Medicine - Experimental Medicine

Overview
In this MSc program the students will be exposed to theoretical and practical training of Experimental Medicine skills giving a great emphasis towards clinical translation. The modules will focus on State-Of-The-Art Experimental Medicine Skills on the research and clinical translation related to vascular, respiratory and infection/immunity related diseases, which will be linked to a full spectrum of research projects based on translational experimental medicine covered from animal and human models of disease through to the design and implementation of clinical trials.

Experimental Medicine also aims to identify mechanisms of pathophysiology of disease, and demonstrate proof-of-concept evidence of the efficacy and importance of new discoveries or treatments. It spans fundamental research in the biosciences to the application of new strategies towards clinical translation that will improve delivery of healthcare. There is an increasing need for graduates who can undertake basic and clinical research and translate it into improved medical treatments for patients.

This research-intensive MSc programme in Experimental Medicine will equip the students with the rigorous research skills, and the innovative mentality to tackle the major medical and therapeutic challenges of the 21st century.

The MSc in Experimental Medicine is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in experimental medicine, whether it is in academia, clinical practice, industry, or government. The programme will also provide an excellent platform for progression to PhD programmes either in Queen’s or worldwide.

The MSc in Experimental Medicine will develop a strong fundamental understanding of high-quality biomedical research, including experimental design and execution, data management and interpretation, and scientific communication, including publishing, presentation, and use of social media.

The programme offers comprehensive research training with access to over 60 research groups and the state-of-the-art research facilities at the Wellcome Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine (WWIEM). Research facilities include Central Technology Units for Imaging and Genomics which are leading the way in research excellence and innovative healthcare.

Year 1
Core Modules
• Experimental Medicine towards Clinical Translation (20 credits)
• Advanced Research Skills in Experimental Medicine (20 credits)
• Research Project (60 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)
• Fundamental Research Skills in Experimental Medicine (20 credits)

Course Structure
Students will undertake 3 taught modules (20 CATS each; 60 CATS).
Students also undertake an intensive research project (60 CATS)

The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete 60 CATS of taught modules, Research Project (60 CATS) and a Dissertation (60 CATS).

A Diploma Exit qualification is available to those students who have successfully complete 120 CATS points. A Certificate Exit qualification is available to those students who have successfully complete 60 CATS points.

Graduate
Normally a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a biological sciences-related subject. Evidence of equivalent professional qualifications (MBBS, BDS or BVSc) or experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Intercalating Medical and Dental Applicants
i) QUB
Intercalating medical and dental students within QUB will be considered if they have successfully completed the third year of their course at first attempt and achieved at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree standard. Intercalating applicants should also ensure they have permission to intercalate from either the Director of Medical Education or Dentistry as appropriate.

ii) External
An external medical or dental student wishing to intercalate must have successfully completed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying. External intercalating applicants should also ensure they have the permission of the Head of Undergraduate Medical/Dental Education or equivalent from their home University.

iii) International
• Applicants who are currently studying an overseas Medical (e.g. MBBS or MbChB) or Dental degree at a recognised institution acceptable to the University, may apply.

• Applicants must have passed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying, normally 3rd year for those completing a 5 year programme or 4th year for those completing a 6 year programme.

• Applicants may be required to provide details of the medical or dental curriculum they are studying in order to confirm compatibility.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2024 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal.

How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Assessment is by a combination of oral presentations and written assignments. The research project is written up as a dissertation.

1 year full-time.

Teaching Times
9:00am - 4:00pm.

Entry Year: 2024/25

Career Prospects
Introduction
The programme is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in experimental medicine, whether it is in academia, clinical practice, industry or government. The programme will also provide an excellent platform for progression to PhD programmes either in Queen’s or worldwide.