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Teaching
The MPhil comprises either:
- eight modules, plus a research project and associated dissertation of 10,000 to 12,000 words, or
- ten modules, plus a literature-based research project of 5,000 to 6,000 words.
A range of modules will be offered, some of which are core and some of which are optional. There is additional between-module reflection, study, and assignment work. The list of core and optional modules is announced by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine a few months before the start of the course, and successful applicants will be asked at that stage to choose their optional modules.
The following is a list of likely modules, but as noted above, the list of core and optional modules is not announced by the Degree Committee until nearer the start of the course. Not all of the modules below will necessarily be offered in any one year:
- An introduction to human genetics and genomics
- Omics techniques and the application to genomic medicine
- Core research and statistical skills for Genomic Medicine
- Genomics of common and rare disease
- Molecular pathology of cancer and application in cancer diagnosis, screening, and treatment
- Application of genomics to infectious disease
- Pharmacogenetics and stratified healthcare
- Bioinformatics, interpretation, and data quality assurance in genome analysis
- Counselling skills for genomics
- Research and statistical skills
- Advanced bioinformatics – from genomes to systems
- Epigenetics and epigenomics
- Workplace-based module
Each core module will involve around 30 hours of contact time, including lectures and group work.
| One to one supervision | Each student is allocated a named supervisor, who will meet regularly with the student to discuss progress and provide feedback and support as required. Each module will involve around 30 hours of contact time. The composition of face-to-face teaching will vary from module to module. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
|---|---|
| Journal clubs | Students are encouraged to attend seminars and journal clubs organised by the department. |
| Literature Reviews | If the student chooses to undertake ten taught modules, their project will be literature review-based. |
| Posters and Presentations | Some modules (eg counselling skills for genomics) include the assessment of the student’s understanding via presentations, group-based discussions, and role-play work with fellow students. |
Placements
The research project element of the course may be undertaken in a number of scientific institutions, within and without the University. This may include the University's School of Clinical Medicine, the School of Biological Sciences, the European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and, subject to approval, other suitable research institutions.
Feedback
The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.
Each student is allocated a named supervisor, who will meet regularly with the student to discuss progress and provide feedback and support as required. Written supervision reports are accessed via the online feedback and reporting system. Students are given feedback on the assessments conducted at the end of each module.
All students will meet with the programme director on a termly basis to discuss progress and to provide their feedback on the course.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
Students must submit either a literature-based research project of 5,000 to 6,000 words or a research project of 10,000 to 12,000 words, depending on the options selected. The word limit will include footnotes but exclude tables, appendices, and the bibliography. This will be worth one-sixth or one-third of the overall mark for the course, respectively.
Essays
Students are assessed formatively throughout the taught modules of the programme using a variety of techniques, and interrelated strategies including evidence of regular reflection and demonstration of active participation in the programme. Such formative assessment does not contribute towards the final mark, but does help students to develop. There may also be a requirement for the students to take part in peer review of other students.
For each of the taught modules, students complete summative assignments of 2,500–3,500 words. Summative assignments will directly contribute towards the student's final mark. Where other equivalent methods of summative assessment are used, these will be indicated in individual module descriptions.
Taught modules account for two thirds or five-sixths of the MPhil, depending on the option selected for the research project.
Written examination
There is no written examination.
Practical assessment
Practical assessment techniques may be used, where required, for certain modules of the programme.
Other
Some modules (e.g. counselling skills for genomics) include the assessment of the student’s understanding via presentations, group-based discussions and role-play work with fellow students.