International MSc in Biosciences (By Research)
This International MSc in Biosciences is designed to equip you with the skills to help you develop a career in industry, academia or research. Students spend four months in the UK and eight months at the University's campus in Malaysia where the research project is conducted in one of the four specialist areas: biotechnology, crop improvement, ecology or tropical crop production.
At the end of the course all students taking this degree will have:
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An advanced knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the theoretical, practical and transferable skills in Biosciences and allied industries based on the research and scholastic excellence of the academic staff and industrial contacts.
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Awareness of the latest developments in Biosciences and requirements of related industries.
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The technical knowledge and practical skills required to undertake research and/or develop a leading career in Biosciences.
Scholarships
A range of scholarships is available for MSc students at The University of Nottingham. A searchable database can be found on the International Office pages.
Course Summary
How long is the course?
The International MSc in Biosciences is a 12 month course commencing at the end of September and ending in September of the following year. The first semester (4 months) is spent in the UK, after which students transfer to the University's Malaysia campus.
What Modules does the course offer?
This MSc is based on 60 credits of taught modules and 120 credits for the research project. All students take 20 credits of generic training modules, with the remaining 40 credits dependent on their research area. Currently four research areas are available, as detailed in the Table below.
Research Project (120 credits)
A central part of the course is a major research project throughout which students have the help and specialist advice of two academic supervisors (one based in the UK and one based in Malaysia, to provide continuity of support). A wide range of topics is available within the four themes of the course: biotechnology, crop improvement, tropical crop production and ecology. Students start work on their projects early in Semester 1 when students prepare a literature review and research plan (and, depending on the research project, some preliminary research work may also be carried out). The majority of the research work is carried out in Malaysia.
Course Structure: International MSc in Biosciences
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Semester 1-UK
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Core modules for all students
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Statistics and Experimental Design for Bioscientists
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Writing and Reviewing Research Proposals
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Biotechnology
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Crop Improvement
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Ecology
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Tropical Crop Production
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Suggested module choices for students taking projects in the following areas
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Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Plant Genetic Manipulation
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Resource Capture by Crops
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Resource Capture by Crops
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Resource Capture by Crops
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Plant Genetic Manipulation: Practical Techniques
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Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Plant Genetic Manipulation
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Principles of Crop Science
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Principles of Crop Science
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Semester 2 - Malaysia
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Current Issues in Crop Biotechnology
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Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants
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Tropical Ecology
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Tropical Ecology
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Tropical Crops
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Tropical Crops
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Environmental Remote Sensing
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Tropical Crops
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Generic training modules: core for all students.
Statistics and Experimental Design for Bioscientists (10 credits)
This module explains the major principles and techniques of statistical analysis of research data without becoming too involved in the underlying mathematics. Now that computer software is very well established for data analysis, it is more important to understand WHAT a statistical test is doing (and thus whether or not it is appropriate) than to be able to perform the underlying calculations by hand. It is equally important to collect data in an appropriate and planned manner for later analysis. At the end of the course, participants should have an overall grasp of the major analytical techniques available, and how they relate to each other, and have developed abilities in experimental design, data analysis using appropriate software and presentation of results.
Writing and Reviewing Research Proposals (10 credits)
This module aims to develop your skills in analysis and writing of research proposals. Specific areas covered include: how to develop a research idea and write a grant application and peer review of research proposals.
Optional modules: Semester 1: UK
Resource Capture by Crops (10 credits)
Introduces the key processes by which crops capture and use physical resources, principally solar radiation, water and nutrients. Emphasis is first placed on the underlying physical and biological mechanisms of capture and utilisation by both individuals and communities of plants. For example: an appreciation of crop canopy structure, plant physiology (photosynthesis and respiration) and the physical nature of light is required to understand the limitations to crop radiation use efficiency. Case studies are used throughout. Secondly, strategies for crop improvement and management to improve resource use efficiency are discussed.
Principles of Crop Science (10 credits)
This module considers the characteristics and management of the major soil groups and how cropping is affected by soil type. The principles of crop nutrition are introduced alongside the principles of cultural and chemical control of pests, weeds and diseases in arable crops, and the potential impact on the environment of these practices. The module concludes by considering how rotations, nutrition and crop protection can be considered together in an Integrated crop management system.
Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Plant Genetic Manipulation (10 credits)
Innovative techniques for genetic manipulation of plants are presented against a background of a continuing need for plant improvement in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. Other topics include cell fusion technology for novel hybrid production, the development of plant transformation systems including Agrobacterium-mediated gene delivery, direct DNA uptake and biolistics; vector design; molecular methods in crop improvement are discussed alongside the value of gene mapping and genetic fingerprinting for germplasm evaluation
Plant Genetic Manipulation: Practical Techniques (10 credits)
Laboratory-based instruction in conventional and non-conventional techniques of plant hybridisation, including in vitro pollination, Agrobacterium-induced transformation using wild-type and engineered strains, tissue culture and micropropagation, fusion of protoplasts, plasmid isolation for DNA uptake studies, RAPD and microsatellite analyses for confirmation of hybridity/DNA fingerprinting, biolistics, analyses of transgenic plants (PCR and RT-PCR), Southern analyses, chromosome preparations and physiological analyses of transgenic plants.
Optional modules: Semester 2: Malaysia
Current Issues in Crop Biotechnology (10 credits)
This integrative module will raise the awareness of students to current issues in crop biotechnology. The advantages and disadvantages of future developments in crop biotechnology will be analysed.
Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants (10 credits)
This module introduces students to the origins of crop plants, basic breeding methods and examines how biotechnology may be able to contribute. The emphasis is on how genetic improvement will be achieved in the near future, while recognising the potential of novel techniques and varying priorities in the face of a changing climate.
Tropical Crops (10 credits)
This module describes the current distribution of major tropical crop species in terms of available resources and physical constraints to their production and yield. Emphasis is given to how biotechnology can be used to improve and modify crop productivity and optimize the use of limiting resources. 
Tropical Ecology (10 credits)
This module addresses the ecology and conservation of terrestrial tropical systems, covering issues of biodiversity, resilience and sustainability of these environments in the face of threats.
Environmental Remote Sensing (10 credits)
This module addresses the principles of remote sensing techniques by both satellites and aircraft and their application to a range of environmental problems.
In addition to these modules, students are encouraged to access the range of training courses offered by the Graduate School. For example, during Semester 1, 'Writing a Literature Review' would be particularly relevant.
What Facilities does the School offer?
The School of Biosciences, both in the UK and Malaysia, is noted for a friendly, informal atmosphere and close relations between students and teaching staff. Specialist facilities include modern glasshouses and controlled environment growth rooms in which plants and tissue cultures can be raised. The laboratories contain a wide range of modern equipment including ultracentrifuges, apparatus for radioisotope studies, gas liquid chromatography and spectrophotometry.
Computing facilities within the School are excellent. PCs are
extensively used and students will become familiar with word processing, the use of spreadsheets and data analysis and presentation. Advice on mathematical analysis, statistical design and computer programming is provided.
The library is continually expanding to meet the needs of its readers within the School. In addition to substantial numbers of books and reports, there is also an extensive periodicals collection with over 300 current titles in addition to a wide range of electronic titles. Most of the major abstracting and indexing databases are available. Specialist advice on the subject literature is available as part of the wider information service provided by library staff for its users.
What about the quality of research and teaching?
The joint submission by the School of Biosciences and the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science for RAE 2008 confirmed our top position in the UK in Unit of Assessment 16 (Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science) as assessed by independent analysis conducted by Research Fortnight. This provides a 'Research Power', an important measure because it gives an excellent indication of both critical mass in research and international impact. Of the 104 academic staff submitted, 95% of research activities are recognised on the international stage and 60% are described as world-leading/internationally excellent.
The School's teaching quality is regularly recognised as outstanding. A score of 23 out of 24 was achieved in the most recent Teaching Quality Assessment, again the highest mark in our subject areas. Excellence in research informs excellence in teaching.
Admission Requirements
Candidates will usually be expected to have a first degree in an agricultural, biological or other relevant science from a university recognised by the University of Nottingham.
International Students: Language Requirements
General Information
Funding and Fees
Information on funding opportunities for Home/EU and International students
Please note that fees for this course do not include the cost of the airfare from UK to Malaysia, which will be at the student's expense.
Accommodation
Enquire about this course
Dr Debbie Sparkes
Division of Plant and Crop Sciences
tel: +44(0) 115 951 6074
email: debbie.sparkes@nottingham.ac.uk
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