Study location	United Kingdom, Sheffield
Type	Master courses, full-time
Nominal duration	1 year
Study language	English
Awards	MSc

Tuition fee	To be confirmed

Entry qualification	Undergraduate diploma (or higher) A 2:1 degree in a biological science subject 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.

Language requirements	English Accepted proof of proficiency: Cambridge English, IELTS, TOEFL or other equivalent IELTS: 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component TOEFL (IBT): Overall score of 80 or above, with at least 17 in Listening, 17 in Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking CAE: Overall score of 176 or above, with at least 162 in each component

Other requirements	At least 2 reference(s) must be provided. These should be supplied and signed by academic staff at institutions where you have studied previously. They must be presented on the official letter-headed paper of the relevant institution. If you have been out of education for the last two years, you can send one academic reference plus one from your current employer if you wish. CV

More information	Expenses, accommodation, working etc. sheffield.ac.uk/..n-molecular-genetics-msc

Overview

Our MSc teaches you how to think like a professional. It’s designed to prepare you for a lab-based career in molecular biology or molecular genetics, for example in health care or diagnostic laboratories.

It provides excellent training in practical molecular biology techniques for biology graduates with limited laboratory experience. And it’s a solid foundation for a PhD at any leading university.

You’ll study human genetics, including how disease genes are mapped and how genetic analysis is undertaken at the DNA and chromosome level; aspects of genetic counselling; how genomes change and how these changes can cause human disease, with a particular emphasis on cancer.

You’ll learn and practise techniques such as protein and DNA isolation, Western analysis, PCR, plasmid construction, conditional gene expression, in vitro mutagenesis, culturing of human cells and preparation of chromosomes for karyotyping and genotype or SNP mapping.

Once you’ve mastered these essential skills, you’ll undertake a research project, in which you’ll learn how to design and conduct research, keep records and present the research in different styles.

Programme structure

Modules

Genome Stability and Genetic Change
Human Genetics I
Human Genetics II
Advanced Research Topics
Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Bioscience
Human Genetics Laboratory Project

Teaching

As well as the usual mix of lectures and seminars, the course includes at least six months of laboratory experience. You’ll get training in research techniques and carry out your own research project.

Assessment

Coursework
Project work
Formal exams
Dissertation