Biosciences MPhil, PhD, Integrated PhD & MRes
The School of Bisciences offers research degrees leading to awards of MPhil, PhD, Integrated PhD and MRes. Our MRes degrees usually contain a taught element.
Durations
MRes: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (with no thesis pending period)
MPhil: 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time
PhD: 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time
Integrated PhD: 4 years full-time
Please see below for School of Biosciences research areas.
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Global Food Security (MRes)
With over 1 billion individuals suffering from chronic malnourishment and nearly 200 million children being severely underweight, the world’s population is facing difficulties in ensuring food security. These problems are expected to become even more acute in the coming decades as the world’s population increases and the demand for food may double.
Solutions to this problem will include improved agronomic, horticultural and animal husbandry practices that can increase yields and make more efficient and sustainable use of resources. Reduction of waste throughout the food chain also has the potential to significantly impact on enhanced food security.
Developing these solutions requires the concerted efforts of a wide range of disciplines including animal and plant scientists, food scientists, nutritionists and microbiologists. The application of these solutions into society may involve a further range of skills including engineers, geographers, economists and social scientists.
The University of Nottingham hosts world class research in all of these areas. This course has been designed for students with a background in any of these topics. You can undertake a research project in your specific discipline; whilst at the same time expand your knowledge into other areas within this growing and highly important area.
The course consists of a major research project, 20 credits of generic training and a wide choice of taught optional modules to suit your interests. More information on our web pages
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Bioinformatics - Applied Bioinformatics (MRes)
Duration: 12 months full-time
Bioinformatics is the application of information and computing technologies in the biological sciences. It particularly includes the handling and analysis of large biological data sets generated by genomic and post-genomic technologies using computational techniques including software development, databases, world wide web, algorithmic, machine-learning and statistical analysis and high-performance computation. Modern research biology uses technologies that generate large data sets ubiquitously; however there is a global shortage of individuals with both the biological background and computational skills needed to engage actively in bioinformatics research.
This course in Applied Bioinformatics seeks to address this shortage by providing students with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to carry out research in the interface between computer science and biology. The course specifically focuses on the applied element of bioinformatics, providing students with the opportunity to undertake their research project in areas of international excellence within the School, including food security (eg crops, farm animals and microbial pathogens) and bioenergy.
Taught modules in the first semester (covering biomolecular data, computer programing, databases and bioinformatics) will be followed by a research project in semester two and over the summer period.
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Biology - Techniques in Developmental Biology (MRes)
Duration: 12 months full-time
The study of developmental biology advances our understanding of how we are formed, why this sometimes goes wrong and how we might develop strategies to prevent it. Understanding the mechanisms involved in vertebrate development additionally opens the door to perhaps one day re-growing limbs and organs.
The aim of this course (Techniques in Developmental Biology) is to offer a research master’s degree which will enable you to become familiar with a range of methodologies important for the study of developmental biology. Many of the techniques which will be taught are of importance in a wide range of fields of biological research.
It is anticipated that this course will significantly enhance employment prospects in both the academic and non-academic workplace. There will be particular benefits to those students wishing to secure competitive PhD placements in developmental biology laboratories.
This course has a significant Taught element.
In the Autumn semester you will take a compulsory Taught module in Developmental Biology and a choice of two other taught modules eg
• Post-Genomic Data and Integrative Biology
• Genomics/Transcriptomics/Bioinformatics
• Proteomics
• Biomolecular Data and Networks
In the Spring and summer period you will carry out your Research Project in a local developmental biology-oriented laboratory and complete your Dissertation.
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Bioenergy - Sustainable Bioenergy (MRes)
The global bioenergy market is undergoing dramatic growth as governments around the world look to biological sources to supply a larger share of transport fuel and electricity generation. As a result, the industry needs qualified people with the right skills to drive the sector forward.
This course in Sustainable Bioenergy is designed to provide graduates with an advanced knowledge and understanding of sustainable bioenergy production. Focusing on technical information, it is ideal for people currently within the industry and the public sector who wish to expand their knowledge base as well as individuals wishing to enter the field to pursue a career in bioenergy.
The structure of the MRes is very flexible, allowing you to fit study around employment. As a guide, 75 per cent of the course is delivered via interactive e-learning, which you can undertake anytime, anywhere.
The other 25 per cent is delivered through intensive week-long residential courses held at the University each semester, incorporating lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory practicals, industrial visits and tutorials.
The course can be taken on a full- or part-time basis.
The course consists of a major bioenergy research project, 20 credits of taught subject modules (Sustainability and Biofuels, Biofuel Fermentation ), 20 credits of generic training courses and optional modules.
Research projects are typically conducted off site, for example within laboratories based in industry, although there is provision to undertake them within the University.
Taught modules are usually completed within the early part of the course, providing a good knowledge base for the research project. Assessment is in the form of written coursework, presentations, examinations, and a final project report.
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Genomic and Proteomic Sciences (MRes) in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University)
Duration: 12 months full-time
We are now in a post-genomics era which promises to become the main platform for research leading to the next generation of fundamental advances in biological science, and to the delivery of novel applications across the spectrum from crop production to human health.
The MRes programme in Advanced Genomic and Proteomic Sciences aims to enhance awareness and understanding of modern molecular biology concepts and techniques including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, metabolomics and systems biology, and to translate theoretical knowledge gained from the programme into practical experience via intensive laboratory research projects that will be particularly applicable to industry. The programme will be underpinned by an independent research project which represents two thirds of the MRes.
This innovative course is run jointly by The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. Both universities possess highly complementary skills within the key areas of the post-genomic technologies field. The University of Nottingham has strengths within the field of transcriptomics, metabolomics, data mining and systems biology. Nottingham Trent University is at the forefront of research within the field of proteomics (mass spectrometry; protein patterning etc) and data mining.
This course provides a comprehensive training package in theoretical biological modelling and its practical applications to state-of-the-art technologies. The course is divided into a taught element (12 weeks) and a research project (nine months).
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Biochemistry - Industrial Physical Biochemistry (MRes)
Duration: 12 months full-time or 24 months (part-time) commencing at the end of September.
This course in Industrial Physical Biochemistry provides graduates with an advanced knowledge and understanding of physical biochemistry, with particular relevance to industry. Focusing upon technical knowledge and practical skills, the course is ideal for those wishing to pursue careers in research or develop a leading career in the field of physical biochemistry.
You will undertake a taught module (Fundamentals of Biomolecular Science) during the autumn semester with lectures, tutorials and a practical. The research module takes place from the start of the course (late September) until the end of August the following year. This is an opportunity to complete a major piece of independent research under the supervision of a member of academic staff. The project can be undertaken wholly or partially in an industrial company’s laboratory in any field of physical biochemistry. There are also two generic training modules.
More details are on our web pages.
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Brewing Science (MRes)
The MRes in Brewing Science provides students with the opportunity to undertake a substantial research project in the area of Brewing. The taught part of this programme provides a background to the production of beer and can include other taught modules relating to the wider aspects of brewing science.
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Dietetics (MRes)
Duration: 12 months full-time, starting September
This is the only masters course of its kind for dietetics practitioners in the UK. You will become proficient in a range of policies, process and service development projects important for dietetic practice.
The technical understanding and expertise gained will be of particular benefit to those wishing to enhance their career opportunities and progress to management positions as well as to anyone seeking to undertake independent research in this field and secure a competitive PhD.
On completion of the course, you should be able to demonstrate understanding of dietetic practice in the UK and internationally and understand the research process and requirements for successful service level improvement and experimental design.
You will take several taught modules initially from modules available as part of our MSc Advanced Dietetic Practice degree, followed by a research project to be carried out in your own dietetic department (or current place of work).
More details on our web pages.
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Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Agricultural Systems and Management
Development of farm and sector-level programming models; impact of climate change on future sustainability and performance of arable and livestock farming systems; development of appropriate farmer adaptation strategies to environmental, market and policy change; impact of farming systems on nitrogen loss and emissions of global warming gases; trade-offs between economics, energy and emissions from the farm level production of feedstocks for second generation bioenergy production; digestible potential of straw for second generation biofuels, encompassing aspects of grower decision making; development of least-cost farming strategies to reduce pollution from agriculture; risk management in agriculture; estimating and explaining variation in technical efficiency; analysis of machinery depreciation rates; examining farm to retail price linkages; understanding consumer knowledge and attitudes towards sustainable food product; analysis of livestock prices through different market mechanisms. The role of benchmarking in rural business management.
Environmental Science
Sustainable soil management and remediation; rhizosphere biophysics; hydropedological applications of X-ray micro Computed Tomography, geochemistry and morphological assessment of permeable reactive barrier longevity; zeolite dissolution kinetics; trace element dynamics in soil-plant systems; plant uptake of heavy metals and radionuclides from contaminated soils; use of stable metal and metalloid isotope tracers to parameterise geochemical models; development of models to support environmental decision making; methods for the development of environmental models; ecological and physiological effects of veterinary drugs in the environment; biochar in sustainable agriculture; plant environment interactions and the development of quantitative palaeoclimate proxies based on plant fossils.
There is a wide range of opportunities for environmental modelling research. This includes applied work such as predicting the transport and fate of environmental contaminants (especially radionuclides and metals); or more fundamental biogeochemical modelling such as the cycling of carbon and nitrogen in terrestrial ecosystems. The group also has interests in methods for the evaluation and parameterisation of environmental models. For example model reduction has been applied to a range of models (crop models, contaminant transfer models, ecosystem models) to test whether the level of empirical system understanding justifies model formulation.
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Animal Sciences
Research focus is the physiology of reproduction in mammals, particularly in relation to improving or regulating fertility. Work is carried out mostly on domestic species, although occasionally wild populations are studied, and findings are related to human and animal medicine. Studies of the pituitary-ovarian-uterine axis, including oocyte development, folliculogenesis, ovulation, the formation of the corpus luteum, the maternal recognition of pregnancy and early conceptus development are carried out. Specific research areas are: oocyte development; follicle/oocyte interactions; ovarian tissues and biophysics; maternal recognition of pregnancy; social influences; nutritional influences; subfertility in dairy cattle; follicle growth and oocyte production.
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Food Sciences
There are five professorially led research groups in the Division. The major research interests of the groups are: Brewing Science; Flavour Science; Food Microbiology and Safety; Food Structure; and the BBSRC National Centre for Macromolecular Hydrodynamics. The Division of Food Sciences carries out research in: flavour release from foods; lipid oxidation; the application of a materials science approach to the processing (particularly extrusion) and storage stability of low-water content foods; food rheology and its application to hydrocolloid gels; characterisation of macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies using hydrodynamic techniques; molecular enzymology; food microbiology and molecular genetics studies of food-borne bacterial and viral pathogens; brewing yeast genetics and fermentation performance; malting science.
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Nutritional Sciences
The overarching theme of the division is the scientific understanding and improvement of nutrition for both humans and animals. The main areas of research include: control and manipulation of the nutritional and processing quality of animal and plant products, including texture of fruit and meat products, nutritional enhancement of fat and protein content in animals; control of growth of farm animals, especially nutrient-gene interactions and synchronising the supply of energy and nitrogen; nutritional evaluation of feed for animals, such as the effect of dietary tannins on parasitic infections; fetal programming and health; diet-health interactions in man, including nutrient-gene interactions; the effect of dietary fatty acids, cholesterol and antioxidants on the development of atherosclerosis; the molecular basis of food based allergy; population based studies in human nutrition and dietetics; food authentication.
Recent doctoral graduates in Nutritional Sciences have entered a wide range of careers. A large number continue in research often starting as postdoctoral research assistants. The careers then accessible have included continuing their research interests within academia (both within the UK and abroad), research institutes or industry. Additionally some graduates have entered the teaching profession or have found employment within the NHS.
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Plant and Crop Sciences
The strategy of plant scientists at Nottingham is to carry out research on fundamental processes regulating plant growth, development and quality, and to study the interactions between plants, their environment, and other organisms. Our goal is to harness this knowledge to improve crop quality and agronomic performance. The work extends from studies at the molecular and biochemical level, to the physiological analysis of whole plants and the performance of crop communities. Central to our research is the use of the model plant Arabidopsis to gain new insights into molecular basis of crop plant processes.
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