Find out more about studying MSc Molecular Medicine at University of Essex? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
University of Essex
Full Time
Jan 2027
1 Year
Molecular medicine is transforming the way we understand and treat human diseases, from cancers to neurodegenerative disorders. Combining contemporary medical studies with biochemistry and molecular biology, this rapidly advancing area creates a bridge between the subjects, and draws on other fields such as physics, chemistry, biology and medicine.This course examines how normal cellular processes are affected by disease. You gain an understanding of the core foundations of molecular medicine, studying the topics most relevant to the real world, and how this science may be used in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.You learn about and appraise the approaches that can be used to address global health problems, including cancer as well as genetic and infectious diseases.The course has a very high proportion of practical work that provides valuable experience for your career. Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. Therefore to ensure your course is as relevant and up-to-date as possible, your module structure may be subject to change. Your research project will immerse you in a research environment, allowing you to conduct your research alongside our expert academics and PhD students in shared labs.
This module provides you with the research methods and analytical skills that are necessary to carry out a research project on a specific topic.
The development of techniques to manipulate and analyse nucleic acids has revolutionised the study of biology, and provided the key driver for massive expansion in biotechnology. You explore the major tools used in gene technology and gain a practical understanding of how they are used, as well as the molecular techniques that can be used to explore biological questions. Gain an understanding of the impact of gene technology and synthetic biology and explore the applications of genome scale methods for studying gene expression in biotechnology and molecular medicine.
Explore the features and properties of proteins, and examine how they are related to function, as well as their wider role within important biological processes. Getting hands-on, you produce, isolate, purify and characterise proteins with biotechnological potential, as well gaining valuable experience in obtaining and analysing proteomic data.
Your Research Project is the most substantial piece of work you will complete as part of your degree. A chance to focus on one chosen topic in depth, you develop skills in experimental design, problem solving and the analysis and interpretation of data. You are also expected to effectively articulate your ideas and findings, enhancing vital skills in presentation and communication.
Gain invaluable insight into the functioning of the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical industries, investigate some of the most timely and contentious topics in Biotechnology, and develop transferable professional and research skills to enhance your chances of securing employment in the field.
Molecular Medicine, underpinned by developments in molecular biology, has had a major impact on human diseases of socio-economic importance. Molecular Medicine is concerned with the elucidation of disease mechanisms including genetically inherited diseases. This module aims to help you gain an understanding of how basic gene and protein-based technologies are applied in biomedical research and human medicine, with particular emphasis on relevance to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. Explore the molecular basis of various disease types and molecular applications in diagnostics and development of new therapeutics. Discover likely future developments in the post-genomic era.
The sequencing of the human genome is one of the biggest achievements of this century. Nowadays, genomics is leading to major advances in biotechnology and molecular medicine, such as enhanced diagnostic tools, better vaccines, improved treatments for disease, and better detection of pollutants. In this module, you gain an understanding of current genomics approaches, including genome sequencing and comparative genomics. You also learn how to study your own genomic data, using state-of-the-art computational resources.
