Integrative Biology MRes
Overview
The MRes in Integrative Biology was initiated due to growing student demand and designed specifically to provide training in in vivo sciences whilst undertaking research projects over a broad range of disciplines and laboratory environments. Where better to study than at The University of Manchester - one of the largest and most successful unified research and teaching organisations of its kind in Europe? Our MRes degree allows students to gain research experience and professional skills, sometimes in a different area to their first degree, before deciding on a future career in industry or academic research.
The MRes is an essential part of The University’s initiative in Integrative Mammalian Biology which aims to maintain high standards of training and research using in vivo techniques. At the start of the programme, students are trained by skilled veterinary surgeons in order to gain Home Office licencing as a requirement of the 1986 Animal (Procedures) Act.
Your course director is: Simon Luckman
Careers
The primary objective of the MRes degree is to provide students with a wide range of skills that will make subsequent PhD or industrial research studies far more productive and enlightening.
- The MRes can act effectively as the equivalent of the first year of a 1 + 3 year PhD programme by providing intensive training in research and communication skills in preparation for further PhD study
- In some instances, students may be able to link their MRes application to apply for a subsequent 3 year PhD project
- Alternatively, the MRes can act as a stand-alone degree, providing a firm practical basis to a career as a biotechnologist
Students who have participated on the MRes have found it to be a highly rewarding experience as it offers maximum flexibility and empowers students to shape their personal research interests.
- The MRes allows students to make an informed choice about the research area they want to invest their scientific careers in
- It also provides the opportunity to experience research in different environments within The University of Manchester and associated partner institutes, without being restrictive
- Many graduates of the MRes programme go on to register for PhD study in the UK (including Manchester) and abroad
The MRes also offers considerable advantages as a stand-alone degree. It offers a high-quality exit career point for students who may not wish to continue in academia but who are interested in pursuing a research career in an industry or who want to explore other related career paths, such as those provided by scientific publishing or research-funding bodies.
One of the specific benefits of taking an MRes degree in Integrative Biology is that the skills acquired are extremely valuable to the pharmaceutical industry and yet are very rarely provided at undergraduate level. For the same reasons, these skills can endow MRes graduates with a precious competitive advantage when applying for academic PhDs in fields requiring in vivo techniques.
Since 2004, approximately 80% have gone on to do a PhD and many of these choose to stay in Manchester. Of the remaining MRes graduates, the majority remain in science by going on to do another further degree or by getting a job in industry.
For a graduate profile, see: Ellen Forty