School of Molecular Medical Sciences

MSc in Molecular Diagnostics

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Support: Each student is allocated a

personal tutor at the beginning of

the course, and regular meetings

are scheduled throughout the

year. The University provides

many other sources of support

including the Counselling Service,

Office for Disability Issues, Study

Support Centre, Student Advice

Centre, International Office plus

many more.

First-class facilities:The University library service

provides access to more than a

million books and journals, and

extensive IT facilities are available

across all campuses. Postgraduate

students have their own Graduate

Centre and social space within the

Medical School. This all helps to

maintain our reputation for

excellence.

Stimulating Environment:Students will play an active part in

the course, which covers the role of

molecular biology in diagnosing and

understanding human genetic

diseases. The School of Molecular

Medical Sciences is a lively and

varied school, carrying out research

into a variety of topics.

What do we offer?

The CourseAims of the CourseThe MSc in Molecular Diagnostics is a one-year full-time course (2 years

part-time), suitable for graduates in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences

and allied subjects, as well as people already employed in related fields,

who wish to improve and update their knowledge and gain valuable

experience. The course is designed to explain the technology, theory and

practical approaches of molecular genetic methods to the diagnosis and

understanding of human disease.

The course aims to:

� Provide an advanced course of study in the theoretical and

practical aspects of the genetic basis and diagnosis of human

disease

� Familiarise students with a research environment thereby

developing the skills necessary to undertake research

� Train students to carry out critical evaluation of published

scientific papers so that they develop the ability to report and

interpret results

The course is assessed through a variety of methods, including essays,

poster preparation, presentations, writing a scientific paper, and exams.

Entry RequirementsStudents should hold a minimum of a 2ii honours degree in Life Sciences,

Biomedical Sciences or allied subjects, awarded from an approved

University. In exceptional circumstances applicants with a qualification,

with additional experiential learning, that is deemed by the Faculty of

Medicine and Health Sciences to be equivalent to a degree may be

considered.

Applicants whose first language is not English must normally achieve an

overall score of 6.5 on the IELTS test (no less than 6 in any element),

573 on paper based TOEFL with 4.5 in written English, or 230 on the

computer based TOEFL with 4.5 in the essay element. Tests must have

been taken within the last 2 years.

The course consists of 8 taught modules, plus a research project. The majority of the teaching will take place on 2

days of the week, with the remaining time available for self-directed learning and preparation of assessments. The

research projects are carried out on a full-time basis in Semester 2.

Introduction to Molecular Biology Research (20 credits)

This course covers fundamental principles of genetics, basic statistical methods and aspects of planning research.

The lectures will be complemented by a series of introductory practical sessions.

Molecular Basis of Mendelian Disorders (20 credits)

This module covers the molecular mechanisms of human diseases with a Mendelian inheritance pattern. The

lectures will cover clinical features of selected diseases, their genetic basis and the opportunities and methods for

diagnostic testing.

Molecular Basis of Complex Disease (20 credits)

This module covers the concepts of genetically complex disorders, including (but not limited to) diabetes, heart

disease, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

Molecular Services in Health Care (10 credits)

Topics include the following: setting up a molecular diagnostics laboratory, ethical issues and genetic counselling,

cytogenetic techniques, prenatal diagnosis and histopathological techniques.

Statistics (10 credits)

This module aims to familiarise students with fundamental statistical techniques, and the use of SPSS statistical

software. Aspects of study design are also included.

Bioinformatics (10 credits)

This module will enable students to obtain practical experience in using advanced bioinformatics software available

for the analysis of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data.

Gene Regulation in Mammalian Cells (10 credits)

This course covers the structure of eukaryotic genes and mechanisms of gene regulation. Topics include chromatin

remodelling, methods for regulating abundance of mRNA, DNA/protein and protein/protein interactions, research

methods and the role of disorders of gene regulation in disease.

Molecular Technologies (20 credits)

This module provides an extensive overview of molecular techniques used in research of human diseases.

Research Project (60 credits)

Students will carry out a research project, with topics being determined by members of academic staff. Students

will add to their practical and intellectual skills in scientific investigation. The students will also gain experience of

project and time management, and acquire specialised skills related to the project.

Course Structure

Fees for students who are British/EU citizens or have indefinite leave to remain in the UK, together with

three years residency in the UK/EU prior to the start of the course will be set at approximately £4480 per

year. Fees for International students will be around £14,260 per year. Costs are subject to increase each

academic year, so please check prices at the time of application.

Details of available studentships are available on our web site:

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/mol/msc_courses

The University estimates that a figure of approximately £7,200 will be required for a single student

spending twelve months at Nottingham. This figure includes accommodation, subsistence, purchase of

clothing and books, some entertainment and internal travel. It does not cover the international airfare or

the University fee.

What are the costs?

The SchoolMolecular Medical Sciences is a lively and diverse school, with ongoing

research in Molecular and Cellular Bacteriology, Virology, Immunology,

Human Genetics and Translational Cancer Research.

We have around 40 members of academic staff and more than 60

research and support staff. This fosters an exciting and active

environment for all of our postgraduate students - there are

approximately 80 MSc students and 75 research students within our

school alone. The School attracts funding from many sources, including

the Research Councils, European Union, Medical Charities and Industry.

The MSc course is co-ordinated by academic staff in the Human

Genetics research group. They are based within the Queen’s Medical

Centre, a modern teaching hospital and associated Medical School

located next to University Park.

International StudentsThe University of Nottingham is a popular choice for international

students, with over 6000 students coming from more than 130 different

countries. The International Office provides support and information

right through from the time of application to when you graduate. A

welcome week is provided prior to the start of the academic term.

They can be contacted at: International Office, University of

Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK. Tel: +44

(0)115 951 5247; Fax: +44 (0)115 951 5155;

Email: International-office@nottingham.ac.uk.

The UniversityThe University of Nottingham main campus is situated within 330 acres

of landscaped parkland, and is just a short bus ride away from

Nottingham city centre. The most recent research assessment exercise

(RAE) confirmed The University of Nottingham's position as a world

class research-led institution. Over 60% of the University's RAE scores

identified research as being of a level of international excellence.

With over 100,000 students at the city's universities and colleges,

Nottingham is a vibrant city with plenty to keep its youthful population

busy. Its compact city centre, only ten minutes away from the

Nottingham campuses by bus or bike, combines heritage and history

with contemporary culture.

Nottingham Life

MSc Course Enquiries

School of Molecular Medical Sciences

A Floor, West Block

University Hospital

Nottingham

NG7 2UH

Tel: +44 (0)115 823 0775

Fax: +44 (0)115 823 0759

Email: mol-postgrad@nottingham.ac.uk

Web: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/mol

Applying for a place

If you would like to apply for this course, please apply

on-line at:

https://pgapps.nottingham.ac.uk/

The on-line application process is quick, and allows you to

track the progress of your application at any time.

Informal enquiries can be addressed to the Course

Director, Dr Sally Chappell.

Tel: +44 (0) 115 823 0768

Email: Sally.Chappell@nottingham.ac.uk