This course is part of a suite of three awards.  Student initially all enrol on the MSc Pathology and Toxicology course, however, they can choose to graduate with either an MSc Molecular Pathology or MSc Molecular Toxicology award.

Duration and Mode of Study

Twelve months full-time or up to three years maximum part-time.

Start Dates

September each year.

Entry Requirements

A good honours degree (minimum UK lower second class or equivalent) in a bioscience subject, including biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, medicine or veterinary science.

Course Modules

The course comprises lectures, tutorials, seminars, eight weeks of practical projects and a six month research project placement.  Full-time students complete all core modules, the advanced module and complete the research laboratory placement. 

The title of the degree awarded depends on the assessed topics completed and the project placement. 

Part-time students complete appropriate parts of the course as defined by their learning contract including a research laboratory placement.  Industrially sponsored students can participate on the course on a module scheme over a 2-3 year period. 

Science Skills:

• Information Technology Topics
• Presentation Skills
• Statistics for Biological Scientists
• Molecular Methods, Experimental Design

Molecular Mechanisms in Pathology and Toxicology:

• Introduction to Molecular Pathology, Lectures and Tutorials
• Introduction to Molecular Toxicology, Lectures and Tutorials

Introductory Laboratory Projects:

• Molecular Pathology
• Molecular Toxicology

Advanced Topics in Molecular Pathology and Toxicology:

• Carcinogenesis and Cancer Biology
• Molecular Toxicology
• Reproductive Toxicology
• Inflammation

Research Laboratory Placement

Teaching and Assessment Methods

Lectures and seminars are held, with some speakers from industry.  There are formally structured practical sessions, and small group problem solving sessions using defined methodologies.

There are five main elements of assessment:

• Continuous in the form of essays, tutorial work, short and long laboratory practical reports.
• All candidates must submit a project placement report.
• There are three examinations:

    - one 90 minute multiple-choice exam covering the main lecture programme.

    - one three hour paper which tests the ability to analyse data and design a research project in pathology and toxicology.

    - one three hour exam assessing the ability to use and analyse selected research publications and answer a question in either Molecular Pathology or Molecular Toxicology.

• Accreditations of prior learning (APL) - part-time students only.  Up to 25% of the requirements of the course may be satisfied by APL.
• Viva Voce - given at the end of the course by the external examiners.

Course Fees

For 2011/12

Home/EU students: £4,500

Overseas students: £13,750

 (subject to review)