Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care

Oxford’s new MSc in Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care builds on the world-leading research in nanomedicine at the University’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering and other departments in the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division and Medical Sciences Division. This advanced modular course is delivered by leading scientists and experts in this rapidly developing field and has been specifically designed for those who would value a part-time modular learning structure, for example those in full-time employment, both in the UK and overseas.

The MSc is designed to be completed part-time, normally over a two- to three-year period, and so provides a path to career development that is flexible and recognised within academia and industry. The programme comprises three online modules exploring the fundamentals of science and materials characterisation at the nanoscale, three intensive five-day face-to-face modules describing the clinical and commercial application of such science, and a piece of original lab-based research leading to the submission of a dissertation. This modular structure provides an adaptable approach to learning, and each module may also be taken as an individual short course.

There are opportunities to access and learn about cutting-edge research and current practice in a wide range of nanotechnology and healthcare topics from experts with experience of taking nanotechnologies from basic concept through clinical validation to market realisation. The tutor-led approach lends cohesion to the modular experience which is tailored for busy people in full-time employment who wish to minimise time away from the workplace to study.

The MSc in Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care is a part-time course consisting of six modules and a research project and associated dissertation. The programme is normally completed in two to three years. Students are full members of the University of Oxford and are matriculated as members of an Oxford college.

The modules in this programme can also be taken as individual short courses. It is possible to transfer credit from up to three previously completed modules into the MSc programme, if the time elapsed between commencement of the accredited module(s) and registration on the MSc is not more than two years.

The course comprises:

• three online modules giving a thorough introduction to the fundamental science of nanotechnology and the behaviour and characterisation of nanoscale materials;
• three five-day modules taught face-to-face in Oxford explaining the scientific, regulatory, clinical and commercial aspects of the application of nanotechnology to medicine and healthcare
• an original research project of approximately 18 weeks to be written up as a dissertation

The three online modules can be taken from anywhere in the world with tutors who provide online support and electronically replicate the famed Oxford tutorial system, whereas the three face-to-face modules offer intense, focused lectures from Oxford academics from a range of disciplines with expertise in this field. Assessment throughout the modules ensures that students can monitor their progress.

The course has a dedicated Course Director, Associate Director and administration team accustomed to supporting students undertaking distance learning and face-to-face courses. Students have access to staff at the University of Oxford’s Begbroke Science Park and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, particularly the Course Director, Professor Robert Carlisle and the Associate Course Director, Dr Christiane Norenberg.

Throughout the course, students can use the University of Oxford’s excellent electronic library resources to enable them to complete the assignment tasks.

Programme modules:

• Module 1: The Wider Context of Nanotechnology (online, 23 October to 1 December 2017)
• Module 2: The Fundamental Science of Nanotechnology (online, 8 January to 16 March 2018)
• Module 3: Fundamental Characterisation for Nanotechnology (online with two-day component in Oxford, 23 April to 29 June 2018)
• Module 4: Introduction to Bionanotechnology (in Oxford)
• Module 5: Nanomedicine – Science and Applications (in Oxford)
• Module 6: Clinical Translation and Commercialisation of Nanomedicine (in Oxford)

To complete the MSc, students need to attend the six modules and complete the assessed written assignments for each module, and complete a research project with dissertation on a topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor and the Course Director.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in either a science or engineering discipline, or a medical degree. 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

Applicants with an undergraduate degree in biology, pharmacy or medicine must demonstrate at least A-level (or equivalent) knowledge in mathematics and physics.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Alternatively, students may show an equivalent level of demonstrable understanding and competence as a result of professional experience and other training.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Students who have previously completed the University of Oxford's PGCert in Nanotechnology to a high standard are also encouraged to apply and may be permitted to credit their completed PGCert modules towards the MSc.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: Statement of around one page and proposal of around one page
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level