Biology Masters by Research (MRes)
Duration 1 year full-time
Masters by Research programmes allow students to undertake a substantial amount of independent research while gaining 20 taught credits. The programmes are flexible in nature and allow students to take some additional accredited taught credits, in consultation with their supervisor. Candidates should have at least a lower second class Honours Degree in a relevant topic.
Masters by Research (MRes) are offered in the following topics:
For more information contact:
Animal Behaviour
Research projects in this area will centre on adaptive decision-making in animals in a range of contexts, including (a) trade-offs between social and sexual behaviour, learning and other components of life history, such as immune function and disease resistance, (b) associative and higher order learning in invertebrates, (c) effects of genetic differences in social behaviour on population dynamics in nematodes, (d) the evolution of insect pollinator systems.
For more information contact:
Bioinformatics
The MRes in Bioinformatics involves the use of computational methods to study molecular evolution using sequence data now available in online databases. Research areas within which projects are available include: the use of secondary structure models to investigate evolutionary relationships in the molluscs; evolution of mobile DNAs; studies on the evolution of spider silk gene families; codon usage in yeast; the application of molecular clocks to microbial sequences, in particular the investigation of rate variation in foraminifera lineages and the estimation of the age of viral radiations.
For more information contact:
Biological Systems
Systems Biology represents the interface between biology and mathematics. It is a rapidly developing area which seeks to apply mathematics to describe biological processes taking a large scale, top-down, system-wide approach. Researchers in Nottingham are particularly interested in a systems biology approach to studies of development. In particular, MRes projects will involve studies that investigate gene regulatory networks and their relevance to developmental processes in a variety of model systems.
For more information contact:
Cell Biology
This research area has grown enormously over the last decade and now embodies a number of disciplines. At Nottingham we adopt an integrated approach in which several strategies are developed to address particular problems in cell biology. Projects are available to study how the unlimited potential of primordial germ cells is governed at a molecular level during development in representative species such as amphibians and mice. Within the cell important processes are governed by the structures and dynamics of numerous macromolecules. Projects are offered to directly visualise macromolecular behaviour with a view to elucidating cellular function. These studies examine protein-protein, protein-membrane and receptor-mediated interactions within cells using state-of-the-art imaging systems.
For more information contact:
Comparative Genomics
With whole genome sequences being available for numerous organisms across all kingdoms of life, questions concerning genome evolution to gene function, phylogenetic relationships to genetic and metabolic networks, and genotype to phenotype of complex traits, can be addressed through comparative genomics. Bioinformatic analysis of related genomes leads to testable hypotheses. Research available covers all of these areas and will use our expertise and resources on genome sequences to yeasts and fungi.
For more information contact:
Conservation Biology
At Nottingham, we use our expertise in population genetics, animal behaviour/ecology, and evolutionary biology to explore a wide range of key research questions in conservation biology. Research projects in this area are likely to either involve intensive field work, laboratory experiments, or data analysis/mathematical modelling. Recent work within the School has concerned the conservation genetics of several endangered European carnivores, including the critically endangered European mink. Other members of staff are applying genetic methods to study populations of the endangered fen raft spider, in order to inform the management of this species, the biodiversity of lichen-forming fungi in Antarctica, and the distribution.
For more information contact:
Developmental Biology
Within the developmental biology research area a number of model systems are being used to study various aspects of vertebrate development with a major focus on the development of stem cells. Specific projects include: the development of blood stem cells and vasculature in zebrafish; the development of neural stem cells in zebrafish and in mice; the properties of mesenchymal stem cells; primordial germ cells and gene networks that govern the development of vertebrate embryos.
For more information contact:
Ecology
Research projects in Ecology are offered in a range of animal, plant and microbial topics including (a) competition and coexistence in animal communities and the evolution of host-parasite interactions, (b) the evolution of insect pollinator systems, (c) life history strategies and trade-offs, (d) processes in plant communities e.g. nutrient cycling and herbivory, and (d) the ecology of the lichen symbiosis and lichen-dominated ecosystems, and lichen population biology.
For more information contact:
Evolutionary Biology
The MRes in Evolutionary Biology involves the study of adaptation of organisms to their environment, at the whole organism and molecular scales. Studies available include the evolutionary and behavioural ecology of insects and mammals and other species, genetic variation in wild populations of fungi, ecological genetics, and the interface between evolution and development. In addition, a number of researchers are interested in estimation of the deep phylogeny of major groups of organisms, such as pulmonate molluscs and bacteria.
For more information contact:
Fungal Biology
Fungal biology research will focus on yeasts, filamentous fungi and lichens. Projects will investigate the physiology, biochemistry, molecular genetics and genomics of these organisms, for example in the use of fungi as cell factories for the production of proteins and pharmaceuticals. Other areas include stress response mechanisms and cell individuality in yeasts and filamentous fungi, the genetics of sexual reproduction in pathogenic fungi and those used in the biotechnology and food sectors, and the epigenetic control of gene transcription.
For more information contact:
Human Molecular Genetics
Within the human molecular genetics area there is an emphasis on the role of repetitive DNA sequences in health and disease, and in chromosome stability. Research projects include: studies to understand the molecular basis of myotonic dystrophy; the identification of genes involved in human developmental heart disorders; cardiac stem cells; the role of apoptosis in brain tumour development and therapy; artificial chromosomes and chromosome segregation; human genetic diversity; copy number analysis; molecular genetics of muscle disease; mouse models of muscle disorders; and molecular genetic approaches to anthropology and human population genetics.
For more information contact:
Genetics
Genetics is the scientific study of inheritance and as such is a very broad research area. Within the School of Biology research in genetics is focussed on the Institute of Genetics, most groups of which are located within the Queen's Medical Centre. Projects in genetics cover a wide spectrum, from population and evolutionary genetics through to molecular and biochemical genetics. They have the common aim of understanding how the genetic material achieves its functions and how it is passed down through generations. Some of the research involves classic genetic approaches including the isolation of mutants with specific phenotypes and the study of their behaviour in genetic crosses. These studies involve model organisms that include bacteria, yeasts and other fungi, Xenopus, zebrafish and mice. Other research in genetics at Nottingham employs molecular techniques and bioinformatics to address fundamental evolutionary problems, the genetic changes that are associated with speciation and the evolution of transposable elements and genome structure. There also projects available in genetics research groups who are focussing on the systems responsible for maintaining gene and genome integrity and securing accurate chromosome transmission in bacteria, archaea, yeast and vertebrates.
For more information contact:
Microbial Biotechnology
Microorganisms are utilised for their capacity to make products for wide-ranging applications, including health-care and food production. Research in Nottingham has a focus on understanding the molecular basis of product synthesis and also exploits microorganisms as cell factories for secreted production of proteins. We use genome sequences and genome-wide methods for analysis of metabolic pathways and stresses associated with the use of microorganisms as cell factories. Emphasis is on the use of yeasts (e.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris) and filamentous fungi (e.g. Aspergillus niger).
For more information contact:
Microbiology
Microbiology research covers organisms from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, including archaea, bacteria, yeasts, lichens and filamentous fungi. Projects involve the use of physiological, genetic and genomic approaches to elucidate mechanisms of DNA recombination and repair (archaea and bacteria), of motility (bacteria), or of genome dynamics, sexual reproduction, biotechnological applications, or responses to environment and stress (fungi).
For more information contact:
Molecular Biology
The molecular approach to studying biological systems has underpinned huge advances in knowledge and promises much for the future in the understanding and application of biological principles. At Nottingham we are using molecular approaches to study a wide range of model and innovative biological systems. Currently projects are available in research groupings that are investigating eukaryotic gene expression and vertebrate embryogenesis, including aspects of the development of the nervous system, germ cells and stem cell maturation, and the behaviour of cellular systems with respect to the many interactions of macromolecules within cells and their membranes. In addition there are projects to study in microbes the systems responsible for maintaining genome integrity and securing accurate chromosome transmission in bacteria, archaea and yeast, as well as the basis of bacterial motility. There are also projects concerned with the biology of fungi in relation to their stress responses and to their interactions with their environment in general, as well as with the use of fungi as cell factories for the production of proteins and pharmaceuticals. Finally there are projects in research groups studying ion channels, receptor-mediated carcinogenesis and ecotoxicology that use natural and synthetic toxins to dissect the properties of signalling molecules in nervous and muscle tissues and employ cutting-edge techniques to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of toxins and the mechanisms of disease.
For more information contact:
Molecular Cell Biology
Research projects are available in the field of molecular cell biology including the analysis of structure, function and dynamics of telomeres in yeast and parasites, and of centromeric DNA in mammalian cells; investigation of stress-response networks in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and of micro RNAs during the evolution of developmental processes in Drosophila; establishment of the relationship between nuclear structure and function using the giant nuclei of amphibian oocytes; analysis of biological membranes, biomaterials and biophysical aspects of cellular interactions as well as filopodia, lamellipodia and stress fiber formation; investigation of blood substitutes from microbial cell factories and of artificial gas-carrying fluids for enhancing growth of cells in culture.
For more information contact:
Molecular Evolution
The MRes in Molecular Evolution involves the study of the evolutionary relationships among organisms and gene families using molecular methods, with evolutionary trees (phylogenies) generated from the analysis of DNA and protein sequences.
The programme involves both laboratory work (DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing) and bioinformatics (DNA sequence alignment and phylogeny reconstruction).
Research projects are available in: the evolutionary relationships in the molluscs (in particular, the land snails) and the link between molluscan phylogenies and biogeography; the molecular taxonomy of spiders and the link between rates of molecular and morphological diversification; studies on the evolution of spider silk gene families and the relationship between silk diversification and speciation; studies on the phylogeny of the foraminifera and the distribution of different genetic types across the oceans.
For more information contact:
Molecular Genetics
Molecular genetics is the study of genes at the molecular level. It focuses on the processes that underlie the expression of the genetic information from the DNA into the functional proteins that execute the genetic programme. Within the School of Biology research in molecular genetics is concentrated in the Human Genetics, Fungal Biology, and Developmental Genetics and Gene Control groups. In the Human Genetics group research in this area includes studies of the molecular basis of myotonic dystrophy and the identification of genes involved in cardiac development; the molecular genetics of muscle disease; mouse models of muscle disorders and molecular genetic approaches to anthropology and human population genetics. In the Fungal Biology group there are studies on the molecular events that determine stress responses during polarised growth, protein folding and secretion in yeasts and filamentous fungi; the molecular and cellular effects of stress on yeast cells and the genetic mechanisms that control sex in fungi. The Developmental Genetics and Gene Control group focuses on the mechanisms of eukaryotic gene expression and the genetics of vertebrate embryonic development. Developmental studies are focussed largely upon the mechanisms that control stem cell fate. Projects on the control of gene expression address the machinery used by cells to achieve appropriate levels of functional transcripts. These studies include control of transcription and the mechanisms of RNA maturation.
For more information contact:
Molecular Microbiology
Research in this area will examine systems responsible for maintaining genome integrity and securing accurate chromosome transmission in bacteria, archaea, yeast and vertebrates. It will also examine the genetics and biochemistry of bacterial motility. Specific projects will focus on chromosome biology, the mechanics of homologous recombination and DNA repair, flagellar motors and motile predatory bacteria. Telomere biology and genome dynamics are also major areas of interest.
For more information contact:
Molecular Neuroscience
Projects in this area will combine techniques in electrophysiology, pharmacology, molecular biology and imaging to study neuronal and muscle cells, in particular the structure and function of receptors and ion channel proteins. The modes and sites of action of natural and synthetic toxins and pesticides will be a focus of these studies and can be considered as tools to elucidate molecular mechanisms of neuronal function.
For more information contact:
Neurobiology
Opportunities exist for research projects investigating the actions of toxins, natural products, pesticides and drugs on neural signalling. Electrophysiology including patch-clamping, dynamic fluorescence imaging and molecular biology will be used to investigate the ways in which receptors and ion channels interact with other molecules. These studies may involve cultured mammalian or non-mammalian nerve and muscle cells, intact tissue preparations or expression systems to study cloned and mutant ion channels. The main aims of our work are to understand cell-signalling mechanisms and molecular resistance mechanisms including drug, insecticide and anthelmintic action.
For more information contact:
K Lyon
t: +44 (0)115 823 0311
Parasitology
The Parasite Biology and Immunogenetics Group works on understanding the biology of the major parasites of both humans and animals. Of particular interest is gaining an understanding of immunity and the contribution of genetics to host susceptibility and parasite immune evasion strategies. These core interests underpin the search for novel immunotherapies for the major tropical diseases including gastrointestinal nematodes, filariasis, malaria, trypanosomiasis and schistosomiasis.
For more information contact:
Population Genetics
Population genetics studies the genetic variation that exists in wild populations, and the forces, such as selection, mutation and genetic drift, that shape this variation. Particular interests in the School involve the molecular genetic variation of humans and their viruses, and variation in wild populations of molluscs, foraminiferans and Drosophila. Projects may include studies on molecular evolution and phylogenetics using computer analysis of DNA and protein sequences; evolution of AIDS viruses; the genetic changes that are associated with speciation; evolution of transposable elements; and the population genetics of genome structure.
For more information contact:
Stem Cell Biology
Stem cell research is one of the hottest areas of research in modern biology. At Nottingham we are pursuing several relevant projects to examine the role of stem cells in a variety of tissues and organs including cardiac and skeletal muscle, neural, blood and vasculature, and primordial germ cells. We are employing a range of model organisms in these studies and projects are available in each of the areas described.
For more information contact:
Toxicology
Studies in this area examine the molecular mechanisms of chemical-induced toxicity and disease processes, and employ cutting-edge techniques to understand the mechanism of action of toxins and the mechanisms of disease. Current research projects include: the Ah Receptor in dioxin toxicity; peroxisome proliferator-induced liver growth; PPAR in modulation of colon carcinogenesis; induction of cytochrome P450. C. elegans projects include mechanism of action of black widow spider venom and psychotropic drugs, and mechanisms of protein aggregation induced by synuclein.
For more information contact:
PhD and MPhil Biology research opportunities
PhD and MPhil research opportunities are offered in the following research groups:
For more information contact:
Animal Behaviour and Ecology
This Group has a long-established international reputation for work in the fields of behavioural and evolutionary ecology. Interests centre on adaptive decision-making in animals in the context of their life history strategy; the relative investment of resources in growth, survival and reproduction; the evolution of feeding and reproductive strategies in insects; and the impact of habitat fragmentation on communities. See also lichen ecology (Fungal Biology and Genetics).
Cell Biology and Imaging
This group specialises in studies of the behaviour and properties of cellular systems with particular emphasis on the many interactions of macromolecules within cells and their membranes.
Developmental Genetics and Gene Control
This Research Group focuses on the eukaryotic gene expression and the genetics of vertebrate embryonic development. Developmental studies are focused largely upon the mechanisms that control stem cell fate. These include studies of the nervous system, germ cells and bone marrow derived stem cells. The Group’s work on the control of gene expression addresses the machinery used by cells to achieve appropriate levels of functional transcripts. These studies include control of transcription and the mechanisms of RNA maturation.
Fungal Biology and Genetics
Research within the Group is focused on fungi, including yeasts, filamentous fungi and lichens. The Group is interested in the physiology, biochemistry, molecular genetics and genomics of these organisms, for example in the use of fungi as cell factories for the production of proteins and pharmaceuticals. Ecological interests include lichen ecophysiology and the role of lichens in ecosystems. Other major research areas are stress response mechanisms and cell individuality in yeasts and filamentous fungi, the genetics of sexual reproduction in pathogenic fungi and those used in the biotechnology and food sectors, and the epigenetic control of gene transcription.
Human Genetics
Within the Human Genetics Group there is an emphasis on the role of repetitive DNA sequences in health and disease, and in chromosome stability. Research includes: the molecular basis of myotonic dystrophy and the identification of genes involved in cardiac development; the role of apoptosis in brain tumour development and therapy; artificial chromosomes and chromosome segregation; human genetic diversity; copy number analysis; molecular genetics of muscle disease; mouse models of muscle disorders; and molecular genetic approaches to anthropology and human population genetics.
Molecular Microbiology and Genome Dynamics
This Group focuses on systems responsible for maintaining genome integrity and securing accurate chromosome transmission in bacteria, archaea, yeast and vertebrates and on the genetics and biochemistry of bacterial motility. Specific projects focus on chromosome biology, the mechanics of homologous recombination and DNA repair, flagellar motors and motile predatory bacteria. Telomere biology and genome dynamics and evolution is also a major area of interest.
Molecular Toxicology
This Research Group combines expertise in molecular biology, the pharmacology and electrophysiology of ion channels, receptor-mediated carcinogenesis and ecotoxicology. It uses natural and synthetic toxins to dissect the properties of signalling molecules in nervous and muscle tissues and employs cutting-edge techniques to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of toxins and the mechanisms of disease.
Parasite Biology and Immunogenetics
The Parasite Biology and Immunogenetics Group works on understanding the biology of the major parasites of both humans and animals. Of particular interest is gaining an understanding of immunity and the contribution of genetics to host susceptibility and parasite immune evasion strategies. These core interests underpin the search for novel immunotherapies for the major tropical diseases including gastrointestinal nematodes, filariasis, malaria, trypanosomiasis and schistosomiasis.
Population and Evolutionary Genetics
This Research Group consists of an internationally recognised collection of population and evolutionary geneticists, employing molecular techniques and bioinformatics to address fundamental evolutionary problems. Research carried out in this section includes: studies on molecular evolution and phylogenetics by computer analysis of DNA and protein sequences; the genetic changes that are associated with speciation; evolution of transposable elements; and genome structure. The role of parasites in causing local adaptation and population divergence of their hosts is also studied.
For more information contact: