MSc in Integrative Biology


Course summary

Many students are familiar with using IT and hence are not intimidated by the prospect of spending more time in front of a computer than in a laboratory. It is also becoming apparent in a growing number of undergraduate courses that modelling the biological system of interest is the way to make the discoveries ahead of the experimental work confirming the result in reality. At the very least, the subject offers a way to choose which are the most appropriate experiments to carry out, so that the rate of successful discoveries in the laboratory will increase.

Course Structure

Students are required to accumulate 180 credits comprising 120 credits in Part I (provided as taught modules, delivered in the Autumn and Spring semesters and consisting of a mixture of compulsory and optional topics), with a qualifying barrier for progression to the 60-credit Part II (Project) component completed in association with biomedical scientists and submitted for assessment at the end of the Summer Period.

Knowledge and understanding

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
  • The mathematical and computational techniques to make useful and effective models of biological systems including and spanning the physical scales from chemistry, through molecular and cellular biology, to whole organism anatomy/physiology and population biology.
  • The information and informatics resources available to make these models.
  • The application and understanding of Integrative Biology techniques to a specific research project.
  • The role of multi-disciplinary work in Integrative Biology.
  • The application of Integrative Biology in the private sector.