Applied Bioscience MSc

Core modules

• Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics

  This module establishes a core understanding of genetics to underpin the techniques laboratory work taught in other parts of the course. The application of bioinformatics is also covered in order to extract meaningful biological information from useful but vast amounts of raw experimental data currently being produced by an increasingly sophisticated and automated genetics industry. Emphasis will be placed on the human genome project and other genome systems and will aim to link experts from local biotechnology businesses, such as the Sanger Centre and Babraham Research Institute. Lectures will discuss the availability and use of computational tools for extracting and comparing biological information from nucleotide sequences. Computer based practical sessions will utilize bioinformatics software in order to manage, search, compare and analyse genetic sequences.

• Contemporary Medical Diagnostics

  This 30 credit module introduces the rapidly evolving field of medical diagnostics and aims to cover a broad and flexible range of current issues and techniques in this field. Teaching will be delivered by a mixture of lectures and student-led critical discussions in a seminar format. Consideration will be made to current diagnostic and research topics, the potential impacts of applied bioscience within the community (with a specific focus on healthcare). Topics will therefore change regularly in response to current issues e.g. antimicrobial developments, drug delivery technologies, modern diagnostic practices and methodologies, and translational medicine. Students are expected to develop a thorough knowledge base of topics through peer-reviewed literature, allowing them to contribute to class discussions and develop their ability to appraise material critically. There is flexibility in the choice of topics, to enable students to target subject areas of their choice.

• Research Methods and Preparation

  This module represents a pilot phase in which laboratory consumables are negotiated and ordered, techniques tested, and preliminary results obtained. The pilot project ends in the submission of a formal research proposal which determines whether the project can be carried through to the full project phase of the degree programme. During the module you will define an area of study that could or will form the basis of your masters research project. You will be expected to undertake an appropriate and critical review of the available literature and other information germane to the proposed project. If a laboratory-based project is envisaged you will need to give due consideration to the instrumentation required, provide experimental design criteria, at least for the initial stages of the proposed work, and also take account of all health and safety regulations (including COSHH) and appropriate ethical considerations. If necessary, you will need to prepare a formal application for ethical approval of your work.

• Laboratory Techniques in Bioscience

  This module is predominately laboratory-based, giving the students hands-on experience in a range of molecular and cellular techniques used in applied bioscience. Throughout the semester, lectures will provide the theory and principle behind the practical methodologies covered in the laboratory session. Laboratory work will include a broad range of the techniques, including e.g. DNA analysis, protein analysis, microbiology, cell culture, and other molecular biology techniques. The students will also work to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, creating a clear laboratory note book outlining the work they undertake. In addition, the students will also be taught the application of bioinformatics analysis, including how to analyse and edit sequence data, interpret results using phylogenetics and the use of online genetic databases like the NCBI’s GenBank.

• Professional and Ethical Practice

  This module aims to ensure that students develop key employability skills which are appropriate for students wishing to embark on a career in applied bioscience research or industry (or similar). The students will build on the essential communication skills required for a successful scientific career using both oral and written forms of communication, such as presentations, posters, scientific articles. The students will be expected to attend departmental research seminars, and contribute to group discussions at Masters level. Ethical issues relevant to applied bioscience research or industry, especially in the medical diagnostics field, will be covered in depth through discussions and case studies.

• Major Project

  This module supports students in the preparation and submission of a Master's stage project, dissertation or artefact. The Module provides the opportunity for students to select and explore in-depth, a topic that is of interest and relevant to their course in which they can develop a significant level of expertise. It enables students to: demonstrate their ability to generate significant and meaningful questions in relation to their specialism; undertake independent research using appropriate, recognised methods based on current theoretical research knowledge, critically understand method and its relationship to knowledge; develop a critical understanding of current knowledge in relation to the chosen subject and to critically analyse and evaluate information and data, which may be complex or contradictory, and draw meaningful and justifiable conclusions; develop the capability to expand or redefine existing knowledge, to develop new approaches to changing situations and/or develop new approaches to changing situations and contribute to the development of best practice; demonstrate an awareness of and to develop solutions to ethical dilemmas likely to arise in their research or professional practice; communicate these processes in a clear and elegant fashion; evaluate their work from the perspective of an autonomous reflective learner.