MPhil in Biological Sciences (Biomolecular Science) by advanced study 11 months Postgraduate Program By University of Cambridge |Top Universities

MPhil in Biological Sciences (Biomolecular Science) by advanced study

Subject Ranking

# 5QS Subject Rankings

Program Duration

11 monthsProgram duration

Tuitionfee

56,083 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

24 Apr, 2024Application Deadline

Program overview

Main Subject

Biological Sciences

Degree

MPhil

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

The MPhil in Biological Sciences provides students with an opportunity to undertake a period of study and research in Biomolecular Science, one of the Faculty’s key research pathways.
Biomolecular science is the study of biological processes at the molecular level, whether within a cell, a tissue, a whole organism or an ecosystem. As such its concepts and experimental approaches are absolutely central to the whole range of present-day life sciences. Biomolecular science is a rapidly evolving field: in the technologies it exploits to understand life at the macromolecular level and in its conceptual advances that drive basic research and support biotechnology applications. By combining traditional areas of science to unravel how molecular machines execute biological processes, biomolecular science transcends boundaries between the single disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science.
This MPhil aims to convey a comprehensive understanding of biological processes at the molecular level. We will discuss the major biological macromolecule families, including, DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids. We will explore the properties of biological membranes, biomolecular recognition, signalling and therapeutics. The understanding and application of advanced technologies are crucial to the advancement of biomolecular science and these will be explored in depth. Although we will not focus on specific diseases, the workshops and discussions will include relevant pathophysiological contexts, as understanding the molecular basis of disease will be imperative to developing innovations, from target-based therapeutics to agricultural applications.
The course will draw upon the breadth and international strengths in biomolecular science within the University of Cambridge and associated research institutes; notably the Departments of Biochemistry, Genetics, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology Development and Neuroscience, Plant Sciences, Zoology, the Gurdon Institute, the MRC Toxicology Unit, the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, the Sainsbury Laboratory and the Wellcome-MRC Stem Cell Institute.
Completing this MPhil will be a springboard for entry into a wide range of careers, including advanced research in industry or academic settings. 
The MPhil is offered by the Faculty of Biology as a full-time period of study and research and introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge in Biomolecular Science.
The MPhil course adopts interactive and discussion-based teaching, much of which is seminar-style where student participation and discussion are strongly encouraged. This is complemented with extensive lab-based training during a research project (up to 32 weeks + 6 weeks writing up time) with students integrated into one of the many participating research groups (selected after starting the MPhil, having been introduced to projects and groups). 
The main aims are to give students with relevant experience at the first-degree level the opportunity:
  • to carry out focussed research in the discipline under close supervision; 
  • to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests; 
  • to be introduced to the skills of experimental design, project management and time management that are needed in research; 
  • to become familiar with the practicalities of laboratory research, including record keeping, data handling and professional laboratory practice; 
  • to learn analytical techniques needed to understand and contextualise their research; 
  • to become familiar with scientific writing and presentation skills. 

Program overview

Main Subject

Biological Sciences

Degree

MPhil

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

The MPhil in Biological Sciences provides students with an opportunity to undertake a period of study and research in Biomolecular Science, one of the Faculty’s key research pathways.
Biomolecular science is the study of biological processes at the molecular level, whether within a cell, a tissue, a whole organism or an ecosystem. As such its concepts and experimental approaches are absolutely central to the whole range of present-day life sciences. Biomolecular science is a rapidly evolving field: in the technologies it exploits to understand life at the macromolecular level and in its conceptual advances that drive basic research and support biotechnology applications. By combining traditional areas of science to unravel how molecular machines execute biological processes, biomolecular science transcends boundaries between the single disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science.
This MPhil aims to convey a comprehensive understanding of biological processes at the molecular level. We will discuss the major biological macromolecule families, including, DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids. We will explore the properties of biological membranes, biomolecular recognition, signalling and therapeutics. The understanding and application of advanced technologies are crucial to the advancement of biomolecular science and these will be explored in depth. Although we will not focus on specific diseases, the workshops and discussions will include relevant pathophysiological contexts, as understanding the molecular basis of disease will be imperative to developing innovations, from target-based therapeutics to agricultural applications.
The course will draw upon the breadth and international strengths in biomolecular science within the University of Cambridge and associated research institutes; notably the Departments of Biochemistry, Genetics, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology Development and Neuroscience, Plant Sciences, Zoology, the Gurdon Institute, the MRC Toxicology Unit, the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, the Sainsbury Laboratory and the Wellcome-MRC Stem Cell Institute.
Completing this MPhil will be a springboard for entry into a wide range of careers, including advanced research in industry or academic settings. 
The MPhil is offered by the Faculty of Biology as a full-time period of study and research and introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge in Biomolecular Science.
The MPhil course adopts interactive and discussion-based teaching, much of which is seminar-style where student participation and discussion are strongly encouraged. This is complemented with extensive lab-based training during a research project (up to 32 weeks + 6 weeks writing up time) with students integrated into one of the many participating research groups (selected after starting the MPhil, having been introduced to projects and groups). 
The main aims are to give students with relevant experience at the first-degree level the opportunity:
  • to carry out focussed research in the discipline under close supervision; 
  • to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests; 
  • to be introduced to the skills of experimental design, project management and time management that are needed in research; 
  • to become familiar with the practicalities of laboratory research, including record keeping, data handling and professional laboratory practice; 
  • to learn analytical techniques needed to understand and contextualise their research; 
  • to become familiar with scientific writing and presentation skills. 

Admission requirements

193+
100+
7+

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Good II.i Honours Degree.

For this programme, applicants should already have or expect to obtain at least an upper second class honours or equivalent in any subject relevant to the programme (including Biosciences, Biomedical science, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology, Psychology, Medicine, Statistics, Epidemiology, Agriculture, Botany, Plant or Crop Sciences, Crop Protection, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, and related subjects).

24 Apr 2024
11 Months
Oct
  • Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

28,483 GBP
-

International Students

56,083 GBP
-

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
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Where to look for scholarship opportunities

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A list of available scholarships around the world

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