MSc Molecular Medicine

About the course

Lead academic: Dr Martin Nicklin

Through this flexible course you'll develop an understanding of the underlying molecular and genetic factors in human diseases and their current and potential treatment. You can choose a subject pathway based on your interests.

You'll get experience in planning, carrying out, recording and reporting research. Your project will be hypothesis-driven, laboratory-based research in the field of molecular medicine. Your skills and expertise in reading, writing and interpreting scientific literature will be useful in a variety of careers.

Core modules

• Principles of Biomedical Research
• From Genome to Gene Function
• Modulating Immunity
• Molecular Genetics of Human Diseases
• Genome and Sequence Analysis
• Writing a Critical Review (self-directed)
• Practical Laboratory Training

Optional modules

Genetic pathway

• Genomics, Proteomics and Informatics
• Genetics of Host Pathogen Interactions
• Bioinformatics Online

Experimental medicine pathway

• Molecular and Cellular Basis of Disease
• Model Systems in Research
• Novel Therapies

Neuroscience pathway

• Genetics and Modelling of Neurodegenerative Disease
• Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Disease

Cancer pathway

• Molecular Basis of Tumourigenesis and Metatasis
• Molecular Techniques in Cancer Research
• Molecular Approaches to Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Cardiovascular pathway

• Vascular Cell Biology
• Experimental Models of Vascular Disease
• Vascular Disease Therapy and Clinical Practice

Pathway-specific project modules

• Project presentation
• Laboratory practical project in genetics, experimental medicine or neuroscience

Teaching

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Laboratory demonstrations
• Computer practicals
• Student presentations

Assessment

• Written assignments
• Coursework
• Written examinations
• Verbal presentations
• A thesis (possibly with a viva voce) is used to assess the research project

Our study environment

You'll be based in teaching hospitals that serve a population of over half a million people and refer a further two million. This means your study is rooted in a working medical community, and strongly linked with the University’s other health-related schools.

We are awarded research funding from many sources, including the NIHR, MRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, the Department of Health, EU, prominent charities such as the Wellcome Trust, ARC, YRC, Cancer Research UK and BHF. Our partners and sponsors include Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Astra Zeneca and Eli Lilly.

You'll also benefit from our active collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Our MRC Centre for Developmental and Biomedical Genetics has some of the finest research facilities in the UK and attracts annual funding of more than £2m.

Our resources

We have a state-of-the-art biorepository and a £30m stem cell laboratory. The Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) opened in November 2010. We also have microarray, genetics, histology, flow cytometry and high-throughput screening technology, and the latest equipment for bone and oncology research.

At our Clinical Research Facility, you'll be able to conduct studies with adult patients and volunteers. The Sheffield Children’s Hospital houses a complementary facility for paediatric experimental medical research.

Hepatitis B policy

If your course involves a significant risk of exposure to human blood or other body fluids and tissue, you'll need to complete a course of Hepatitis B immunisation before starting. We conform to national guidelines that are in place to protect patients, health care workers and students.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form