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

Fees

2012/2013

Home/EU: £4,795
International: £14,645

Course aims

To provide you with detailed training in the theory and practical techniques of molecular pathology and toxicology with emphasis on understanding of molecular mechanisms in cancer. A six month laboratory project placement in a research laboratory in the University or industry or is an integral part of the course. The course is designed to give relevant knowledge and skills to students and the close involvement of the Department with industry and the NHS ensures the continued suitability of this course for future employment in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, health care and environmental control industry, as well as in academic research.

Course modules

The course comprises lectures, tutorials, seminars, eight weeks of laboratory practicals 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.

There are five main elements of assessment:

• Continuous in the form of tutorial work, short and long laboratory practical reports, presentations.
• All candidates must submit a project placement report.
• There are three examinations:
• One 90 minute multiple-choice exam covering the main lecture program.
• One three hour paper which tests the ability to analyse data and design a research study in pathology and toxicology.
• One three hour exam assessing the ability to use and analyse selected research publications to answer questions in Molecular Pathology and/or Molecular Toxicology, depending on the title of the final award.
• 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.

Contact

MSc Course Administrator,
Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine,
RKCSB, Leicester Royal Infirmary,
PO Box 65,
Leicester LE2 7LX, UK.
T: 0116 252 3256
F: 0116 252 3274
molpath-tox@le.ac.uk
www.le.ac.uk/cm/