MSC Molecular Pathology & Genomic

Print
PDF

MSc Molecular Pathology & Genomics

 Award:

Pg Certificate/Pg Diploma/MSc in Molecular Pathology and Genomics

Modes of Study:
Course Director:
Start Date:
Full Time/Part Time/Distance Learning
Professor Louise Jones
September each year

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 1Semester 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

Dr John Marshall and Dr David Prowse

1

Basic Pathology

Compulsory

1

Prof Ian Hart

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

Prof Bryan Young and Dr Tatjana Crnogorac-Jurcevic

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

Total Electives (1)


1

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
IntakeCourse 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.

More information

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.

Student Profile

Rhys Kyle Anderson

Year of Intake: 2010/11

rhys-kyle-andersonI 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.