Personalised Healthcare Stream - MRes in Biomedical Research
The Personalised Healthcare stream provides world-class training in research at the interface between clinical and basic science. The stream aims to equip the next generation of researchers in biomedicine with the necessary research skills and professional awareness required to deliver the goal of improved human health by personalising therapy.
The emphasis is on the use of molecular approaches to understand and predict individual variability in disease risk, pathological progression and benefit from therapeutic intervention.
Based in the Department of Surgery & Cancer the stream is a unique opportunity to interact with, and receive training from, leading clinical and laboratory scientists.
Starting in October 2012, MRC Advanced Course Masters Studentships will be available for the Personalised Healthcare stream. Please contact Dr Hector Keun for more information.
Stream Objectives
At a glance...
Course code: A1BA
Duration: 1 year full-time
Start date: October
Entry Requirements: A good first degree (2:1 or better) from a UK university or non-UK equivalent.
Organised by: Department of Surgery and Cancer
Course Director: Professor Nigel Gooderham
Stream Organiser: Dr Hector Keun
How to apply
- Please refer to guidance on the Admissions page
This course will provide research training in fundamental biochemical techniques but will also emphasise cutting-edge technologies for molecular profiling (e.g. transcriptomics, proteomics and metabonomics), biomarker and drug target discovery, pharmacology and drug metabolism, systems biology, bioinformatics, and the translation of laboratory findings or techniques into the clinical research environment.
Training will be research-based but will also contain some theoretical elements and will expose students to the latest developments in the field through case studies and a series of technical workshops. Students will gain experience in applying technologically advanced approaches to biomedical research questions.
Individuals who successfully complete the course will have developed the ability to:
- Utilise a range of practical and informatic molecular techniques
- Exercise theoretical and practical knowledge and competence required for employment in a variety of biomedical environments
- Identify appropriate methodology during experimental planning
- Interpret and present scientific data
- Interrogate relevant scientific literature and develop research plans
- Recognise the importance of justifying expenditure (cost and time) during experimental planning
- Recognise potential methodological failings and strategise accordingly
- Perform novel laboratory based research, and exercise critical scientific thought in the interpretation of findings
- Write and defend research reports, which appraise the results of laboratory based scientific study
- Communicate effectively through writing, oral presentations and IT to facilitate further study or employment in molecular, cellular and physiological science
- Exercise a range of transferable skills
Ultimately it is the goal of this stream to set a direction for scientific and professional development that can lead to an independent research career in biomedicine. Please note that Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates for part-completion are not available for this course.
The Department of Surgery & Cancer includes laboratories situated in all major campuses of Imperial College including South Kensington, Hammersmith Hospital, St Mary’s Hospital and Charing Cross.
Projects
A wide range of research projects is made available to students twice a year. The range of projects available to each student is determined by their stream. Students may have access to projects from other streams, but have priority only on projects offered by their own stream. For more information about the type of research opportunities offered to PH students, please see the research project examples.
For more information on how to apply see admissions.
Back to the Course Overview.
