Advanced Biological Sciences MRes

This module will provide students with an understanding of the processes and methods required for the successful planning and delivery of research projects. It will also Introduce students to the latest, cutting edge technologies that will support their research field of interest. It will develop in students the transferrable communication skills that will enable them to disseminate their findings to both scientific and general audiences.

MRes Research project

This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake training necessary for, and complimentary to, the successful completion of their research project. The specific training to be undertaken will depend on the nature of their individual research; for example, it may include acquiring expertise in new computer languages, proficiency in the use of specialised equipment, or demonstrating relevant numeracy skills. The program of training will be defined in a learning contract that will be agreed between the student and their project supervisor at the start of the module. The contract will specify individual training goals. Successful completion of the module will be assessed by three pieces of work: an initial report outlining the student’s understanding of the proposed training (including a learning contract), why it is necessary, and how it will be achieved; a final report reflecting on the success of the training agreed; a portfolio providing evidence of the training activities undertaken, and proficiency in the relevant learning objectives.

This module comprises a wide range of activities designed to help postgraduate science students develop skills that make them resourceful, responsible and adaptable graduates who are attractive to employers.

This module prepares students for enhanced communication, teamwork, interpersonal, problem solving, research and analytical, planning and organizing, technology, and lifelong learning skills.

Students will acquire knowledge in academic integrity, information retrieval, referencing tools, grant proposal writing and critical thinking; the tools that help to set up students for the start of their research project.

Students will also develop communication skills to a varied audience by engaging in public activities whilst working in groups to enhance their team-working skills. To make students digitally confident, they will be introduced to different digital platforms and will utilize these to promote their online presence, thus enhancing their employability prospects.

The module will prepare students for their job application process through CV clinics and mock interviews.

Modern biotechnology and bioimaging applies novel tools and approaches to address today’s global challenges.
You will learn a variety of methods in mammalian cell biotechnology as well as imaging technologies that range from the microscopic scale to cellular and organ imaging in vivo. You will develop knowledge of a diversity of cell analysis techniques. Furthermore, the use of reporter genes for various types of imaging will be explained, including imaging technologies for cell analysis on the microscopic level as well as for cell imaging and functional analysis in animal models of disease.

The lectures will convey basic knowledge and include examples of applications from actual research publications, or the lecturer’s own research work, in equal measure. The students will have learning tutorials on critical appraisal of literature. There will also be a practical workshop on contemporary microscopy.
The module will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops and practical exercises. There are two written assessments in this module.

This is a key module for students on the MSc Infection and Immunity Programme and might also be taken by other MSc, MBioSci and MRes students whose interests include infection and immunology. The module is topical in light of the pandemic and will address areas of research-connected infection biology teaching across areas of broad relevance to infectious disease, as well as to coronavirus. The module includes research connected lectures, workshops and structured discussions on selected texts as student-led topics. The content will focus on areas of infectious disease that support the programme and are relevant in that: (i) they are current/topical or (ii) they address fundamental questions of general importance. In addition, students will also be supported with key research and ideas in emerging infections and pandemics, showing how interconnected interconnected nature of health and disease through integrating aspects of biology and society. The module assessments are aimed at: 1) writing a report on a selected emerging pathogen that communicates the multifactorial considerations for researchers and society 2) presentation of a key factor that contributes to or affects disease emergence and the response by society or an agency. The factor focused on will be selected from workshops and student-led discussions

This module introduces how the tools of GIS can be used to create digital representations of the world and, through a framework of Geographic Information Science, reviews the potential problems and pitfalls of doing so. The module is delivered through lectures supplemented by practical labs that develop familiarity and skills in the application of GIS.

Data skills are essential for a career in modern biology. Biological studies increasingly involve the generation of large or complex sets of data, and the ability to analyse data is a core component of a successful biologist’s skill set. Digital fluency is also required more widely outside biological research and a grounding in data analysis is in demand by a broad range of employers. Here you will learn the ability to visualise data, critically test hypotheses, and to interpret and present results.

The learning and teaching materials are delivered as an online set of resources (available through Canvas) coupled with computer-based practical workshops. The module will also introduce students to the powerful open access statistical software package, R.

The module will be assessed by a written data analysis report and an open-book exam

For any students studying off-campus – due to a placement in industry or studying at an overseas University – on-line drop-in sessions will be provided instead of the practical workshops.

This module is aimed at postgraduate students in the Life Sciences, wishing to learn about methods for use in data-intensive research. The module provides a broad introduction to the use of Python coding for performing basic tasks in the biological sciences. The student will get practical experience in writing their own Python scripts for basic bioinformatics tasks, such as manipulating DNA, RNA and protein sequences, file input/output and working with other programs, such as BLAST. There is also an introduction to data visualisation using Python, and simple techniques used in data science, including a basic introduction to machine learning.

Around 10 hours of lectures will be provided on core topics, with a strong emphasis on practical activity in workshops (totalling around 40 hours), allowing students to gain confidence in writing scripts for their own tasks. The module will be assessed by two short coding assignments, one team working coding assignment building a bioinformatics pipeline, and a data science mini-project.

Successful research in the biological sciences inevitably depends on the power that statistical inference provides for hypothesis testing. Knowing which test to use and when is the key to success.

This module aims to train biology students in statistical techniques for the analysis and interpretation of data. Students will gain research-level, critical understanding of the necessary theory, and will put this into practice by using statistical software and programming to analyse biological data. The module aims to provide a guide to the statistics that students will need to complete their MSc / MRes. research project. Specifically, it is designed for postgraduate students who have not completed an undergraduate statistics module, such as the University of Liverpool’s LIFE223 (QS section). The module is taught via directed reading, lectures, and tutorial workshops, and is assessed via SAQ examination, coursework and an individual poster.

This module serves as a focal point for students on the M.Biol.Sci, M.Sc. & M.Res whose interests include evolution, ecology and behavioural biology

The module will make use of varied teaching methods including structured discussions on selected texts as student-led seminars.

The content will focus on areas of evolutionary and behavioural biology that are currently important in the senses (i) that they are progressing rapidly and (ii) that they address fundamental questions of general importance. In addition we will also highlight the key papers and ideas in recent evolutionary biology, showing how research fields develop after pivotal work is published.

The module will have two coursework assessments which are designed to show depth of understanding and an evaluative approach to theory and data in evolutionary biology. There will be some group work, related to one of the assessments.

Bioinformatics is a key skill needed in many research settings. This module gives students a theoretical and technical grounding in a range of application areas including bioinformatics-related topics such as sequence analysis, phylogenetics, and the modelling of proteins, and others. While lectures are provided on core topics, there is a strong emphasis on practical exercises to demonstrate the application of common tools and data sources in these contexts. Teaching is delivered in the form of a weekly lecture and workshops. Students will be given guided reading and online activities to support their learning. The module will be assessed by two coursework assessments. The assessments will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the tools used in workshops and interpretation of results.

This module will provide students with an understanding of the processes and methods required for the successful planning and delivery of research projects. It will also Introduce students to the latest, cutting edge technologies that will support their research field of interest. It will develop in students the transferrable communication skills that will enable them to disseminate their findings to both scientific and general audiences.

MRes Research project

This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake training necessary for, and complimentary to, the successful completion of their research project. The specific training to be undertaken will depend on the nature of their individual research; for example, it may include acquiring expertise in new computer languages, proficiency in the use of specialised equipment, or demonstrating relevant numeracy skills. The program of training will be defined in a learning contract that will be agreed between the student and their project supervisor at the start of the module. The contract will specify individual training goals. Successful completion of the module will be assessed by three pieces of work: an initial report outlining the student’s understanding of the proposed training (including a learning contract), why it is necessary, and how it will be achieved; a final report reflecting on the success of the training agreed; a portfolio providing evidence of the training activities undertaken, and proficiency in the relevant learning objectives.

This module comprises a wide range of activities designed to help postgraduate science students develop skills that make them resourceful, responsible and adaptable graduates who are attractive to employers.

This module prepares students for enhanced communication, teamwork, interpersonal, problem solving, research and analytical, planning and organizing, technology, and lifelong learning skills.

Students will acquire knowledge in academic integrity, information retrieval, referencing tools, grant proposal writing and critical thinking; the tools that help to set up students for the start of their research project.

Students will also develop communication skills to a varied audience by engaging in public activities whilst working in groups to enhance their team-working skills. To make students digitally confident, they will be introduced to different digital platforms and will utilize these to promote their online presence, thus enhancing their employability prospects.

The module will prepare students for their job application process through CV clinics and mock interviews.

Biodiversity, the Earth’s support system, is in decline. Conservation of remaining ecosystems and restoration of disturbed ones is essential and urgently needed. Here we cover controversial issues and current debates in conservation with topics covering approaches to protected area management (terrestrial and marine), ecosystem restoration and conservation policy. The module is run as a dynamic, interactive advanced tutorial course. The sessions are mostly run as lectures with background reading and discussion lead by a member of staff, but also include seminars, group work and student-led presentations.

Modern biology and medicine are increasingly making use of complex genomic data sets. As a result, there is increasing demand for graduates who can analyse and interpret these data.

In this module, you will learn the fundamentals of a broad range of genomic analyses. You will learn how and when to apply different genomic technologies, and how to analyse the data– to understand fundamental biological processes, to reconstruct the history of organisms and to trace disease outbreaks, for example.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, to give a strong grounding in each topic– followed by hands on workshops– where you will gain experience in applying your skills to data analysis. Most topics will be covered in two-week sessions, with a typical week consisting of two-hours of contact time.

To demonstrate your mastery of the topics, you will engage in a set of assessments that mirror real-world applications of your knowledge: a poster presentation (30%) on an advanced topic in genomic analysis, and a synthetic report (70%) that applies the material covered to a novel biological context.

We have developed this module, along with all other modules in this Programme, in consultation with partners from both industry and academia, in order to ensure that graduates have skills that are currently in demand.

Clinical trials are the key final step to translate medical research into the benefit of patients. The Liverpool Clinical Trials Unit is one of the largest in the UK, running a wide variety of surgical and oncology studies, that range from phase I studies to large, practice-changing phase III studies, as well as more novel trial designs. Since new therapies have become available in the treatment of cancer, the methods used in clinical trials have also evolved. The module in Cancer Clinical Trials is aimed at developing the knowledge and understanding of decisions affecting the design, delivery and assessment of clinical trials. This module will be taught by clinicians, researchers, statisticians and trial methodologists at the Liverpool Trials Unit, and cover fundamentals of clinical trials and designs, as well as the challenges that arise at each of these strategies. The module in Cancer Clinical Trials is ideal for current in-service health professionals looking to broaden their role in the design, management, analysis and reporting of clinical trials. It is also suited to those wishing to gain an understanding of clinical trials. The module will be taught through a combination of lectures, case-based learning tutorials and workshops, and assessed via a poster presentation and a written assessment, involving the design of a clinical trial.

With the advent of genomics and functional genomics, biology has become a quantitative data-rich discipline. This has created unprecedented opportunities in virtually every area of life sciences. With the right tools, it is now possible to address fundamentally important biological questions simply analysing already available datasets. This module is designed to prepare students for this very challenge. The module covers the most important aspects of computational biology. These range from the analysis of large datasets to infer biological mechanisms to the use of mathematical modelling to conceptualize and simulate complex biological phenomena. In addition to providing an intuitive overview of the basic theoretical principles, the module will focus on real life applications through multiple cases studies. Among these, students will learn how to identify drug targets and mechanisms of drug resistance and how to understand mathematical models of biological systems. They will then learn aspects of quantitative system pharmacology and physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling.

The module will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops and seminars. The module will be assessed via two written reports.

For students with interests in infection biology, the module will enhance skills and enable critically evaluation of key concepts, technologies and multifactorial considerations circumscribing diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. The module is topical in light of the current pandemic. The research-connected teaching will focus on prevention, limitation and treatment of infectious disease.
The module comprises lectures, workshops and seminars and uses active-learning delivery methods to ensure students can synthesise and evaluate relative merits, attributes, issues and applications of the topics. There are two coursework assessments in the module: 1) writing a report on a selected emerging pathogen that communicates the multifactorial considerations for researchers and society 2) presentation of a key factor that contributes to or affects disease emergence and the response by society or an agency. Materials will be included on the VLE to develop digital fluency and promote assimilation and appraisal of the module content.

This is a key module for students on the MSc Infection and Immunity Programme and might also be taken by other MSc, MBioSci and MRes students whose interests include infection and immunology. The module is topical in light of the pandemic and will address areas of research-connected immunology teaching across areas of broad relevance to infectious disease, as well as to coronavirus. The module includes research connected lectures, workshops and structured discussions on selected texts as student-led seminars. The content will focus on areas of immunology that support the programme and are relevant in that: (i) they are current/topical or (ii) they address fundamental questions of general importance. In addition, students will also be supported with key research and ideas in immune mechanisms and host defence, showing how research fields progress and our understanding of defence mechanisms develop. The module assessments are aimed at: 1) using graphics to show illustratively specific and complex immunological host-pathogen interactions and will aid skills in image design; and 2) poster presentation to demonstrate immunological interactions based on the student-led workshops on host defence and microbial evasion.

The module will address three main topics: hallmarks of cancer, cancer diagnosis and biomarkers, and cancer therapies & current challenges. These topics will be taught using various cancer models that have been selected based on the expertise at the University of Liverpool and to illustrate research, diagnostic and therapeutic problems.

This module will be taught by both scientists and clinicians who are experts in cancer research. The module will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, case-based learning tutorials and workshops. The lectures will convey basic knowledge and include examples of applications from actual research publications and the lecturer’s own research work.

The students will take part in case-based learning tutorials on critical appraisal of scientific seminars provided by cancer researchers. Workshops will cover literature search, referencing, and preparation of oral scientific presentations in preparation for the final assignment which is a conference style talk. A practical workshop will also cover tumour pathology and will train students in the identification and interpretation of tumour biopsies.

The module will be assessed via two assessments. The first assessment consists of a seminar report, based on a pre-recorded seminar provided by a cancer researcher. The final assessment will be an oral presentation, in which students will be required to give a conference-style lecture on an emerging cancer research topic related to one of the lectures and provide an abstract of their presentation.

Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology will provide an in-depth understanding of the grand challenges in biotechnological applications and the principles underlying synthetic biology and modern biotechnological techniques that are designed to sustainably address specific problems. The module also aims to teach tools and strategies being developed and applied in the rapidly expanding field of synthetic biology and train students with practical experience in green biotechnology.

The module will be taught through a combination of lectures and workshops. The lectures will convey basic knowledge or the lecturer’s own research work. The workshops will provide students with the opportunity to analyse relevant data relevant to the biotechnology field. The module will be assessed via a scientific report and a scientific review.

Proteomics and metabolomics represent powerful tools towards unbiased, quantitative and high-throughput analysis of biological systems. Rapid “omic” technological developments in the post‐genomic era have provided insights into protein structures, biosynthesis and interactions, as well as the complex metabolic processes that are of significant importance in biological and medical research. The aims of this course are to provide a comprehensive understanding of proteomic and metabolomic techniques and related data analysis, and to illustrate how they can be applied in fundamental biological research and industrial applications. The module will be taught by lectures and workshops. The module will be assessed via two a scientific reports.

MRes Research project