MRes in Functional Genome Biology University of Birmingham - College of Medical and Dental Sciences

Genome biology is the biological science of the 21st century and has the potential to transform medicine. It is powerfully informative about how DNA and genomes are organised and controlled. An understanding of its core principles and how it responds to stresses and interventions is a requirement for future research leaders.

This programme places you at the centre of world-leading expertise to provide a unique training experience, offering cutting-edge taught and research training in all aspects of genome biology.

As a research Master's degree, it prepares you for the next stage in a research career. Its delivery focuses on substantial hands-on, real-world training to give you the employability skills you will need for PhD and industry positions.

Molecular mechanisms are at the basis of physiology, development, diseases and infections, and are key to the development of novel treatments for diseases. The programme will allow you to develop an understanding of the fundamental aspects of genome regulation, repair and replication. You will gain bioinformatics/computer-based skills that use the latest omic technologies to analyse large and complex datasets, along with lab-based interventional approaches using new technologies. You will also develop a deep knowledge and understanding of genome biology analysis and experimentation, and how this links to address biomedical questions. This will be complemented by a wide range of practical laboratory skills and hands-on experience of cutting-edge techniques, as well as transferable skills of time and project management, teamwork and scientific communication.

Why study this course?

• The only programme of its kind in the UK
• Research-driven Masters, informed by our world-leading research in genome biology
• Teaching and assessments are centred around giving you a real-world experience of being a researcher in a laboratory
• We will offer laboratory projects to every student, government guidance permitting
• Opportunity to participate in the Birmingham Symposium on Genome Structure and Function.

Entry Requirements

Our Standard Requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree in biomedical science, biological sciences or biochemistry.

Applicants who do not meet this requirement but who have relevant experience may be considered. Please get in touch with us to discuss your suitability prior to applying.

International students

Academic requirements

We accept a range of international qualifications - use the dropdown box below to select your country and see the equivalencies to the above UK requirements.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.

If you are made an offer of a place to study and you do not already meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional course. If you successfully complete this, you will be able to fulfil the language requirement without needing to take a further qualification.

IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component

Modules

• Genome Dynamics (20 credits)
• Introduction to BioInformatics (20 credits)
• Genome Approaches (20 credits)
• Research Project (120 credits)

Employability

The course is aimed at developing students into biomedical scientists with an interdisciplinary profile.

With this wide range of skills, graduates of the programme will be well suited to careers in academic genomic research, and in the pharmaceutical and data science fields. This may include roles in oncology, genome editing, the drug development pipeline, tissue engineering and clinical laboratories.

University Careers Network

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team sources exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge.

If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.