Molecular Plant and Microbial Sciences

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 11.6 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 33 k / Year(s)  
11 place StudyQA ranking:3300 Duration:1 year

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The backbone of the MRes in Molecular Plant and Microbial Sciences is a 12-month period of research starting in the first week of October.

It consists of two research projects performed in research groups focusing on plant genetic engineering, plant development, plant molecular biology, proteomics, plant biochemistry, plant-microbe interactions, transcriptomics and bioinformatics.

In parallel with your research project, you may also attend lectures from relevant advanced courses delivered at Imperial, such as Advanced Topics in Plant Molecular Biology.

You will also attend seminars organised either by individual research groups or collectively by the plant and microbial sciences academics.

The backbone of the MRes in Molecular Plant and Microbial Sciences is a twelve month period of research which starts in the first week of October. The course enables students to join active research groups focusing on plant genetic engineering, plant development, plant molecular biology, molecular markers, membrane biophysics, proteomics, plant biochemistry, plant-microbe interactions, transcriptomics and bioinformatics.

Research topics will be interdisciplinary and will include two different, but sometimes related, areas of work. Research topics are chosen by students in consultation with staff, and will usually complement current research being undertaken within the section. Workshops and seminars in transferable skills are organised by the Graduate School of Life Sciences and Medicine.

The course is based at the South Kensington campus.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Career opportunities continue to expand as the potential of plant biotechnology is realised by employers, research companies and governments. A high proportion of our graduates are expected to enter further research leading to a PhD degree. There may be opportunities to join one of the Research Council-funded institutes, which develop and monitor a range of aspects of plant biotechnology.

Some graduates may gain employment in the food industry and agrochemical companies, which are increasingly focused on modern approaches to plant breeding. New developments in biofuels research offer future employment opportunities.

Year One: Term one: All students attend an induction week and a lecture series by academic members of staff to provide an introduction into the subject areas present in the Plant and Microbial Science section. They then have discussions with members of staff about possible research projects, carry out a literature survey of the prospective research area and write a short outline of the proposed research. Research work commences in term week 3. A mid-term project progress presentation is given to fellow students and members of staff in week 10. Students will in parallel attend courses provided by GSLSM and / or lectures from the course “Advanced topics in Plant Molecular Biology” to obtain additional background knowledge. Students will also attend the Plant and Microbial Sciences seminar series. Term Two: Students hand in the project report (max 8000 words) in week 22 and give a final project presentation in week 23. This is followed by an oral examination with two members of staff. A second project (supervised by a different member of staff) is decided upon, a literature survey is carried out and students write a short summary of the proposed research before starting the research project. Students will attend the Plant and Microbial Sciences seminar series. Term Three: Students continue their respective research projects and give a mid project progress report in the form of a presentation in week 36 to fellow students and members of staff. In week 47 the students hand in the 2nd project report (8000 words max), give a final project presentation and have an oral examination with two outside examiners. Students will attend the Plant and Microbial Sciences seminar series.

The minimum qualification for admission is normally an Upper Second Class honours degree in a Science-based subject from an UK academic institution or an equivalent overseas qualification. Where an applicant has a lesser degree qualification but has at least 3 years of work experience in biology, agriculture or a related discipline, a special case for admission may be submitted to the Graduate School of Life Sciences and Medicine Postgraduate Quality Committee by the course director.

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