MSc by Research in Biomedical Science

Program Overview

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MSc by Research in Biomedical Science

Course Overview

The Institute for Biomedical and Biosciences Research at The Faculty of Medicine and Health Science (the University of Buckingham) has developed a sufficient critical mass of researchers able to study diabetes and obesity from the gene through to whole-body physiology. They are internationally recognised experts in:

• molecular genetics
• biochemistry
• pharmacology
• nutrition and the physiology of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity and neurodegenerative diseases.

Our goal is to define new molecular targets that could be sites for novel pharmacology and to examine a potential therapeutic agent acting from the cell to the whole body.

Start and Duration

• 2025
• Full-time
• Flexible, 1 year

Level and Qualification

• Research
• Master of Science by Research

Fees

• UK: £8,267
• International: £14,500

Campus and School

• Buckingham
• School of Postgraduate Medicine

About the Course

Undertaking a Masters by Research degree at the Institute for Biomedical and Biosciences Research can be for a range of reasons.

• To gain additional laboratory skills in:
  • Human and animal cell physiology
  • Molecular genetics
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Nutrition
  • And the physiology of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity and neurodegenerative diseases.
• To gain important skills you’ll need to go on to study for a PhD:
  • Research papers interpretation and literature review
  • Data analysis, interpretation and discussion
  • Thesis writing training to defend your findings at your viva.
  • Also, opportunities to present your research data at national or international conferences, or to be published in peer scientific journal
• Experience to work in a research environment with senior and junior researchers, post-docs, PhD and MSc students, and laboratory technicians
• Enhance your employment opportunities in academic and private research institutions, as well as in pharmaceutical industry

Our Master’s by Research Programmes Overview

You will be placed in one of our research labs to do a 12-month tailored research project. During this period, you will receive formal training in research-related skills. At the end of your research project, you are expected to write a thesis on your studies and to defend this in a viva examination.

Our research programme brings together expertise from across many subject areas in the biomedical sciences to provide you with training in several key areas of current research interest.

The programme focuses on experimental science and a research-informed dissertation. It will provide you with practical laboratory-based experience with access to specialist techniques in state-of-the-art facilities.

Our MSc by Research Projects

• Obesity is a risk factor for increased COVID‑19 severity and morbidity: hypoxic adipose tissue and increased lung inflammatory responses.
• Investigation of the effect of obesity on the skin function and integrity
• Beneficial effects of plant bio-active molecules on diabetic retinopathy
• Anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties of sage and chamomile extracts: effects on insulin resistance and lipogenesis, in both human subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues

Entry Requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a first or second class honours degree in biomedical science or related taught programme. Significant previous experience in a research laboratory would also be highly considered.

Mature students: age is no barrier to learning and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified students.

International students: We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.

English Levels

If English is not your first language, please check our postgraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.

Selection Process

Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so the Admissions Tutor will conduct the interview by Microsoft Teams or phone.

Course Fees

The fees for this course are:

• Start: Flexible 2025
• Type: Full-time (1 Year)
• Total cost:
  • UK: £8,267
  • INT: £14,500

The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.

Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.

Bench Fees

Students are required to pay £5,000 in bench fees in addition to the course fees.

Postgraduate Loan Scheme

A system of postgraduate loans for Masters degrees in the UK is available with support from the UK Government. The loan is available for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We have bursaries and scholarships available for both home and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and these are awarded based on location, merit or financial need.

Funded scholarships and bursaries may be awarded across all schools of study, and represent a partial remission from tuition fees. Bursaries are means-tested and are intended for those who need a contribution towards their fees in order to study at Buckingham.

Students applying for this course may be eligible for the following:

UK Students

• Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship
• Royal Charter 40th Anniversary Scholarship

International Students

• Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship
• Royal Charter 40th Anniversary Scholarship
• Sheikh / Mubarak Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Scholarship (Postgraduate)

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objectives:

• To provide advanced laboratory skills in various areas of biomedical sciences, including human and animal cell physiology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, pharmacology, nutrition, and the physiology of metabolic diseases.
• To equip students with essential research skills for pursuing a PhD, including research paper interpretation and literature review, data analysis and interpretation, thesis writing, and viva presentation skills.
• To prepare graduates for careers in academic and private research institutions, as well as the pharmaceutical industry.

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Description:

• The MSc by Research program at the Institute for Biomedical and Biosciences Research (IBBR) is a 12-month program tailored to individual research projects.
• Students are placed in research labs to work on a chosen project and receive formal training in research-related skills.
• The program focuses on experimental science and research-informed dissertation writing.
• It provides practical laboratory experience with access to specialized techniques in state-of-the-art facilities.

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Outline:

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Content:

• The program covers various areas of biomedical sciences, including molecular genetics, biochemistry, pharmacology, nutrition, and the physiology of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Current research projects include:
• Investigating the link between obesity and COVID-19 severity.
• Exploring the impact of obesity on skin function and integrity.
• Studying the beneficial effects of plant bio-active molecules on diabetic retinopathy.
• Examining the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties of sage and chamomile extracts.

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Structure:

• The program consists of a 12-month research project and formal training in research-related skills.
• Students work under the supervision of experienced researchers and receive guidance in research methodology, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Regular meetings with supervisors ensure progress monitoring and feedback.

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Course Schedule:

• The program schedule is flexible and adapted to individual research projects.
• Students typically conduct research full-time, dedicating around 40 hours per week to their project.
• The program includes formal training sessions on research-related skills throughout the year.

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Modules:

• There are no pre-defined modules in the program, as the research projects are tailored to individual interests and areas of expertise.

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Assessment:

• Assessment is based on a combination of:
• A written thesis on the research project, including comprehensive analysis of findings and critical evaluation of the literature.
• A viva voce examination where students defend their thesis and answer questions from an examining panel.
• Ongoing assessment of research skills development and progress throughout the program.

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Teaching:

• The program utilizes diverse teaching methods:
• Individual supervision from experienced researchers provides personalized guidance and mentorship.
• Formal training sessions cover research methodology, data analysis, scientific writing, and presentation skills.
• Opportunities to attend research seminars and conferences to learn from leading experts in the field.

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Careers:

• The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in biomedical research fields, including:
• Academic research positions in universities and research institutes.
• Research and development roles in pharmaceutical companies.
• Clinical research positions in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
• Government and regulatory agencies involved in research and policy development.

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Other:

• The program attracts students from various backgrounds and countries, fostering a diverse and stimulating learning environment.
• Students have opportunities to collaborate with researchers from different disciplines within the Institute.
• The program provides access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.

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• Start Type 1st Year Total cost
• Apr 2024 Full-time (1 Year) UK £8,240 £8,240
• INT £16,620 £16,620
• Flexible Part-time (2 Years) UK £4,134 £8,267
• INT £7,250 £14,500
• Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges.
Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
• Bench fees
• From July 2023, Students will be required to pay £4,800 in bench fees in addition to the course fees
• From September 2023, Students will be required to pay £5,000 in bench fees in addition to the course fees