COURSE CURRICULUM

The MRes Molecular Medicine at the University of Derby is a research-intensive postgraduate programme designed to prepare graduates for careers in biomedical research, healthcare science, biotechnology, and doctoral study. The course develops advanced knowledge of molecular medicine while equipping students with essential research skills through a combination of taught modules and an extensive independent research project supervised by experienced academics. Students study core modules including Professional Skills in Biomedical Science, Applied Microbial Biotechnology, Research Methods and Data Interpretation, and undertake an Independent Research or Independent Study project. They can also specialise by selecting optional modules in Clinical Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Applied Immunology, or Advanced Cellular Pathology. A major feature of the programme is the opportunity to undertake cutting-edge research in a range of biomedical fields. Available project themes include investigating the natural history of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in head and neck cancers, exploring barriers to cardiac rehabilitation among different ethnic groups using mixed research methods, studying the mechanisms of angiogenesis through laboratory-based cell models, examining hypoxia-related cellular responses to colloid gold nanoparticles using three-dimensional cell culture systems, developing CD55-targeting aptamers for cancer diagnosis and targeted nanoparticle delivery, investigating the role of novel apelin analogues in stem cell regeneration, neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, and assessing the effects of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exposure on early placental cell invasion. Throughout the programme, students gain hands-on experience using advanced laboratory technologies and modern biomedical research techniques while developing skills in experimental design, scientific data analysis, critical evaluation, and professional communication. Supported by expert supervisors and access to specialist research facilities, graduates are well prepared for careers in biomedical and pharmaceutical research, clinical and diagnostic laboratories, biotechnology industries, healthcare science, and academic research, while also possessing the advanced research capability and scientific confidence required to progress to PhD study or other research-focused professional opportunities.