Molecular Biology MPhil – (M.Phil.)

The MPhil is a one-year research degree where students get the opportunity to study a specific research project. The MPhil degree can act as a stand-alone degree for applicants who would like to gain experience in a specific area, or can be linked to a PhD programme. Rather than register on a direct entry 3 or 4 year PhD, some postgraduates may first register on a one-year MPhil programme. Subsequently students may then wish to transfer on to a full PhD programme with a further 2 or 3 years of study.
Molecular biology is fundamental to almost all research that studies microbial, animal and plant systems. Many research groups in the Faculty of Life Sciences are concerned with clinically related subjects including cancer, embryology, development, movement disorders, arthritis, bacterial pathogenesis, tissue injury and its repair. The unifying theme examines how genes are expressed and how they interact with other molecules to exert a biological effect. Fundamental studies of the mechanisms which control gene expression involve investigation of transcriptional and post-transcriptional events. Likewise, the study of cellular processes formulates an understanding of the roles of genes in effecting cellular mechanisms and organisation in living systems. In vitro and in vivo investigations exploit state-of-the-art technologies to visualise the activity of genes and gene products in real time. Model organisms such as C. elegans, mice, Drosophila and Arabidopsis are also used to understand the biological function of individual genes. Gene discovery is closely linked with our strengths in Bioinformatics. Examples of the breadth and diversity of molecular biology within the Faculty include:
Transcription Factors & Signal Transduction
RNA Processing
Apoptosis & Cell Fate
Molecular Basis of Inherited Diseases
Cell & Tissue Morphogenesis
Cytoplasmic Inheritance
Transgenic Technologies
Biological Clocks