In this module you will undertake an extended independent research project on a hot topic in biomedicine aligned to one of our core research themes: – in Ageing and Neuroscience; Cancer Biology and Genome Stability; or Microbes, Pathogens and Immunity. This will allow you to develop advanced skills in experimental design, critical thinking, communication and project leadership which will prepare you for a career in science and technology.

You will undertake a review of relevant and contemporary research literature, apply appropriate research methods and techniques to collect, analyse and interpret data and present your findings in an extensive written report and oral examination.

Through this module you will develop greater competence in conducting rigorous, independent research and refine your ability to communicate research outcomes to a diverse audience. You will lead the project, identifying new avenues of investigation where appropriate, with one-to-one support from a member of our academic staff with expertise in your specific area of study

Did you know that your brain is formed in the first 4 weeks of pregnancy and continues to mature into your mid-20s? Did you also know that your brain shrinks by about five percent per decade after the age of 40?

In this module, you’ll study a range of brain disorders that typically emerge at different points during childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Using examples such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease, you’ll learn how genetic and environmental factors lead to the dysfunction of brain cells and associated pathologies. The impact of this on behavioural and cognitive changes will also be discussed. You’ll also actively participate in discussions of current and emerging methods for diagnosing and treating a range of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. This module is ideal if you are interested in furthering your understanding of brain function throughout life.

Cancer is a complex disease that arises from our own cells and tissues. Mutation in specific genes play a key role in promoting tumourigenesis. Consequently, these molecular differences between cancer cells and our healthy tissues, provide an opportunity to target cancer.

You will explore the hallmarks of cancer to gain insight into how cancer cells differ from normal cells, learning how these provide opportunities to effectively treat cancer. You will also learn how a deep understanding of the genetic changes in cancer cells can identify which patients would benefit from specific treatments. The immune system plays a key role in tumourigenesis and for the treatment of cancer. You will develop your understanding of how selection and evolution within tumours can lead to resistance to specific chemotherapies and targeted therapies, which represent a new challenge to effectively treat cancer.

How do new medicines get discovered? What needs to happen to get new medicines available to people who need them? This module will provide you with the tools to critically evaluate the drug discovery process, using examples of successes and failures.

You will learn how current and emerging tools, such as genomics, virtual design, high throughput screening and safety testing are used to allow new medicines to reach clinical trials and regulatory approval. You will participate in discussions to unpick what we mean by diseases or conditions with unmet medical and societal need, intellectual property, Big Pharma and Small Biotech.

This module will also help you recognise the wide array of roles and responsibilities needed in this sphere such as academic scientists, medical professionals, pharmacists, statisticians, quality assurance, biomedical engineers, pharmacologists, and chemists. Applicable, real-life examples will anchor each concept.

Beyond the classical role of protecting us from infection, we are now beginning to uncover the key role of inflammation in obesity, cancer, and ageing. Therefore, understanding our immune system, as the key orchestrator of inflammation, has never been more important.

In this module you will gain advanced knowledge of the innate and adaptive immune system, understanding classical and novel cell types, their role in preventing disease and how failure of the immune system results in chronic infection or autoimmunity. You’ll study immunological disorders and how application of innovative immunological research is applied to biomedical science and clinical practice. You will also explore how our individual macro and microbiota influence our responses to therapeutics and develop an understanding of personalised medicine.

Engage with the lifecycle of health as you examine the research process from initial idea through to communicating the results. Specifically, you will develop a systematic understanding of research management that you can apply to your organisational context and practice.

Topics you will study include:

• Selecting a research question
• Considering a method, the practicalities of research (ethics, governance, funding, project management data management)
• Data collection and analysis
• Reporting and presenting research

The assessment is a research proposal that reflects a project that moves science forward and is relevant to your context.

In this module you will study Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), a diverse group of conditions caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi, and toxins found in snake venom.

The World Health Organisation estimates that NTDs affect more than 1 billion people worldwide, disproportionately affecting impoverished communities in tropical and sub-tropical regions, with significant health, societal, and economic consequences. Despite the tremendous impact NTDs have on human health and wellbeing, these conditions are considered ‘neglected,’ as historically they have received little attention and funding from the global community.

In this module you will develop a detailed understanding of the impact that a range of NTDs have on human health and global healthcare systems, as well as current approaches to their treatment, prevention, and control.

In this module, you will evaluate the complex relationship between research evidence, healthcare policy and healthcare practice within the UK context.

You will gain skills, knowledge and tools to:

• Critically appraise research literature
• Prioritise stakeholder research needs
• Involve patients and the public in all stages of the healthcare research lifecycle
• Disseminate research findings across different stakeholders to encourage change in healthcare policy and practice

You will become familiar with topics including:

• Evidence synthesis
• Systematic review
• Critical appraisal
• Relating research interests to key research priorities
• Communicating research
• Translating evidence into policy and practice
• Public and patient involvement

The assessments involve building a portfolio of evidence showing your ability to translate and disseminate knowledge in creative ways tailored to targeted audiences.