Health and Disease (MSc) - 2013/2014 entry
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Overview
This programme provides an up-to-date understanding of human biology and the disease process, with an emphasis on emerging threats to human well-being. The objective of the programme is to equip those with a background in health and related fields (or other service professions) with a thorough understanding of the molecular basis of life processes and so the critical capacity to evaluate the efficacy of new breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment of disease. An awareness of the research process and application of the scientific method is reinforced by the independent research project undertaken in the second year.
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Why study this course at Birkbeck?
- Gain an up-to-date understanding of human biology and the disease process, with emphasis on emerging threats to human well-being.
- Develop your research skills with an independent project, enhancing your employment prospects.
- Department awarded the highest grading for quality of teaching and learning in the latest Quality Assurance Agency assessment.
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Course structure
The programme consists of lectures and practicals, with a research project in the second year.
Topics include:
- the immune system
- molecular biology
- human genetics
- parasitology
- the molecular structure of proteins
- bacterial pathogenicity
- medicinal chemistry
- plant products for health and disease
- statistics and experimental design.
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Further study opportunities
If you are interested in further research, we offer a PhD/MPhil in Biological Sciences.
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Careers information
Graduates go on to careers in the NHS or wider health sector, or in the pharmaceutical industry.
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Further details
On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
- outline the molecular basis of disease
- demonstrate knowledge of therapeutics, including medicines and pharmacogenomics
- apply physical, chemical and mathematical concepts to biomedical science
- critically appraise research evidence and quantitative data
- apply the scientific method and execute a theoretical or laboratory-based experimental project
- display a range of practical biomedical skills.
Learning materials
The programme has a dedicated website which provides access to learning materials.
Research project
The second-year research project is usually undertaken within the research groups of the contributing academic staff, although work-based research projects are also possible.
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Apply now
- Application deadlines and interviews
We recommend you apply as early as possible. Later applications may also be considered, subject to availability of places.
- Online application
You can apply online from the link below.
- Application deadlines and interviews