Research Skills Summer School
Date
13 August 2012 to 7 September 2012 (4 weeks).
Course Overview
Over the last 20 years a battery of powerful molecular, biochemical and genetic tools have been devised to meet global challenges in biotechnology and biomedicine. Use of these techniques not only requires a good theoretical knowledge of how they work, but more importantly how to carry them out in a laboratory within a controlled experimental design.
Through this course you will gain a wide range of research skills that not only equip you for your Masters or PhD research but your future career. The skills you acquire will be applicable to almost all areas in research in biotechnology and biomedicine in industry or academia, as we respond to global environmental and medical challenges, such as the emergence of antibiotic resistant pathogens and the treatment of common diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
As you will work closely with a small cohort of fellow students, you will develop the team skills required to work in a research team, as well as developing a network of friends and colleagues to help you get the most out of your time as a Masters student.
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Who is this course for?
This course is especially suited to students who have had little hands on laboratory experience, yet intend to undertake a course which places a large emphasis on experimental research or laboratory placements. For example:
- Applicants for research focused Masters courses in Biotechnology or Biomedicine
- Applicants for PhDs in Biotechnology or Biomedicine
- Medical students intercalating into a research focused masters courses in Biomedicine or related subjects
- Undergraduate students going into the final year of their degree who are considering a career in biosciences research
How and what will you learn?
This is an intensive course with a high staff to student ratio.
You will study Monday – Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm. Each week you will spend around:
- 5-6 hours per day in the lab
- 1-2 hours per day in lectures
- 1 hour per day on team activities
You will also be expected to undertake additional private study in the evenings.
Course content includes:
- ‘Hands on’ laboratory experience of techniques in: molecular biology, cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, proteomics.
- Classes and small group workshops, in which you will be introduced to theory behind experimental techniques.
- Guidance in experimental design through daily interactions with research active faculty members who are leading experts in the topics and techniques covered.
- Development of data interpretation and communication skills through both one to one and group discussion of your results, short laboratory reports and oral presentation.
For further information on the structure of the course and the range of techniques you are likely to cover please see the timetable for the 2011 course:
2011 Timetable [PDF 89KB]
NB the timetable will be slightly amended for the 2012 course.
Social events
Our social programme will give you the chance to explore our campus and the exciting city of Manchester. Activities planned include:
- Guided tour of the city and the university campus
- End of course dinner
You will also have free time on some evenings and weekends to plan your own social events.
Accommodation
Students on the course will be housed in a hall of residence in the City Campus area within easy walking distance of the Faculty of Life Sciences buildings and facilities.
Assessment
All assessment will be formative and will consist of feedback on your laboratory performance, understanding of the experimental techniques and presentation skills. You will receive assessments on short written reports, oral presentations and a poster presentation. Assessments will only be used to help you to gauge the standard of your work compared to required Masters levels (e.g. distinction, merit) and determine in which areas you may want to improve. On completion of the course, you will receive a certificate.
Fees
The fees for 2012 are:
- with accommodation £2,730
- without accommodation £2,330
What is included in the fees?
- Tuition and laboratory consumables
- Programme of social events
What is not included in the fees?
What do our students say?
“I think the most important "skill" I developed through the course was my confidence. I was quite nervous in the beginning, insecure about many things but because we had to perform all the techniques ourselves, we were forced to understand what we were doing. I realised that working in a lab is much more fun when you actually understand what you are doing!”
“All the supervisors seemed very engaged and motivating in their delivery.”
“What I enjoyed most about the Summer School was making new friends and learning some new and exciting techniques.”
“The course gave me lab experience with basic but crucial and cutting-edge techniques, such as DNA/RNA/Protein analysis and mammalian cell culture. Those techniques have proven to significantly guide my research in my present Masters course unit 'Research Placement 1'.”
“The course offered us an incredible platform to communicate with academic staff and PhD students. In this way, we could obtain much more knowledge and information.”
Contact for more information
Faculty of Life Sciences Recruitment and Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5032
Fax: +44 (0)161 275 5456
Email: pgtaught.lifesciences@manchester.ac.uk
Web: Masters Courses