Biomedical Science MRes/2015
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elcome to St George’s, W University of London.
St George’s, University of London is the UK’s only university dedicated to medical and health sciences education, training and research. Sharing a clinical environment with a major London teaching hospital, our innovative approach to education results in well-rounded, highly skilled clinicians, scientists, and health and social care professionals. We have more than 250 years of excellence and innovation in research and education. Alumni include John Hunter, also known as the father of modern surgery, and Edward Jenner, creator of the first smallpox vaccine. In the fields of infection and immunity, cardiovascular and cell sciences our aim is still to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. We also work to deepen understanding of population and the social care sciences. The SGUL Graduate School is a thriving community of students, undertaking Taught or Research Degrees through various modes of study. All postgraduate students have 24 hour access to our dedicated ‘Graduate Centre’. Our compact size lends a genuine sense of community, and allows our postgraduate students to access a rich and varied academic culture ranging from patient care to research laboratories and overseas. Through inter-professional education, students from all disciplines come together to learn as an integrated team. St George’s is a five minute walk from Tooting Broadway tube station, and it takes 25 minutes to get into central London. One of the world’s most exciting cities is right on our doorstep. If you want to get involved in student life, our Students’ Union delivers hours of oncampus entertainment. Whether you start your own club or society or just become a member, it’s a great way to make friends, pursue your favourite sport, or try a new activity; whatever it takes to make the most of your time at St George’s.
Biomedical Science Master of Research
One year, full time Apply direct to St George’s, University of London arly applications are recommended as the course has limited E numbers. Please check our web pages for available scholarships. UK, EU & international citizens may apply MRes Application deadline: UK & EU applicants 30 June 2015 International applicants 30 June 2015 This course will prepare students for a research degree or career in the biomedical science field (e.g. a PhD, the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnical supply companies). We have a strong track record of our graduates going on to funded PhD studentships. The MRes can also serve as a stand-alone master’s course with a strong emphasis on biomedical research. Highlights
> State-of-the-art facilities Medical Biomics Centre; world’s first purposebuilt clinical and biomedical research facility to combine genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics on a clinical site
> Shared campus with one of the largest teaching hospitals in the UK
> Shared learning alongside all other postgraduate courses, clinical and academic staff and research degree PhD students in the St George’s Graduate School
> MRes builds on strong research teams in our newly formed Research Institutes
Learning During the first term you will meet potential supervisors, to familiarise yourself with research activity within two of our three Research Institutes (we have a third Institute of Public Health) and to identify an appropriate project on which to work. Broadly speaking, a topic is acceptable if the investigation uses appropriate scientific methods and falls within the fields of biomedical sciences, health, health care, or health services. Teaching is delivered through a variety of methods: large group lectures shared with other postgraduate students, course-specific seminars and small group sessions. Students will also participate in self-directed study, wider reading as well as individual and group practical sessions. Teaching for taught modules is concentrated in the autumn term, throughout this time lectures are held on most days of the week along with lab sessions. Your research project is then completed from January through to September. Dissertation projects will involve the assembly, analysis and interpretation of data. Project titles and areas for research will be identified by senior staff in our Research Institutes with the Course Director. MRes students’ work has contributed to published papers, and examples, with the student’s name (in bold) have been provided under each research project area. Degree Structure This course consists of five taught modules (75 credits): modules include four core modules and one of two further option modules. All five will prepare you for the research project (105 credits). Core modules are as follows and are completed by all postgraduates studying a Masters of Research.
Research methods
15 credits
Critical appraisal 15 credits
Statistics 15 credits
Research project planning and management 15 credits
There are two further specialist option modules, where you will take
one, which is most suitable for your research area. The specialist option modules will provide the theoretical basis for the broad area in which you will conduct your laboratory or clinical research project. Supervision will be provided by academic staff active in cutting edge research in those areas, located within our Research Institutes.
Option module 1 to support projects in infection, immunity and cancer.
15 credits
ption module 2 to support projects in O cardiovascular sciences, reproduction, neuroscience and human genetics.
15 credits
ption module 1 aims to provide students with an introduction to O the broad area of infection, with a particular focus on HIV, malaria and tuberculosis; immunity with emphasis on the cellular and molecular responses to infection, including innate and adoptive immune responses and those responses that are deleterious. It will also cover the theoretical knowledge of the signalling pathways that regulate cellular development and differentiation and contribute to the development and progression of cancer with sufficient underpinning knowledge in cellular, molecular or clinical aspects of medicine to support a student’s chosen research area.
Option module 2 aims to provide students with an understanding of the broad area of cardiac and vascular sciences with a focus on molecular mechanisms of degenerative vascular diseases including atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysm and the genetics of cardiovascular related diseases; the field of reproductive science with emphasis on polycystic ovaries and pre-eclamsia and neuroscience with reference to epilepsy, drug abuse, brain imaging, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease and with sufficient underpinning knowledge in cellular, molecular or clinical aspects of medicine to support a student’s chosen research area.
Research Project Areas Cardiovascular Sciences Cardiovascular Sciences is a multidisciplinary group at St George’s which amalgamates clinical, surgical and basic science research expertise. We aim to understand mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and to identify rationale treatments and preventative measures. Particular areas of strength are: Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Prevention, Arrhythmia, Sudden Cardiac Death and Cardiomyopathy and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.
Example prospective projects:
> Role of progenitor cells in abdominal aortic aneurysm aetiology
> Investigating the genetics associated with stroke
> Role of PPARgamma agonists on the pathophysiology of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
> Understanding the effect of TLR4 agonists on signal transduction in endothelail cells
> Molecular mechanisms controlling angiogenesis
> Role of innate and acquired immunity in unstable atherosclerotic plaque
> The role of Kv7 channels in hypertension
Papers from past students include:
Reduced KCNQ4-encoded voltage-dependent potassium channel activity underlies impaired β-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation of renal arteries in hypertension. Chadha PS, Zunke F, Zhu HL, Davis AJ, Jepps TA, Olesen SP, Cole WC, Moffatt JD, Greenwood IA. Hypertension. 2012 Apr;59(4):877-84. doi: 10.1161/ HYPERTENSIONAHA.111.187427.
Potent vasorelaxant activity of the TMEM16A inhibitor T16A(inh) -A01. Davis AJ, Shi J, Pritchard HA, Chadha PS, Leblanc N, Vasilikostas G, Yao Z, Verkman AS, Albert AP, Greenwood IA. Br J Pharmacol. 2012 Sep 5. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02199.x. Resident phenotypically modulated vascular smooth muscle cells in healthy human arteries. Harhun MI, Huggins CL, RatnasinghamK, Raje D, Moss RF, Szewczyk K, Vasilikostas G, Greenwood IA, Khong TK, Wan A, Reddy M. J Cell Mol Med. 2012 Nov;16(11):2802-12. doi: 10.1111/j.1582- 4934.2012.01609.x. Elevation of plasma high-density lipoproteins inhibits development of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms. Torsney E, Pirianov G, Charolidi N, Shoreim A, Gaze D, Petrova S, Laing K, Meisinger T, XiongW, Baxter BT, Cockerill GW. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2012 Nov;32(11):267886. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.112.00009. Epub 2012 Sep 27. Genetics Human Genetics at St George’s has been at the forefront of gene discovery in the clinic and in genetic isolates. Our research staff have identified over 20 genes including genes for hereditary spastic paraplegia, epilepsy, lymphoedema, and malformation syndromes such as Robinow syndrome and Noonan syndrome. Our key themes are: cardiac genetics; lymphoedema; neurogenetics; and, disease gene discovery in genetic isolates.
Example prospective projects:
> Human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes as a model to investigate underlying genetic mechanism of drug-induced arrythmias
> Functional analysis of gene candidates for cardiovascular phenotypes
> Identifying the candidate gene responsible for genetic cases of Worster Drought syndrome
> Genetic investigation of yellow nail syndrome
Papers from past students include:
Defective presynaptic choline transport underlies hereditary motor neuropathy. Barwick KE, Wright J, Al-Turki S, McEntagart MM, Nair A, Chioza B, Al-Memar A, Modarres H, Reilly MM, Dick KJ, Ruggiero AM, Blakely RD, Hurles ME, Crosby AH. Am J Hum Genet. 2012 Dec 7;91(6):1103-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.09.019. Epub 2012 Nov 8. Striking phenotypic variability in familial TRPV4-axonal neuropathy spectrum disorder. Aharoni S, Harlalka G, Offiah A, Shuper A, Crosby AH, McEntagart M. Am JMed Genet A. 2011 Dec;155A(12):3153-6. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.34327. Epub 2011 Nov 7. Infection and Immunity Infection and Immunity at St George’s aims to discover new knowledge and treatments for some of the world’s most devastating infectious diseases and pathogens including HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium difficile. We focus on the following themes in particular: Microbe (Medical Microbiology Collaborating Unit and Applied Genomics -microbial and host); Immunity (Vaccinology and Immune responses in Infection); and, Human (Translational international infectious diseases and Clinical infection). Our major strength lies in integration genomics and translational research. We work collaboratively with colleagues from within St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, on a number of infection and immunological research interests. This clinical-research synergy underpins our strength in addressing infectious diseases at the molecular level through to phase III clinical trials.
Example prospective projects:
> Functional characterisation of a malarial parasite iron transport protein
> Glucose and respiratory infection
> Evaluation of antimicrobial peptides in vitro
> Lung-targeted vaccination for tuberculosis
> Evasion of innate immunity by paramyxoviruses
Papers from past students include:
Immune-complex mimics as a molecular platform for adjuvant-free vaccine delivery. Pepponi I, Stylianou E, van Dolleweerd C, Diogo GR, Paul MJ, Drake PM, Ma JK, Reljic R. PLoS One. 2013 Apr 23;8(4):e60855. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060855. Generation of self-renewing immature dendritic cells from mouse spleen that can take up mycobacteria and present antigens to T cells. Pal R, Marwaha S, Pepponi I, Mann JF, Paul MJ, Reljic R. APMIS. 2010 Oct;118(10):729-38. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2010.02650.x. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent and -independent pathways regulate hypoxic inhibition of transepithelial Na+ transport across human airway epithelial cells. Tan CD, Smolenski RT, Harhun MI, Patel HK, Ahmed SG, Wanisch K, Yáñez-Muñoz RJ, Baines DL. Br J Pharmacol. 2012 Sep;167(2):368-82. doi: 10.1111/j.14765381.2012.01993.x. Molecular Mechanisms of Cancers occur when the cellular pathways controlling cell proliferation Cancer and growth break down. The exact cell activity that is compromised varies between cancers, and cancer causing defects have been identified in many basic cellular processes such as DNA replication, DNA repair, cell division, growth factor metabolism, apoptosis, senescence and surface contact responses. Laboratories at St Georges are currently pursuing research in a wide variety of processes which are compromised in cancer, and the projects on offer will reflect this diversity. Projects will be mainly aimed at basic mechanisms although there will be an opportunity for some projects to be more closely related to clinical applications. This project area is aimed at those interested in understanding how basic cell pathways can be subverted during cancer development.
Example prospective projects:
> Validation of diagnostic markers for malignant brain tumours
> The role of the human TTC4 protein in apoptosis and cancer
> Mechanisms of Prostate Cancer Metastasis: An investigation into the mechanisms regulating the metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer
> Characterization of novel antiapoptotic proteins
Papers from past students include:
Drosophila RecQ4 is directly involved in both DNA replication and response to UV damage in S2 cells. Gilles Crevel, Nicole Vo, Isabelle Crevel, Sana Hamid, Lily Hoa, Seiji Miyata and Sue Cotterill PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e49505. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049505. Epub 2012 Nov 16. Histone deacetylase 2 is upregulated in normal and keloid scars. Fitzgerald O’Connor EJ, Badshah II, Addae LY, Kundasamy P, Thanabalasingam S, Abioye D, Soldin M, Shaw TJ. J Invest Dermatol. 2012 Apr;132(4):1293-6. doi: 10.1038/jid.2011.432. Epub 2011 Dec 29. Neuroscience Neuroscience at St Georges includes basic research and more clinically relevant projects. Basic research projects have included examining the calciumrelated intracellular processes related to memory, the effect of a legal highs on neurotransmitter levels, in vitro models of stroke and cell culture models of Alzheimer’s disease. More clinically related projects have included using MRI to study brain tumour size and examining human brain tissue using histopathological methods. We also hope to include clinical projects with Psychiatrists and Neurologists.
Example prospective projects:
> Properties of dopamine neurons measured using whole-cell patch-clamp
> Tissue imaging of transgenic mice models of Alzheimer’s Disease
> Neurochemistry of stroke in rodents
> Identification and neurochemistry of legal highs
Papers from past students include:
Harmine augments electrically evoked dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens shell. Brierley DI, Davidson C. J Psychopharmacol. 2013 Jan;27(1):98-108. doi: 10.1177/0269881112463125. Epub 2012 Oct 17.
ahin P, McCaig C, Jeevahan J, Murray JT, Hainsworth AH (2013). The S cell survival kinase SGK1 and its targets FOXO3a and NDRG1 in aged human brain. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol. Oct;39(6):623-33. doi: 10.1111/nan.12023.
Raby, J Ramsey & C Davidson (2013) Detection and in vitro C assessment of the legal high 3,4-CTMP a methylphenidate analogue. Oral Communication at the 2nd International Conference on New Psychoactive Substances, Swansea 2013.
Developments in harmine pharmacology – implications for ayahuasca use and drug-dependence treatment. Brierley D & Davidson C (2012) Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry 39, 263-272. Reproduction and Our focus is on ovarian function, and maternal and fetal events in Developmental Biology early pregnancy, as well as subsequent embryonic development with a particular emphasis on the cardiovascular aspects of these events. Building on already successful clinical collaborations and advancing translational research is a priority. Research projects will have an emphasis on reproductive endocrinology and cellular signalling in reproduction and development. Examples include: cellular aspects of ovarian function (including anovulatory infertility and wound healing), steroid hormone synthesis and metabolism, germ cell maturation and fertilization, integration, parturition, pre-term labour, development of germ cells and gonads, developmental genetic disorders that affect reproduction and control of embryo development.
Example prospective projects:
> Reproductive Endocrinology - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
> Impact of Pre-Natal Androgens on GlucocorticoidMetabolism in an Animal Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
> Regulation of the Maternal-Fetal Interface in Early Pregnancy
> Ovulation, Wound Repair & Ovarian Cancer
Papers from past students include: Project 1 Anti-MĂźllerian hormone reduces follicle sensitivity to follicle-stimulating hormone in human granulosa cells. Pellatt L, Rice S, Dilaver N, Heshri A, Galea R, Brincat M, Brown K, Simpson ER, Mason HD. Fertil Steril. 2011 Nov; 96(5):1246-51. Impaired decidual natural killer cell regulation of vascular remodelling in early human pregnancies with high uterine artery resistance. Fraser R, Whitley GS, Johnstone AP, Host AJ, Sebire NJ, Thilaganathan B, Cartwright JE. J Pathol. 2012 Nov; 228(3):322-32. doi: 10.1002/path.4057. Epub 2012 Jul 18.
Assessing your progress
Assessments are designed to help students with the preparation of the dissertation element of their research project. The assessments will help students critically review published work, to use appropriate experimental design and analysis of their experimental data. They will also enable students to develop scientific writing and presentation skills. The statistics module is assessed via examination while all other modules are assessed through written assignments or an oral presentation. The two option modules require the submission of a 2-3000 word report. Following the research project, students will be required to present a poster on their research.
Your future
Graduates of this course can use it to prepare for a research degree or career in the biomedical science field (e.g. PhD, the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnical supply companies). Alternatively, you may find it effective for accelerating your development within a current career. Graduates of the course may apply to complete the Medicine (Graduate Entry) degree or alternatively use this as a route into a PhD either at St George’s or elsewhere.
Entry requirements
Before the course commences, you should have, or expect to obtain, a degree in a subject which offers an appropriate grounding in biomedical sciences with at least a minimum classification of second class (or an equivalent overseas qualification).
Undergraduate degree or equivalent
+
English language if first language is not English
+
Other essential criteria > Work experience > Personal statement > Reference
Undergraduate degree or equivalent*
Undergraduate degree
Grade
2:2 honours minimum
Subject
Biomedical science or a science related subject
*Must be completed, awarded and certified by 1 August 2015. Failure to comply with this may result in withdrawal of offer by St George’s.
International qualifications
1. Determine the UK equivalent of your qualification by visiting UK NARIC website (ecctis.co.uk/naric/)
2. If your qualification meets our entry requirements you are eligible to apply.
3. Provide a copy of your qualifications and a copy of the UK NARIC certificate of comparability at application.
If you would like an Admissions Officer to review your qualification, please send a copy of your qualification to pgadmiss@sgul.ac.uk. Please ensure that the qualification is translated into English (if not already in English), by a certified translator.
English language
If English is not your first language while studying, evidence of your proficiency must be dated within the last two years. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Applicants must achieve a minimum overall score of 6.5, with no section less than 6.0 Applicants who have sat the examination more than twice in one year will not be considered. Exceptions to this requirement can be found on our English language web pages.
Other essential criteria
Work experience Applicants are recommended to have relevant work experience dated within the last three years, however it is not mandatory Personal statement Applicants will be required to outline reasons for applying for the course and preferred research project area. Reference Applicants will be expected to provide two satisfactory references to support their application both dated within the last year (from date of application). One of these must be a recent academic reference and the other should be either a second academic reference or a professional/employer reference.
Application and interview
Application deadline for Home/EU and international applicants is 30 June 2015. The course can take a maximum number of students owing to the number of available projects. Early applications are encouraged and will be confirmed on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. The application form for 2015/16 entry is available to download from our website www.sgul.ac.uk/mresbiomedicalscience The application form and supporting documentation should be returned to:
Postgraduate Admissions Officer Admissions, Registry St George’s, University of London Cranmer Terrace London SW17 0RE
Or, emailed directly to: pgadmiss@sgul.ac.uk
Applicants will be required to submit additional documents to support their application form, without these, the application will be considered incomplete. Documents are highlighted in the document check list found on our website at www.sgul.ac.uk/ mresbiomedicalscience International applicants Applicants applying from outside of the UK and EU should visit the following link for further application advice, including guidance on: immigration, English language requirements, accommodation, UK fees and finance and international student support. www.sgul.ac.uk/international
Interviews
Are conducted by two members of staff and normally take place approximately twice a month throughout the spring and summer months. You will be notified via email if you are invited to interview.
Admissions Timeline
30 November 2014
Applications open
9 December 2014
Open evening
January 2015
Open evening – dates to be confirmed (please see website)
27 April 2015 Application reminder; refer to Biomedical Science MRes document check list and Reference Request Form 30 June 2015 UK, EU & International applications close March - September
Interviews held twice a month
End of September 2015
Semester Starts
Fees & Funding
Please see our website for up to date fee information. Scholarships are usually available every year to support MRes study. Current details can be found on the MRes pages of the website. Please note that invoices will be issued for the whole amount at the start of the course but arrangements for payment by termly instalments may be negotiated during the induction week.
* 2015 entry fees are subject to annual review and change
PG open events sgul.ac.uk We hope this brochure opens a window onto who we are and what we do. In short, you can undertake a specialist postgraduate qualification, on a hospital site in a thriving London location, leading, we trust to an extraordinary future in a research career. The best way to get a real sense of the culture at St George’s, its proximity to the Hospital and research centres and how that will impact on your studies is to come to one of our Postgraduate open events. We will do our best to: > Tell you about your course of interest > Give you a tour of our facilities > Give you some insight into student life > Offer advice on finance > Give you a chance to question current students and academic staff For more information and to register onto an open event please visit www.sgul.ac.uk/visitus E study@sgul.ac.uk T +44 (0)20 8725 2333
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The material contained in this brochure is a guide only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that its content is correct and up-to-date at the time of printing, St George’s, University of London reserves the right, without prior notice, to cease to offer programmes of study, or to amend curricula, methods and modes of teaching and assessment, entry requirements and any other details. St George’s, University of London confirms its commitment to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities and endeavours to avoid discrimination against any person on the grounds of religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, marital or parental status or politics. We strive to ensure that all members of the institution behave with courtesy towards each other that students and staff can work in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We encourage applications from members of groups that are currently under-represented.