MSc in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research

What if you could train across disciplines?

Are you a biologist interested in physical sciences? Or a mathematician, a physicist or a chemist interested in biomedical problems? Our MSc in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research (IBR) could be for you.

Our core philosophy

Our goal is to prepare you for your next career stage, whether in academia or industry.

The MSc in IBR is a vibrant scientific community where you will gain knowledge in both life and physical sciences and train with the very best professional researchers in cutting-edge labs.

You will acquire a multidisciplinary mind-set, gain intellectual and practical skills across disciplines and develop as well-rounded scientists.

Why this course?

• You will be part of a unique course in the UK.
• You will learn and work across disciplines in a true multidisciplinary course.
• You will acquire intellectual and experimental skills and develop solid analytical skills necessary to tackle biomedical problems from different perspectives.
• You will pro-actively decide your future research expertise by choosing two laboratory projects.
• You will be fully trained to write, present and disseminate your future findings.
• You will be part of a strong interactive student community with well-established cohort activities.
• You will be supported by dedicated academics, personal tutors and administrative staff to thoroughly prepare your next professional step.

Course content

Terms 1 and 2:

• You will attend taught modules to develop and equip you with cross-disciplinary skills. You will receive training in cutting-edge microscopy techniques; statistics and data analysis, programming, molecular biology, biophysics or chemistry.
• You will attend Master's classes where active academics present their research projects.
• You will receive guidance to choose and design your two lab projects.

Term 3 and Summer Term:

• You will undergo two lab projects (2 x 3 months) in two different disciplines.
• You will attend the annual student conference and present your projects.

All year through:

• You will engage in team building, organisation of cohort events, departmental seminars and more, as part of a transferable skills module.
• You will meet with academics, the course director, staff members and students on a monthly basis to support your personal development for you to hit the ground running when taking your next professional step.

Modules

Core Modules

• Frontier Techniques in Biomedical Research
• Essential and Transferable Research Skills
• Physical Biology of the Cell
• Laboratory Project one
• Laboratory Project two

Optional core modules (2021)

• Statistics for Data Analysis
• Programming for Biomedical Data Analysis
• Mathematical Modelling for Biosystems
• Microscopy and Imaging
• Mass Spectrometry
• Molecular Biology: Principles and Techniques

Optional core modules (2022)

• Statistics for Data Analysis
• Programming for Biomedical Data Analysis
• Mathematical Modelling for Biosystems
• Microscopy and Imaging
• Mass Spectrometry
• Molecular Biology: Principles and Techniques

Teaching methods and assessment

This course is all about being interactive. A balanced mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, hands-on and problem-solving sessions, as well as lab work, will train you to tackle biomedical issues with creativity.

Our ethos is that assessments should reflect real-life situations and be a method to learn and progress.

As such, you will be assessed in many different ways, including short reports, dissertation, oral presentations, oral exams, posters and podcasts and more traditional written exams.

Award: Degree of Master of Science
Duration: 1 year full-time only
Location of study: University of Warwick