The research project, which accounts for 50% of the overall MSc credits, provides students with experience in planning and executing a successful research project. Project titles and supervisors are assigned in Michaelmas Term, allowing students to commence background reading at the start of their MSc course; however laboratory work takes place after Easter with a deadline for submission of a 12,000 word dissertation in August. Research projects are also examined by viva voce examination. The research project allows students to apply, and enhance, scientific skills learnt during research skills modules, and also provides experience in the presentation of scientific data in written, oral and poster formats. Projects are typically offered in the areas of infection (including tropical diseases), the molecular and cellular basis of cancer, neurobiology, and healthy ageing.

Module convenor

• Dr Derek Gatherer

Timetable

• Week 17–18

Aims and scope

• This module aims to encourage students to access and evaluate information from a variety of sources and to communicate the principles in a way that is well-organised, topical and recognises the limits of current hypotheses. It also aims to equip students with practical techniques including data collection, analysis and interpretation.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

• Work effectively to produce a knowledgeable report
• Interpret data and design bioinformatics “experiments” (meaning planned sequences of computer analyses designed to shed light on a scientific problem)
• Perform a standard repertoire of bioinformatics skills
• Be able to describe the uses and limitations of the various ’omic technologies
• Be able to critically evaluate papers in the fields of bioinformatics
• Be able to understand and discuss topics in bioinformatics

Assessment

• Compulsory Exam 50%
• Compulsory Coursework 50%

Recommended reading

• Michael Agostino. Practical Bioinformatics. Garland Science. ISBN 978-0-8153-4456-8 Arthur M Lesk.
• Introduction to Bioinformatics 4th ed. Oxford Univ Press ISBN 978-0-19-965156-6
• Carl Zimmer & Douglas Emlen. Evolution. Making Sense of Life Roberts and Co. ISBN 978-1-93-622117-2
• AD Baxevanis & BFF Ouellette Bioinformatics 3rd ed. Wiley ISBN 0-471-47878-4
• Paul H Dear (ed) Bioinformatics. Scion ISBN 978-1-90-484216-330
• Masatoshi Nei & Sudhir Kumar Molecular evolution and phylogenetics (Also available on http://lib.myilibrary.com/Open.aspx?id=83437)
• Drummond AJ & and Bouckaert RR. Bayesian Evolutionary Analysis with BEAST. Cambridge University Press ISBN 978-1107019652

This module introduces the concept of protein misfolding disorders, and expands this through consideration of two major neurodegenerative diseases; Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The role of oxidative stress and proteases in neurodegenerative diseases is covered in detail, before examining the role of lipids in various brain disorders. The module also considers how animal models can be used to study both normal brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

This module introduces principles involved in the discovery and development of a new drug from initial concept to the identification of a candidate compound to first use in man. This knowledge is extended by learning how the pharmaceutical industry and small biotech companies use contemporary scientific advances to identify drug targets and develop new drugs. How new drug entities are tested, developed and ultimately reach the market is examined using ‘real life’ examples in the form of case studies.

The aim of this module is to provide a broad understanding of the human immune system, more detailed knowledge of human immunological disorders and the application of cutting edge immunological research to biomedical science and clinical practice. Technical skills associated with this course include experience and data analysis of advanced flow cytometry techniques and insight into how research findings are reported and presented to the scientific community and media.

The module will engage students with the research process from initial idea to communicating results. Students will develop a systematic understanding of research management applicable to their organisational context and clinical practice. Students will cover an overview of topics including selecting a research question, considering a method, the practicalities of research (ethics, governance, funding, project management, data management), data collection and analysis, and reporting and presenting research.

This module aims to provide students with a broad understanding of a range of pathogens and their impact on human health, and to understand how the human body responds to these challenges. Students are also introduced to the new challenges faced by healthcare systems including emerging/re-emerging infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance and so develop an awareness of the challenges and realities of controlling infectious diseases. Students also develop an appreciation of the role of epidemiological and mathematical modelling in predicting and controlling pathogenic organisms.

The aim of this module is to provide students with a broad understanding of the different types of model systems used in research on human diseases, an appreciation of the advantages and disadvantages of each model, and an awareness of some major discoveries that have been made using these disease models.

This module provides insight into the underlying molecular events in the development of cancer, how cancers spread through the body and explain how an understanding of the molecular basis of cancer has led to the development of novel cancer treatments. Workshops allow students to study the aetiology and progression of one particular type of cancer in depth, and also to understand how cancer is studied in practice.