Transplantation MRes

The MRes is a research-based qualification with a taught component that is of an equivalent standard to an MSc. It provides training in contemporary medical and molecular biosciences through three subject-knowledge modules related to and including those in transplantation (60 credits), professional and key skills training (20 credits), and a 24-week laboratory-based research project (100 credits). The programme enables you to experience an internationally competitive research area, predominantly in academia but also potentially in industry. If you register for an integrated MRes/PhD, MRes/MD or MRes/DDS you will be allocated projects that are relevant to your proposed PhD or MD, or DDS programme.

Subject-based modules provide a broad exposure to diverse aspects of transplantation, from clinical concepts to cutting edge scientific development. There will be a unique opportunity to gain insights into the speciality of transplantation sciences in the context of transplantation of haematopoietic stem cells, corneal/limbal stem cells and a variety of solid organs. The modules aim to: (i) provide sound understanding of the scientific basis underlying the therapeutic benefits and adverse effects of clinical transplants; (ii) highlight the research areas where applications of immunology and cell biology can improve transplant outcome and patient wellbeing; (iii) provide a view of bench to bedside translational links between scientific research and clinical practice. The strand emphasises the clinical practice driven research, which prepares students for a future career in either medical practice or broad biomedical research.

Main topics covered include: (i) transplantation immunology related to cellular and molecular basis of allogeneic immune responses, tolerance, immunosuppression; (ii) the genetic and molecular basis of HLA system, non-HLA immunogenetics, histocompatibility, impact of HLA matching in choice of donor and transplant outcome; (iii) transplantation pathology related to graft-versus-host disease following haematopoietic stem cell transplant, rejection following solid organ transplant, tissue damage and loss of graft function; (iv) manipulation of haematopoietic stem cells for clinical use; and (v) development of novel therapeutic strategies to aid improvement of clinical transplant outcome.