Molecular Medicine

MSc, PgDip
Full and part-time

As the complexity of the human genome is unravelled, the field of molecular medicine continues to expand and has an important role in the way we approach healthcare. This exciting time will culminate in physicians preventing and curing sickness not by treating the symptoms of a disease but by modifying the actual disease process itself. Cranfield's MSc in Molecular Medicine will provide you with a detailed understanding and practical experience of the methodologies used in post-genomic research and investigation of disease advancing your career in this modern field.
Focus on your career
The Molecular Medicine MSc will appeal to those wishing to follow a career in research, whether in academia or industry, and will be particularly useful to those wishing to proceed to a PhD studentship. We work in close partnership with our hospital partners, researchers, healthcare providers and industry specialists and gain valuable input from a steering committee. Their involvement means you benefit from a programme that is totally up-to-date and draws upon current developments in the field, giving you a significant career advantage.

Skills and learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course you will be able to: demonstrate a systematic understanding of human health, disease, and ageing, and be able to indicate how these states may be studied in vitro formulate, develop and test a hypothesis relevant to a biomedical scenario describe and apply techniques in the fields of molecular biology, immunology, cell biology and chemistry effectively utilise bioinformatics tools to facilitate research and development in genomics and proteomics recognise commercial opportunities in molecular medicine and describe the processes required to exploit such opportunities effectively outline the processes required to translate research findings into clinical applications.

Benefit from practical experience

A four-month research project, an integral part of the course, gives you the chance to apply the skills, knowledge and understanding acquired during the taught phase of the course to an area of personal and professional interest. Students will have the opportunity to integrate and contribute to the exciting research taking place at Cranfield Health, in new laboratories created as part of a recent 35 million University investment. Options are also available for students who wish to carry out their project in research institutes elsewhere. The research project will give you an invaluable opportunity to develop skills in independent research and to overcome real-life challenges in the field of molecular medicine.

www.cranfield.ac.uk/health/courses

Course details
Duration: 12 months full-time. The course is also available on a part-time basis, with a recommended maximum of three years in which to complete. Start date: October. Entry requirements: 1st or 2nd class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline such as a science or technology related subject. Candidates with appropriate professional experience wishing to develop their careers are also invited to apply.

Funding: For details of any funding that may be available please contact the Enquiries Office.

Contact details
For further details and application forms please contact the Enquiries Office on: T: +44 (0)1234 758008 or E: enquiries.health@cranfield.ac.uk

By studying at Cranfield you gain much more than a qualification based on your knowledge. Integrated into your coursework are sessions that will increase your skills in problem solving, computer skills, group interaction, communication and presentation skills, evaluation of published research and laboratory techniques transferable skills which you and your future employer will value.

Statistical Analysis and Interpretation how statistical methods are used in scientific studies. Cell Biology Techniques laboratory culture of mammalian cells and their applications in medical research. Analytical Technology specialist analytical techniques and their application in biomedical analyses. Diagnostic Methods Molecular Methods molecular biology and bioinformatics. Translational Medicine applying technologies in healthcare, including ethical and regulatory issues. Business Principles how to protect and exploit your inventions. Immunological Methods the use of antibodies in biomedical analyses. Molecular Methods II advanced molecular methods utilised in post-genomic research. Course assessment encompasses a variety of methods including essays, practical work, presentations, group work, research project thesis and oral presentation of thesis. The pass mark is 50%.

Why Cranfield?
Cranfield University is a wholly postgraduate university with an international community and a global reputation for inspirational teaching and research, industrial-scale facilities and superior links with industry and commerce. Students choose Cranfield for: new dedicated facilities as part of a 35 million University investment excellent employment prospects 93% of our students secure relevant employment within six months of graduation superb academic support we have an excellent staff-to-student ratio exciting personal research projects that can be carried out in industry or academia

Who should apply?

The course is suitable for both recent graduates and scientists who wish to acquire an in-depth knowledge and advanced understanding of how to apply both molecular and cell biology to the study, diagnosis and prevention of disease. See Entry requirements for more information.

Course structure
Assessed taught modules Integrated component Individual research project 50% 10% 40%

Module outline
Biomedical Basis of Disease an overview of key human diseases to illustrate pathology, diagnosis and treatment. Research Design and Methodology how to design, fund and manage research, plus key tools for analysis of results.

Course video available online

www.cranfield.ac.uk/health/courses
Note: Cranfield University reserves the right to change the programme without prior notification. Information correct at time of going to print.