
MSc Molecular Pathology & Genomics
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Award: |
Pg Certificate/Pg Diploma/MSc in Molecular Pathology and Genomics |
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| Modes of Study: Course Director: Start Date: |
Full Time/Part Time/Distance Learning Professor Louise Jones September each year |
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Overview
The MSc in Molecular Pathology and Cenomics will provide you with theoretical and practical knowledge of modern molecular technologies as applied to human disease, with an emphasis on cancer. It will also train you in the application and interpretation of advanced molecular technologies and their use in pathology.
At the heart of the course is a focus on developing your skills in the laboratory, as well as a variety of other scientific and transferable skills. By studying Molecular Pathology and Genomics, you will be equipping yourself with the tools to pursue a career in academic research, either in the clinical, pharmaceutical or diagnostic setting.
Teaching Methods
Modules will comprise of the following:
- Seminars/lectures
- Practical classes in our dedicated teaching laboratory in pairs or small groups, where you will receive hands-on training for specific methods
- Demonstrations – these will take place in Institute laboratories or the classroom to teach specific technologies (expression array technology) or methods (array data analysis)
- Student poster and oral presentations on specific topics.
Research Opportunities
While completing your MSc, you will have the chance to contribute directly to the research process, most notably through experience of a laboratory project placement. By undertaking this course you will be contributing to the growing need for scientists and clinicians to identify and promote the practical uses of molecular advances in pathology in the clinical environment.
Assessment
Assessment will be based on written assignments, poster and oral presentations, written or MCQ examinations, and a full dissertation write-up.
Course Structure
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures/Lab | September - December | January - March | ay-July |
| Exams |
January |
April |
August |
These are for guidance only and may be subject to change, timetables and academic timetable will be provided at the start of term.
| Sem. | Module Names | Type | Unit Value | Module Leaders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Basic Molecular Biology |
Compulsory |
1 | Prof Ian Hart |
| 1 |
Research Skills and Sciences |
Compulsory |
2 | |
| 1 |
Basic Pathology |
Compulsory |
1 | |
| 2 |
Molecular Diagnostic and Therapeutics |
Compulsory |
1 | Dr Duncan Clark |
| 2 |
Molecular Pathology and Solid Tumours |
Compulsory |
1 | Prof Louise Jones |
| 2 |
Genomic Approaches to Human Diseases |
Compulsory |
0.5 | |
| 2 |
Cancer Prevention and Screening |
Compulsory |
0.5 |
Prof Peter Sasieni and Prof Stephen Duffy |
| 3 |
Dissertation |
Core | 4 | Prof Louise Jones |
|
Total Core/Compulsory (8) |
11 | |||
| 2 |
Introduction to Bioinformatics |
Elective | 1 | Dr Claude Chelala |
| 2 |
Molecular Genetics of Haematological Malignancy |
Elective | 1 | Prof John Gribben |
| 2 |
Biological Therapies |
Elective | 1 | Prof Ian McNeish and Prof Fran Balkwill |
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Total Electives (1) |
1 | |||
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TOTAL |
12 |
Each unit will have approximately 30 hours of contact time and will require 120 hours of self study.
For full details of the MSc Molecular Pathology and Genomics course, download our brochure.
Course Options
There are various study options available for the MSc Molecular Pathology and Genomics.
| Mode | Duration | Intake | Course Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 1 year | September | A3T1 | |
| Part Time | 2 years | September | A3T2 | |
| Full Time - Distance Learning | 1 year | September | A3T9 | |
| Part Time - Distance Learning | 2 years | September | A3T0 |
Distance learning option available for both full and part time students, delivered via our web based learning system known as Blackboard’. This system has lectures online in video and audio format and the capacity for posters and oral presentations to be conducted through Skype. By offering these different course structures we aim to provide flexibility to suit your study needs.
Award Options
The standard programme of study is the full MSc in Molecular Pathology and Genomics, we also offer other postgraduate awards.
| Award | Units Required | Comprised of |
|---|---|---|
| MSc |
12 units | 8 taught units and lab project |
| Pg Diploma | 8 units | 8 taught units or 4 taught units and a lab project |
| Pg Certificate | 4 units | 4 taught units |
You can also enrol onto individual modules (see programme structure) for non award bearing learning. Please contact the Teaching Centre for more information
Entry Requirements
The programme will be open to clinicians, graduate scientists, nurses, and other medical professionals working in a clinical, industrial or academic research environment. Entry to the programme will require a good degree, or degree equivalent, qualification from a recognised academic institution or an appropriate professional qualification or experience.
If English is not your first language, you will be required to meet the following standards in one of these English language examinations:
| Examination | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | TOEFL | IBTOEFL | PTE Academic | |
| Level Required | 7 | 610 | 100 | 68 |
Application:
Y
You will need to provide the following for your online application:
- 2 References
- Copies of transcripts
- Copies of qualifications (where appropriate)
- English language examination results and certificate (if applicable)
- Personal statement
- CV
Applications are accepted all year round, but there are limited places so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Fees:
| Molecular Pathology and Genomics Programme of Study | Home/EU |
Overseas |
| MSc Full Time | £6,800 | £17,050 |
| MSc Part Time | £3,400 | £8,850 |
| MSc Full Time - Distance Learning | £6,800 | £17,050 |
| MSc Part Time - Distance Learning | £3,400 | £8,850 |
Fees are per annum and inclusive of bench fees. These rates are provisional for 2011 entry. Please refer to the QMUL fees page for more information. |
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Student Profile
Rhys Kyle Anderson
Year of Intake: 2010/11
I chose to study Molecular Pathology and Genomics at Barts and the London partly because of the excellent range of taught modules on offer, but mainly for the opportunity to complete a 3 month laboratory project at an institute that was ranked very highly in the Research Assessment Exercise of 2008. Barts is also in a fantastic location in central London, which is easily accessible by public transport. Moreover, once you step on to the campus there is the pleasant welcoming of a large grass area surrounded by trees to make you feel as though you were somewhere more peaceful than in a city centre.
I am now well into my second semester and am thoroughly enjoying the course. The lectures move at a fast pace and there are a wide range of assignments which help to develop different skills, from critical analysis of original research to performing your own experiments.
The coursework is challenging, yet interesting due to its diversity, including presentations, essays, poster groups and even a daunting but worthwhile viva voce. I have enjoyed working with other members of the course and it is good to interact with people from a variety of cultures, age groups and different educational and work backgrounds.
All of the teaching staff are friendly, easily approachable and even kind enough to unleash a barrage of devilishly tricky questions on you just after giving a presentation (all with the aim of getting you thinking and develop you as a scientist!).
I am currently applying for PhD studentships for when I finish the course, and I’m sure that my experience at Barts will have put me in good stead to make the transition. If you are thinking of applying to Barts I would highly recommend it as the rewards are excellent if you are willing to put in a bit of hard work.
Graduate Profile
The MSc Molecular Pathology and Genomics course will provide you with the skills and experience necessary to pursue further academic research at PhD/MD level. It will also provide a strong foundation for those working in a clinical, pharmaceutical or diagnostic setting.
Destinations will include:
- PhD
- Research Assistants
- Research Technician
- Health care professional
- Pathology
- Medical School
- Biochemists
- Medical Scientists
Each year we have retained a proportion of our graduates within the Institute as PhD students,
research assistants or clinical trials coordinators.
Find out more about the type of roles we have in the BCI here.
Ahmet Imrali
Graduated 2010
I graduated from City of Westminster University in 2008 with a BSc in Biomedical Sciences.
I always wanted to study at Queen Mary because of its excellent reputation, especially at the Barts Cancer Institute, which is one of the top ranked research focused medical schools in the UK.
Obtaining a MSc in Molecular Pathology and Genomics has really encouraged me to pursue my interest in cancer. After realising the strong association between cancer and genetic factors, I decided to strengthen my background knowledge with further studies in the molecular mechanisms behind cancer, so I could help with developing new strategies in fighting against this disease. Therefore MSc Molecular Pathology and Genomics was the most suitable course for achieving my future goals.
The diversity and flexibility of this MSc course has made it a favourable option for many people from various academic backgrounds. Barts Cancer Institute is a stimulating and challenging environment and allows students to meet a range of friendly people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
With well organised taught lectures and practical sessions, teaching is performed by pioneering experts in their field that exposes students to the latest and most exciting discoveries. Apart from lectures, there are also a series of seminars given by leading scientists that provide students with the most recent research studies in cancer.
The MSc Molecular Pathology and Genomics course has indeed greatly increased my knowledge and practical skills in the pathology and molecular biology of cancer. This has taken me to the next step for building an excellent career within this field.








