Molecular Cell Biology

Entry requirements

A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or other relevant disciplines.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Molecular Cell Biologists decipher the molecular mechanisms of life. They play a vital role in addressing the grand challenges of food security, healthy ageing, anti-microbial resistance, and green energy. Studying this programme will enable you to join the interdisciplinary teams seeking to extend the healthy lifespan of humans and overcome pressing societal needs through engineering biological systems for sustainable living.

• Learn the necessary skills for a research career in biomolecular research or a related discipline.
• Receive training in state-of-the art technologies and the latest theory in the fields of molecular, cellular, and structural biology.
• Experience cutting-edge laboratory-based research in our modern labs and become embedded in an active research group within Queen Mary.
• Learn from experts in the field at one of the UK’s leading research-intensive institutes.
• Choose from a wide range of research topics for your 6-months research project.

What you'll study

This multifaceted programme builds the knowledge and skills needed to kick-start your career in biomolecular research or a related discipline. Teaching is delivered by experts in the Biochemistry Department, the Centre for Molecular Cell Biology and the Centre for Cell Dynamics at the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences. It will cover research in areas such as chromosome biology, organisation of cells and tissues, bacterial physiology and host-microbe interaction, photosynthesis and plant sciences.

You will receive training in state-of-the art technologies and the latest theory in molecular cell biology, fluorescence imaging, protein production and analysis, structural biology, data processing, and other techniques used by modern biomolecular scientists.

This wide range of techniques, along with the extensive research project, will allow you to build a substantial portfolio of experimental skills and thereby tackle more elaborate research projects with increased confidence.

You will study how to critically appraise published research and carry out a piece of original research. This course will therefore be a great preparation for a PhD project and for moving into industrial and academic research.

Structure

• Four compulsory taught modules
• One 6-month individual research project

Research project

You will conduct a 6-month individual research project and a literature review. The project will be undertaken within one of the research labs in the Biochemistry Department, the Centre for Molecular Cell Biology, or the Centre for Cell Dynamics at the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences.

Students will be fully integrated into their supervisor’s research group, and receive additional feedback and guidance from skilled technicians, PhD students and Postdocs.

Teaching

This course has been developed and is taught by experts in the field of Molecular Cell Biology. You will attend a series of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops, with a mixture of individual and group-based exercises, group discussions, problem solving learning and hands-on training in cutting-edge techniques.

To help you along your journey, you are also expected to complete further hours of independent study by reading designated material, producing written assignments, and completing projects.

You will be assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide and support you throughout the course, as well as a Primary Project Supervisor during your research project. Much of your learning will take place as part of your contribution to a research team.

Students are strongly encouraged to attend the School’s research seminars and Protein & Gene Club in which early career researchers and distinguished scientists present their latest findings.

Where you'll learn

Facilities

• State-of-the-art laboratories and dedicated teaching facilities
• Access to specialised scientists and clinicians
• Full access to our online resources
• Extensive Library and IT facilities, including a subject librarian
• Mentors for non-programme related support, including careers advice

Campus

You will study at the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences at the QMUL campus in Mile End (G.E. Fogg Building) or Whitechapel (Blizard Institute) in East London. The central location offers easy transport links to all areas of the capital, and you can take advantage of all the capital has to offer, including access to our partner libraries across the city.

Career paths

This MSc programme provides comprehensive preparation for students wishing to progress onto a PhD, to work in research laboratories in academia, the clinical and industrial sector.

Molecular Cell Biology is one of the most employable subjects in biosciences. The range of jobs available to graduate students is large and varied. Major employers include biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, universities, medical research institutes, as well as many opportunities in hospital and medical support services. Other careers where an MSc in Molecular Cell Biology would be useful include teaching roles, regulatory affairs officers, and science writing.

Fees and funding

For a full list of Scholarships available, please see the Queen Mary webpage

Assessment