability to perform independent research with the ability to apply bioinformatic and computational techniques in medical and biological research, and information retrieval. The student is examined on the basis of a submitted critical literature review essay, a written examination, assessment of laboratory practicals and the writing of a dissertation based on a research project. Candidates from health science (medical, dental, veterinary), biological science and other science disciplines (e.g. chemical or pharmacy), are invited to apply.

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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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This programme aims to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the emerging field of molecular medicine, which draws together developments in molecular and cellular biology to describe disease processes at a functional level - that is, at the level of molecular interactions. The Diploma in Molecular Medicine is designed to make available a high quality course to those individuals who cannot avail of a full-time programme, due to the high demands it makes on a candidate's time. The diploma may therefore be an attractive option for, among others, people working in business, clinical industry, or other disciplines, who wish to gain a comprehensive knowledge in this area with a view to progressing professionally, or going on to do a higher degree.

This programme offers a comprehensive and thoroughly up-to-date overview of the area, which provides participants with the skills necessary to critically evaluate the literature and understand the central concepts of molecular medicine, such as the molecular basis of human disease and its implications for the practice of clinical medicine and research in the life sciences. The course includes lectures on cellular biology and molecular genetics as they apply generally to normal cell and tissue function and to disease processes. Advanced modules cover topics such as molecular oncology, signalling, development and therapeutics, immunology and infectious agents among others. A selection of modules on issues such as bioinformatics, research methodology, statistics and ethicallegal aspects of the discipline may be undertaken on an optional basis.

Students choose a minimum of 10 units totalling a minimum of one hundred contact hours teaching. Students are also required to complete a written review of a relevant part of the literature. Students are examined on the basis of the submitted critical literature review essay, and written examinations of the modules taken. Examinations are undertaken at the end of each term.

Candidates should normally have a minimum of a 2.1 honors degree or equivalent in a biological science; a clinical science such as medicine, dentistry or veterinary; a pharmaceutical science such as pharmacy, or related area. However individuals with other appropriate or industrial experience (for example those working in the life sciences sector) will also be considered. The candidate may be interviewed to establish his/her suitability for the course.

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Core modules

• Programming for biology
• Overview of molecular biology/genetics concepts
• Statistical computing in R
• Algorithms for molecular biology
• Medical genomics I: genomics of rare and common diseases
• Medical genomics II: the cancer genome
• Genomics techniques I: sequencing library preparation
• Genomics techniques II: genomics data analysis

Optional modules

• Scientific visualization
• Probabilistic models for molecular biology
• Molecular and cell biology of cancer
• Advanced and applied immunology
• Stochastic processes
• Machine learning
• Applied statistics
• Advanced probability with applications
• Linear modeling
• Bayesian Modeling

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Core modules

• Introduction to programming for biology
• Introduction to statistical computing in R
• Algorithms for molecular biology
• Medical genomics I: genomics of rare and common diseases
• Medical genomics II: the cancer genome
• Genomics techniques I: sequencing library preparation
• Genomics techniques II: genomics data analysis

Optional modules

• Scientific visualization
• Probabilistic models for molecular biology
• Molecular and cell biology of cancer
• Advanced and applied immunology
• Stochastic processes
• Machine learning
• Applied statistics
• Advanced probability with applications
• Linear modeling
• Bayesian Modeling

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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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