MSc Human & Molecular Genetics

Following the sequencing of the Human Genome and emerging ideas of personalised medicine becoming a tangible goal, this MSc is a great starting point for students considering a career in molecular genetics diagnostic laboratories, or any branch of molecular biology research. This MSc will provide an excellent training in practical molecular biology techniques for biology graduates who have had limited laboratory experience during their first degree.

Is this course for you?

• If you are fascinated by molecular genetics and you are keen to get hands on experience, but your undergraduate BSc degree provided limited practical experience, then this course could be for you.
• If you are especially interested in human molecular genetics and how human genetic diseases are diagnosed at the chromosome and DNA level, then this course could be for you.
• If you want to understand what causes genome instability and genetic change, then this course could be for you.
• If you want to learn how to conduct research and actively take part in a real research project, then this course could be for you.

Entry Requirements

For entry into this MSc course, candidates must hold a first class or second class BSc honours degree, or equivalent university qualification in a molecular biology related subject (e.g. Biochemistry, Genetics, Biotechnology, Microbiology). Candidates with professional experience may also be considered following interview.

Duration

Course content

The MSc course lasts for one academic year from September through to August and includes at least 6 months of laboratory experience.

MBB6010 Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Bioscience. Students on this MSc course will learn and practice essential genetic and molecular techniques such as Protein and DNA isolation, Western analysis, PCR, plasmid construction, conditional gene expression and in vitro mutagenesis. More advanced techniques will follow including the culturing of human cells and preparation of chromosomes for karyotype analysis and genotype or SNP mapping.

MBB6403 Research Project. Following successful training in research methods, each student will undertake an independent guided research project. Students will practice designing and conducting research, as well as how to keep accurate records and present the research in different styles including for publication, poster presentations, and seminars.

Genetic Change, MBB6320 Human Genetics I, MBB6336 Human Genetics II and MBB6313 Genome Stability. These lecture based courses will provide a firm grounding in Human Genetics, including understanding how disease genes are mapped and how genetic analysis is undertaken at the DNA and chromosome level, with discussions on the importance and process of genetic counseling. The genome stability course will provide knowledge on how genomes change either accidentally, or as part of a deliberate programme, and how these changes can cause human disease.

Other courses include MBB6402 Literature Review, MBB6403 Research Project and MBB6405 Advanced Research Topics.

Fees

MBBT09 Human Mol Gen - Home £5,890; Overseas £16,640

How to apply: www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/apply