The University of Sheffield
Department of Infection and Immunity

The Medical Research Summer Programme

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The Best Way to Start Your Own Research

Scope of the course

The Medical Research Summer Programme (MRSP) is 3-week laboratory-based research programme. The programme combines lectures, hands-on experiments and bioinformatics. Participants will be able to conduct their experiments under the supervision of qualified academic staff and will also be introduced to bioinformatics including DNA sequence manipulation in an interactive web based network. Finally, overseas participants will be given the opportunity to get an insight into British culture and life in Britain by social events including visits to historical sites in the region and a trip to London.

Who is the course for?

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The course is designed to cover a wide range of people including post-graduate students, scientists, clinicians, research assistants and laboratory technicians. The course is also designed to help academics and clinicians to start their own laboratory based research. It could also be of interest to those interested in medicine, medical science or any area in biology related subjects.

Course Programme 19 August-6 September 2013

The Medical Research Summer Programme is about learning to use modern and diverse methodologies for research.

Teaching includes lectures, computer and laboratory-based learning.

Participants will spend three full weeks of intensive training on molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics.

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1 Studying at the University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield has produced five Nobel Prize winners. The University has also been named UK University of the Year in the 2011 Times Higher Education Awards. University guides also confirm our position as one of the UK's leading universities. The 2010 Virgin Guide to British Universities says that "Sheffield is a top university across the board". Teaching quality assessments rate our teaching very highly across a wide range of subjects, and official research assessments confirm our reputation as a centre for world-class research in many disciplines. We have nearly 25,000 students from 128 countries, and over 5,500 staff. The University of Sheffield is a popular choice with applicants for university places, and once they arrive, our students enjoy the experience so much that many settle in Sheffield after they graduate.

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2 Supervised research project

Each participant will be allocated their own research project in molecular biology and will work under the supervision of an academic who will guide them throughout the training programme. Participants will be asked to provide a short scientific report interpreting the results.

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3 Bioinformatics

This is a computer-based practical course. The aim is to provide each participant with know-how to search for gene and protein sequences. At the end of the course we expect the participant to be able to manipulate DNA and protein sequences available in public databases using different browsers.

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4 Series of lectures

To consolidate the scientific knowledge of the participants, guest speakers who are leading experts in their field will be invited to give lectures in different disciplines including molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, bioinformatics, RNA biology, stem cells, biochemistry and biotechnology.

New Technology Equipment

5 Insight into new technologies in biomedical research

Participants will be introduced to new technologies with the University core facilities and these tools can be used to promote biomedical research. Leaders of Core Facility specialities will give presentations on these technologies followed by guided site visits.

Social Events

Sheffield is one of the largest cities in Yorkshire and the region is known for its beautiful national parks including North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales. The Peak District in Derbyshire is nearby. Sheffield is an hour away from York, the UK capital of chocolate and two hours away from London. Our programme includes two trips to visit British heritage sites in the Yorkshire and Derbyshire regions including Chatsworth House. We will also visit the famous places and parks of London as well as take the opportunity to explore shopping in London. You will also be able to organise your own social events as a group within or outside the University.

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Accommodation

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Sheffield is the UK’s leading conference and accommodation provider with over 4,000 contemporary en-suite bedrooms, green space and entertainment facilities. Located just a five minute drive from Sheffield city centre in a quiet residential area, our venues are within walking distance of many local amenities, as well as a short drive or bus journey from the train station. The Ridge is a contemporary venue located in The University Ranmoor Village with bedroom space available for up to 1,100 delegates. It has a breakout area, ideal for refreshments, lunches, buffets and drink receptions. You will be staying in newly built en-suite bedrooms in an apartment or on a self-catering basis. We also offer the possibility for the apartments to be occupied either by all males or all females.

Fees: The cost for the Medical Research Summer Programme is £2,450

What is included:
All academic sessions
Bench fees
Accommodation
Social programme
Certificate of completion
Academic reference upon request

What is not included:
Flights to/from UK
Visa expenses
Travel and Medical Insurance
All meals
Travel and personal expenses

How to apply

Application for the course commences on Monday 21 May 2012. Please see the right hand link at the top of the page to apply. Places are limited and early application is recommended.

For further information please contact:

Dr Rachid Tazi-Ahnini - Programme Director
The University of Sheffield Medical School
Beech Hill Road
Sheffield
S10 2RX
United Kingdom

Tel: +44(0) 114 271 3598 Mobile:  +44(0) 774 776 5944
Fax: +44(0) 114 271 3892
Email: r.taziahnini@sheffield.ac.uk

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