Biomedical Science - Reproduction and Development MRes
| Study location | United Kingdom, london |
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| Type | Master, full-time |
| Study language | English |
| Tuition fee | €2,900 per year |
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| Entry qualification | Undergraduate diploma (or higher) The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. |
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| Language requirements | English |
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| More information |
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Overview
Biomedical scientists work at the cutting edge of research and medicine, helping to solve some of the most threatening diseases and conditions facing mankind.
St George’s has enjoyed an outstanding track record of research and innovation in infectious disease ever since the ‘father of vaccinology’ Edward Jenner, based here, created the world’s first vaccine (against smallpox). More recently, our research has included a focus on tuberculosis, malaria, HIV in low and middle-income countries and Covid-19.
We offer four pathways in Biomedical Science – in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Infection and Immunity, Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer, and Reproduction and Development. Originally established in 2007, they have been growing in strength and reputation ever since, and provide excellent preparation for either a PhD and research within an academic or industrial setting, or a career in the biomedical and medical sector.
This specialist pathway – one of few of its kind in the UK – focuses on the science behind reproduction, embryo formation and fetal development. Studying the interplay between genes and physiology during these processes and the complications that can arise, your research will seek solutions to improve fertility, and identify, treat or manage birth defects.
Programme structure
There are three core modules (15 credits each). These are common to all pathways, and most of teaching will take place in the autumn term. The specialist modules (30 credits) are specific to each of the four pathways and will continue from September till January.
The journal clubs/paper critiques organised by students will start in October and continue until March. The Research Project module will start in October and runs until July/August. Students will present a poster and submit a final dissertation in August.
The core modules provide advanced training in the practice of biomedical research across a broad range of laboratory and computer-based biomedical science, while the specialist module prepares you to conduct high-calibre in-depth research in your chosen research field.
Unlike many other courses, our Research Project offers a chance to spend up to 9 months working as part of an active research team. This may provide an opportunity to work with clinical samples or staff on our hospital sites. For example, one past research project studied first trimester placenta cells to identify future indicators of pre-eclampsia, while another analysed the mutation of gonadal genes which to provide new insight into what causes a failure to initiate or complete puberty naturally. Other projects offered opportunities to work with animal models (mouse, zebrafish) to enhance our understanding of congenital disorders and identification of mutated genes through sequencing of patient DNA samples.
Core modules
Research methods (15 credits)
Statistics (15 credits)
Research project planning and management (15 credits)
Reproduction and development (30 credits)
Research project (105 credits)
Career opportunities
The course provides excellent preparation for PhD study, which around a fifth of our students complete here at St George’s or elsewhere, and this can lead to a research career within academia or pharmaceutical industry.
Alternatively, on completion, you could pursue a career in the biomedical and medical sector in roles where some research background is required but not necessarily at PhD level. This may include job opportunities as research support staff, technicians, medical laboratory assistants, specialist services provision, equipment operators and laboratory management.
This course is also effective in accelerating the development of your career in healthcare and NHS.