Molecular Biology

Entry requirements

We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Months of entry

January, April, September

Course content

Our PhD/MPhil Molecular Biology programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Molecular Biology.

Molecular biologists seek to understand the molecular basis of cellular processes in microbial, animal and plant systems and also how this underpins clinically relevant subjects including cancer, embryology, development, movement disorders, arthritis, bacterial pathogenesis, tissue injury and repair.

Research is focused on how genes are expressed and how their products interact with other molecules to exert a biological effect. This involves studies of the mechanisms that control transcription, RNA processing and translational events with a view to understanding their roles in regulating cell processes and organisation in living systems. In vitro and in vivo investigations exploit state-of-the-art technologies, including gene editing and genomics/proteomics approaches, to visualise the activity of genes and gene products. These approaches provide a strong link with our strengths in Bioinformatics.

Examples of the breadth and diversity of molecular biology research at Manchester include:

• Transcriptional regulation and signal transduction;
• RNA processing and protein synthesis;
• apoptosis and cell fate;
• molecular basis of inherited diseases;
• cell and tissue morphogenesis;
• biological clocks;
• transgenic technologies;