Experimental Physiology

The taught MSc in Experimental Physiology is an ideal programme for students that are interested in a biomedical research or laboratory-based career in academia or industry. The programme focuses on basic research skills and laboratory techniques that are taught in a structured modularised format spread over three trimesters. This programme provides invaluable exposure to the research environment and is ideal preparation for those considering a further research degree. To date 75% of graduates from this programme have gone on to enrol in PhD programmes within UCD.



Robust reproducible science is the foundation of biomedical discovery. The MSc in Experimental Physiology programme focuses on teaching practical laboratory techniques and fundamental biomedical research skills. A key feature of this programme is that all students experience one-on-one teaching within research groups that are supervised by internationally renowned investigators. This unique learning environment allows students to perfect fundamental laboratory techniques and apply them to current research questions in an active world-class research environment.



What Will I Learn?

The aim of this programme is to provide in-depth laboratory-based training in a variety of techniques that are commonly used in physiological and biomedical research laboratories, and in industrial research and development facilities. In addition to mastering common laboratory techniques (such as Western blotting, cell culture, real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry) students will learn how to appropriately apply these techniques in order to address research questions. Via optional modules, students will also be introduced to cutting edge developments in “Omics” technologies, flow cytometry, and imaging.



Knowledge and Understanding

Successful completion of this programme will require students to demonstrate specialized knowledge in the area of experimental design and various methodological processes related to assessing physiological functions at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and/or organismal level. Students will acquire advanced theoretical and conceptual knowledge relating to various laboratory techniques that are used in the research environment to assess physiological function. Students will consider how current laboratory techniques have been developed and be required to understand the theory behind such techniques. Students will develop an understanding of the importance of experimental design and technical rigour as they relate to current debates, such as the challenges of scientific reproducibility, and see the opportunity for improving practice in the research environment.



Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Students should be able to use their problem-solving skills to optimise assays and refine experimental techniques so that they can be successfully used to address questions relating to physiological functions. Although the emphasis of this programme is not the generation of new knowledge through research there will be the opportunity for students to develop their experimental skills in the context of ongoing research activities. For example students may conduct defined experiments in contribution to an ongoing project or help develop or optimise assays that will then be used by other researchers to address specific research questions.



Making Judgements

While developing their skills in specific laboratory techniques students will learn to critically analyse published data in order to judge the validity of current methodologies. On successful completion of this programme students should be able to integrate their technical and theoretical knowledge in order to reflect on wider scientific issues, as well as the social and ethical responsibilities, that are associated with the production of scientific data.



Communications and Working Skills

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to communicate their experimental findings, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously.



Learning Skills

Successful completion of this programme will require a high level of self-directed learning. Students will be required to conduct thorough literature searches, compare published methods and research findings, and develop the skills that are required to autonomously design, develop, and conduct physiological research



Course Features

• One-on-one teaching in an active research laboratory

• Balance of laboratory-based practical modules and modules relating to cutting edge techniques, data analysis, scientific writing and communication, innovation, ethics, and integrity

• Focus on mastering research techniques and experimental design

• Horizons broadened via weekly research seminars

• Perfect foundation for further post-graduate research or industrial research career

• Taught by internationally renowned experts.



NFQ Level: 9 (90 credits)

Level: Graduate Taught

Award: Master of Science

Stage 1 Core Modules

PHYS40300: Narrative Literature Review

MDCS42340: Stage1 Trans Research Skills A

PHYS40090: Analysis of Gene Expression - PCR

PHYS40100: Analysis of protein distribution in tissues - Immunohistochemistry

PHYS40110: Analysis of protein expression - Western Blot

PHYS40120: Cell Culture for Physiological Research

SCI50010: Online Research Skills

SCI50020: Research Integrity Online

BMOL50070: Public Science Communication

MDCS42350: Stage1 Trans Research Skills B

CNWY40010: Conway Lecture & Seminar Series

CNWY40180: Introduction to Core Research



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:

Select 35 credits of optional modules. Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002.

CNWY40120: Advanced Biological Imaging

MDCS41410: Teaching in Higher Education

PHYS40170: Fundamentals of Physiological Research

IA40470: Entrepreneurship: Application and Mindset

SCI50030: Academic Writing for Science for Postgraduate students

IA40430: Creative Thinking & Innovation

IA50000: Communicating for Impact

IA50002: Entrepreneurship: Application and Mindset

IA50004: Creative Thinking & Innovation

PHYS40130: Cellular Physiology

PHYS40140: In Vivo Physiology

PHYS40150: Molecular Physiology

PHYS40160: Tissue Physiology

CNWY40090: Introduction to 'Omic' and Advanced Imaging Technologies

BIOL40390: Quantitative Tools for the Life Sciences

BIOL40550: Scientific Writing and Communication

CNWY40130: Flow Cytometry: Principles and Practice

CNWY40160: Applied Proteomics

CNWY41160: Statistical Analysis of Proteomic Mass Spectrometric Protein Identification Data

Science graduates with a BSc in physiology or a related biomedical discipline who are:

• Interested in a research or technical career in industry

• Interested in molecular/cellular physiology and it’s application to translational research

• Interested in expanding their analytical and critical research skills

• Thinking about doing a PhD in any biomedical discipline and looking for a strong foundation course



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme.



Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax) for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

90

1 year full-time

Delivery: On Campus

MSc Experimental Physiology (X846) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 7120

nonEU fee per year - € 13695


***Fees are subject to change

X846: MSc Experimental Physiology Full-Time

Master of Science



Full-Time: Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Upon completion of this programme students will be equipped with the skills necessary to pursue a biomedical research or laboratory-based career in academia or industry. This programme provides invaluable exposure to the research environment and is ideal preparation for those considering a further research degree (75% of our graduates have obtained PhD positions and are thriving in the research environment). Transferable skills in online research, data analysis, communication, scientific writing, and innovation can also open up a diverse array of opportunities outside of the laboratory.