Bioscience is the collective term for the interrelated disciplines that deal with the structure, function and behaviour of living organisms and systems. The functioning of living systems is dependent on a complex hierarchy of interactions operating at many different levels of organisation from molecules to populations. The focus of study may vary from molecular and cellular biology, to whole organism biology and to ecology the biosphere and the environment. All branches of the biosciences share a common empirical scientific method, ie, they involve the experimental collection and interpretation of data and are philosophically linked via an acceptance of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. The MRes Bioscience places particular emphasis on understanding whole organism biology and/or the interactions between organisms and their environment.
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 2 years
Course structure
The M.Res Bioscience is a research-based postgraduate course. The course is one-year full-time (two years part-time) and designed to provide graduates with the foundations for a career in research, industry, the public sector or academia. To be awarded the MRes students must obtain 180 M-level credits, 80 credits from taught and subject-specific modules and 100 credits through the completion of an extensive research project.
The MRes degree serves as a qualification in its own right for entry to a research career in industry, or as an enhanced route of entry to a PhD programme. The course provides high quality postgraduate training in the methods and practice of research not normally offered in conventional taught masters courses. The course develops the skills and the knowledge of graduates enabling them to carry out research in a manner that maximises their personal and professional potential and achieve the greatest benefits for the organisations employing them.
Throughout the course students have the opportunity, with guidance, to assess their suitability for a career in industry or further research training. The research project provides a real intellectual challenge and thus enables the student to demonstrate creativity and initiative and, where appropriate, provide a foundation for doctoral study. The course is structured to include a significant research component comprising at least 50 per cent of the working year and a series of supporting taught courses that make up the rest of the year.
Areas of study
The Master of Research is a qualification designed specifically to provide students with an initial training in research with the expectation that students will progress to undertake a research-based career in academia or industry. The course provides a flexible opportunity to obtain high-level research-based training combined with the development of academic and professional skills necessary for employment. The particular focus of the course is given by the students' choice of research project topic, which also determines the topics studied in the URTF modules. Because of this the exact nature of the course is to some extent unique to each individual student.
The core research methodologies module at the heart of the MRes equips students with a fundamental understanding of the research process across a wide and dynamic range of disciplines.
The extended research project gives the opportunity for cutting edge research to be relevant area. Additional elements of the course aim to provide an integrated, employment-focused, research training programme for students wishing to develop their research skills within the biosciences. The choices of subject-specific modules available provide opportunities to study aspects of molecular biology, whole organism biology, ecology and GIS.
Syllabus
Compulsory modules
Research Processes and Methodologies
Work-in-progress Seminars
Research Project
Contextual modules
Action learning sets
Critical Analysis
Business and Management Practice
Qualitative Research Methods
Introduction to Statistics using Excel and Minitab
Advanced Statistical Analysis
Teaching Your Research
Options
Research Frontiers in Equine Sports Performance
Ecology Field Skills
Ecological Data Analysis
Geographic Information Systems and EA
GIS in Environmental Applications
Water Quality Analysis
Analytical Techniques for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences
Bioanalytical Techniques for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences
Graduates will be equipped with a foundation of knowledge and skills for careers in research, in industry, the public sector or the academic world. The MRes provides a well-rounded, practical research-based training, plus the necessary transferable skills to prepare graduates for employment.
The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.
The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.
To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.
Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.
| Bioscience (MRes) (Full time) | [P3BC003] |
| UK/EU (Full Time) | 4,320 GBP |
| Island Students (Full Time) | 8,925 GBP |
| International (Full Time) | 12,750 GBP |
You should not apply unless you can meet all the entry requirements for this course. Please contact the course team before applying if you are unsure about any of the specific entry requirements.
Entry requirements
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.5 overall and 6.0 in writing.
Degree and/or experience:
Good honours degree in chemical, biological, pharmaceutical or related discipline.
01273 642684
pabs@brighton.ac.uk
If you are an international student, contact us on:
+44 (0) 207 250 6749
international@brighton.ac.uk
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