The MRes in Biochemistry and Cell Biology is a full-time programme running over 12 months from the date of first registration for the programme. The programme consists of (a) a major research thesis and (b) taught modules on generic and transferable skills, with an emphasis on scientific writing, oral presentations, and general research skills. Part-time study for this programme is not available.

Students undertake a total workload equivalent to 90 credits over the 12 month programme, the principal element of which is the completion of a major research thesis of approximately 25,000 words. In parallel, students must take and pass taught modules to the value of 20 credits.

Students take 10 credits as follows:

ML6003 Scientific Communication of Current Topics in Molecular Cell Biology (5 credits)
BC6004 Scientific Research Planning and Proposals (5 credits)

And one or two of the following elective modules to a total of 10 credits as agreed with the MRes coordinator¹:
PG6001 STEPS – Scientific Training for Enhanced Postgraduate Studies (5 credits)
PG6005 Biotechniques (5 credits)
PG6009 Information Literacy Skills (5 credits)
PG6014 Scientific Outreach and Communication (5 credits)
PG6015 An Introduction to Research Integrity, Ethics and Open Science (5 credits)
²ST6013 Statistics and Data Analysis for Postgraduate Research Students (10 credits)

Notes:   

• ¹Students may elect to take other, relevant modules that are not listed above to fulfil the elective requirement with approval from the MRes coordinator, research supervisor and Head of School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology.

• ²ST6013: With permission of the MRes coordinator and research supervisor, students may take ST6013 Statistics and Data Analysis for Postgraduate Research Students (10 credits) subject to availability of places on the module.  Students who take ST6013 will not take any other elective modules. 

Students will also undertake independent research towards completion of a research thesis to a student workload equivalent of 70 credits on a selected topic in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. 

See also Procedures for Submission and Examination of Research Masters Degrees.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2020/2021 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2020/2021.

Programme Learning Outcomes for MRes (Master of Research) in Biochemistry and Cell Biology (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Carry out an independent and original research project to address an emerging question in Biochemistry and Cell Biology; 
• Prepare and write a dissertation of their research project in a critical, logical and systematic manner, in keeping with the standards of postgraduate research;
• Display advanced theoretical knowledge and practical understanding within a research area of Biochemistry and Cell Biology;
• Understand the basis and application of laboratory methods used in including state-of-the-art techniques and a knowledge of their limitations;
• Avail of relevant workshops or modules to increase scientific technical skills (e. g. biostatistics);
• Source, review, critically assess and evaluate relevant primary literature and summarize material for presentation to peers and for inclusion within the research dissertation;
• Design, write and defend a scientific research proposal based on their current research topic or a proposed topic;
• Evaluate their skill set and identify skills that should be acquired;
• Develop professional practice skills including team-work, negotiation, time-management, scientific writing and oral communication.