Program Overview

Overview

The Molecular Microbiology MRes is a research-based course that provides students with the opportunity to develop their research skills and knowledge in the field of molecular microbiology. The course is designed for graduates with a BSc in life or other sciences, as well as intercalating and qualified MBBS or BDS students.

What You'll Learn

Students on this course will study subject-specific content in molecular microbiology research, adding to these modules from a broad range of complementary options. They will also receive training in general research principles, professional and key skills. The 24-week research project comprises the major element of the course, and students will receive supervision from an expert academic researcher in the field.

Modules

The course includes the following compulsory modules:

• Molecular Microbiology (20 credits)
• Human Health and the Impact of Microbial Genomics (20 credits)
• MRes Project (110 credits)
• Research Skills and Principles for the Biosciences (10 credits)

Optional modules are also available, including:

• Biomedical Additive Manufacture and Biofabrication (20 credits)
• Biomaterials (20 credits)
• The Biological Study of Behaviour (20 credits)
• Ageing & Health (20 credits)
• Experimental Medicine & Therapeutics (20 credits)
• Drug Discovery and Development (20 credits)
• Cancer Studies (20 credits)
• Chromosome Biology and Cell Cycle Control in Health and Disease (20 credits)
• Clinical Epidemiology (20 credits)
• The Biological Basis of Psychiatric Illness & Its Treatment (20 credits)
• Biology of Ageing (20 credits)
• Applied Immunobiology of Human Disease (20 credits)
• Biomolecular Research in Health and Disease (20 credits)
• Sensory and Cognitive System Neuroscience (20 credits)
• Scientific Basis of Neurological Disorders (20 credits)
• Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells (20 credits)
• Transplantation Sciences (20 credits)
• Genetic Medicine (20 credits)
• Surgical Anatomy (20 credits)
• Mitochondrial Biology & Medicine (20 credits)
• Diabetes (20 credits)
• Cardiovascular Science in Health and Disease (20 credits)
• Bioscience Research Development and Enterprise (20 credits)
• Comparative Cognition: Information Processing in Humans and Other Animals (20 credits)
• Exercise in Health and Disease (20 credits)
• Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine (20 credits)
• Evolution and Human Behaviour (20 credits)
• Therapeutic Applications of Cell Signalling Pathways (20 credits)
• Bioinformatics for Biomedical Scientists (20 credits)
• Enabling Technologies and Methodologies for Biomedical Research (20 credits)
• Theoretical Aspects of Animal Welfare (20 credits)
• Practical Aspects of Animal Welfare (20 credits)
• Human Nutrition Science (20 credits)
• Global Health and Planetary Boundaries (20 credits)
• Mechanisms in Genetic Disease: from Genotype to Phenotype (20 credits)

How You'll Learn

The course will be delivered through a range of methods, including lectures, seminars, and group work. Assessment methods will depend on the modules chosen, but may include case studies, computer assessments, design or creative projects, dissertations, essays, professional skills assessments, oral examinations, oral presentations, PC examinations, practical lab reports, posters, portfolios, problem-solving exercises, reports, reflective logs, research proposals, and written examinations.

Your Development

The course will help students develop a range of research and practical laboratory skills, as well as general research principles, professional and key skills.

Your Future

This MRes can be a pathway for a career in scientific research in academia and industry. It is also excellent preparation for a PhD. Graduates from the Faculty of Medical Sciences MRes at Newcastle have undertaken a wide range of roles, including project manager, research associate, associate consultant, senior analysts, research scientist, Marie Curie early stage researcher, clinical research associate, medical information and patient safety executive, medical writer, medical doctor, research laboratory technician, sales representative, and immunology development manager.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked 42% of its research as 4* world-leading research, and has seen a 65% increase in research power since 2014. The university is also ranked in the Global Top 140, and is in the Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development.

Facilities

The course will be based in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, which is part of the university's city-centre campus. The faculty is also home to dentistry, medicine, psychology, and pharmacy, and is on the same site as Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary hospital. Facilities include individual research laboratories, a dedicated medical library, hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces, and dedicated facilities for a range of key bioscience applications.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the course are £12,500 for home students and £30,700 for international students. The university offers a range of scholarships, including a 25% discount on international fees for EU students.

Entry Requirements

The course requires a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a life science or related discipline. Practical laboratory work experience is desirable, although not essential. The modules that can be studied may depend on the student's academic background.

Academic Entry Requirements

A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a life science or related discipline, or an MBBS/BDS degree.

English Language Requirements

The course requires a certain level of English language proficiency, which can be demonstrated through a range of qualifications, including IELTS, Pearson, and Duolingo.

Admissions Policy

The university's admissions policy is designed to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently. The policy includes information on the application process, entry requirements, and the use of contextual data.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

The university has a policy on credit transfer and recognition of prior learning, which allows students to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills, and experience into credits towards a qualification.