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Molecular Mechanistic Toxicology MRes

Start date
September
Duration
1 year
Course Type
Postgraduate, Combined research and taught
Fees
£4,778 FT (UK students)
£27,360 FT (International Students)
More detail

Our Molecular Mechanistic Toxicology MRes provides a research-orientated extension of molecular biology into the subject of molecular mechanistic toxicology. The School of Biosciences is internationally recognised as a major centre for toxicology, offering a research-led and highly interactive teaching environment.

One of the most rapidly developing areas of toxicology. 

This programme provides students with a research-orientated training in the application of molecular and cell biology to develop an understanding of chemical toxicity at the cellular and molecular level. You will study within a lively, highly interactive teaching and research environment.

One of the most rapidly developing areas of toxicology is the use of molecular, cell biology and omics to identify adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) and to develop a mechanistic understanding of chemical toxicity at the cellular and molecular level. This is not only of fundamental interest (i.e., understanding the mechanism of action) but it also relates to an increased need for a mechanistic component in chemical risk assessment and development of high throughput screens for chemical toxicity.

The MRes in Molecular Mechanistic Toxicology is a one-year full-time programme that provides students with a research-orientated training in a lively, highly interactive teaching and research environment.

Why study this course?

Toxicology relates to many aspects of our everyday activities, so a career in this field promises to provide a variety of opportunities aimed at improving the standard of life and the environment.

We offer two Masters degrees in Toxicology:

  • This Research Masters in Molecular Mechanistic Toxicology
  • A taught MSc in Toxicology

Molecular Toxicology - A multi-disciplinary science

Toxicology is an expanding field with good career prospects. The MRes is a 1-year full time programme (commencing in late September) that provides a research-orientated extension of a molecular biology background into the subject of molecular mechanistic toxicology.

We strive to provide a lively, highly interactive teaching and research environment. Training is provided by members of Academia, Industry, Hospitals and Government Institutes.

Modules

  • Metabolism and Mechanisms of Toxicity
  • Forensic, Clinical and Occupational Toxicology
  • Toxicology Skills Module
  • Laboratory research project


Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

Home students - Standard tuition fees apply

International students - Standard international tuition fees apply (research) - This programme is in Fee Band 3a (Laboratory).

Fees for 2024/25

  • Code 5271: UK students £4,778 FT
  • Code 5271: International students £27,360 FT only

Scholarships and studentships

Scholarships may be available. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government. Visit the Intenational scholarships page.

For further information contact the School directly or get in touch with the Funding, Graduation & Awards via the online enquiries system.

How To Apply

International students requiring visas

1 July 2024 is the application deadline for international students who require a visa to study in the United Kingdom. We are not able to consider applications for 2024 made after this date; a new application will need to be made for September 2025.

UK students

31 August 2024 is the application deadline for UK students. We are not able to consider applications for 2024 made after this date; a new application will need to be made for September 2025.

Applications for 2024 entry are now open.

Making your application

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

At least a 2:1 Honours degree with a substantial component of molecular biology.

Learn more about entry requirements. 

International Requirements



International Students

English language requirements

Standard English language requirements apply (IELTS: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band)


  • IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band
  • TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component

Toxicology Research at Birmingham

The programme is coordinated by the School of Biosciences, which is recognised internationally as a major centre for both teaching and research in toxicology.

Specific areas of active research include:

  • Mechanisms of cell toxicity
  • Cellular proliferation and differentiation
  • Environmental genomics
  • Molecular biomarkers of genotoxicity and stress responses.
  • Non-genotoxic carcinogens and intercellular communication
  • Role of environmental and genetic factors in neurological disease

Learning and teaching

Two five-week taught modules are held in Semester 1 in conjunction with the taught MSc in Toxicology programme. Training in generic and laboratory research skills is also an important element of the programme. The programme also includes a six-month research project, which provides students with an opportunity for further advanced research training and hands-on experience of molecular and cellular biology techniques embedded in a research laboratory. Research projects can take place either in academic or industrial institutions.

Semester 1

  • Module 1 Metabolism and Mechanisms of Toxicity (20 credits)
  • Module 2 Forensic, Clinical and Occupational Toxicology (20 credits)
  • Practical Skills for Toxicologists (20 credits)

Semester 2:

  • Laboratory research project (120 credits)


Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Assessment

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, coursework, practical classes, student seminars and placement in a research laboratory. The taught component is assessed by a combination of examinations and coursework. The dissertation component is assessed by preparation of a research thesis. 

What will I learn about on this degree programme?

This programme will provide you with the theoretical knowledge required to understand the mechanisms of chemical toxicity at the cellular and molecular level. This includes an advanced understanding of metabolism of xenobiotics (foreign compounds) and their interaction with cellular targets like proteins, lipids and DNA as well as how toxicity is tested for using new biological techniques such as the 'omics'. You will also learn how to relate this to the assessment of environmental and pharmaceutical chemical safety.

The theoretical knowledge gained in the taught component is linked to research training in state of the art molecular and cellular biology techniques to investigate and understand the mechanisms of chemical toxicity. Students will also receive more generic training in transferable skills such as presentation of scientific data to peers via poster and oral communications, report writing, statistical analysis of biological data, experimental design and critical appraisal of scientific data.

Programme content

The programme is coordinated by the School of Biosciences, which is recognised internationally as a major centre for both teaching and research in Toxicology. Molecular Toxicology is a major component of the School of Biosciences research activities along with interactions with other Schools including Chemistry and the Medical School.

Specific areas of active research include:

  • Mechanisms of cell toxicity
  • Development of novel DNA binding chemicals
  • Cellular proliferation and differentiation
  • Environmental genomics and metabolomics
  • Molecular biomarkers of genotoxicity, oxidative stress and cellular responses
  • Role of environmental and genetic factors in disease

What skills will I gain from this degree programme?

The skills that you will learn from this degree programme include:

  • Practical experience of state of the art research techniques in molecular mechanistic toxicology MRes Molecular Mechanistic Toxicology Research Masters in Toxicology
  • An understanding of the cellular and molecular basis for chemical toxicity and its implications for chemical safety and risk assessment
  • An appreciation of the scientific method and experimental design
  • How to critically interpret scientific data and literature
  • How to analyse and present your data to your scientific peers through oral and poster communications as well as written reports.

Assessment Methods

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, coursework, practical classes, student seminars and placement in a research laboratory. The taught component is assessed by a combination of examinations and coursework. The dissertation component is assessed by preparation of a research thesis.

There is a demand for Toxicologists with molecular biology training in industry and other research organisations. The skills you gain from this course will stand you in good stead to enter research-based careers in the pharmaceutical industry and the medical sciences. You will also have enhanced your opportunities to further your research training by studying for the degree of PhD.

Skills gained

After completing the course you will have gained a detailed knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of chemical toxicity (eg, polymorphisms and metabolism, genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogens, mechanisms of apoptosis, cDNA microarray and other high throughput screening strategies). You will also be able to critically evaluate and interpret available scientific literature and effectively present the results of your research to peers using both written reports and oral communications. The programme will help you to develop laboratory skills and enable you to effectively interact in a research laboratory setting.