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Biomedical science is currently undergoing a revolution, as the application of whole-genome sequencing technologies fundamentally change the way in which we understand the causes of both common and rare human disease. However, while sequencing is changing the speed and depth with which disease is diagnosed, it alone frequently does not lead directly to patient benefit. To develop new drugs and treatments, scientists need to develop sophisticated cellular models and understand pathological changes occurring within cells at molecular resolution. This combination of cellular, genetic and informatic tools is the next frontier of biomedicine, and one in which both academic and pharmaceutical industries are hiring rapidly.
To equip students with skills to participate in this exciting new field, this program is designed to provide an exceptional postgraduate education in the molecular basis of human illnesses, their diagnosis, and potential treatment options. It combines taught content that spans diagnosis, cellular and molecular approaches and drug/diagnostic development with extensive hands-on research experience in cutting-edge research labs.
The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:
- to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision; and
- to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the programme students will be able to:
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology of human disease and biological mechanisms of disease, through attendance and engagement at the lecture series – assessed by the set essay question;
- demonstrate a broad understanding of modern research techniques applicable to human biomedical science from the series of technical lectures – assessed by the set essay question;
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the background to their selected research project including the research techniques and methods of data analysis used – assessed from the dissertation, the literature-based review;
- demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical approaches relevant to their specialisation and demonstrate training in critical thinking relevant to their chosen project - assessed by the dissertation and oral presentations;
- demonstrate expertise in research methods, data analysis and statistics, assessed by the short biostatistics assessment and application of the methods to interpret the data collected during the research project;
- demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with the practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the field, obtained through undertaking the prolonged research project - assessed by the dissertation and oral presentations;
Skills and other attributes
Students will be able to:
- critically analyse research literature and contemporary topics in the areas of their specialisation, and present such analyses in written and oral formats;
- explain the importance and impact of topics in their area of specialisation to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- demonstrate proficiency in experimental and data analysis techniques;
- demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving approaches to experimental data; participate in scientific discourse by discussion, with peers and other scientists, of literature and controversies in the field and of data collected in their research project.
Continuing
Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department, and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:
Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.
For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.