Genetics is the scientific study of inheritance and as such is a very broad research area. Within the School of Biology research in Genetics is focussed on the Institute of Genetics, most groups of which are located within the Queen’s Medical Centre. Projects in genetics cover a wide spectrum from population and evolutionary genetics through to molecular and biochemical genetics. They have the common aim of understanding how the genetic material achieves its functions and how it is passed down through generations. Some of the research involves classic genetic approaches including the isolation of mutants with specific phenotypes and the study of their behaviour in genetic crosses. These studies involve model organisms that include bacteria, yeasts and other fungi, Xenopus, zebrafish and mice. Other research in Genetics at Nottingham employs molecular techniques and bioinformatics to address fundamental evolutionary problems such as the evolution of AIDS viruses, the genetic changes that are associated with speciation and the evolution of transposable elements and genome structure. There also projects available in Genetics research groups who are focussing on the systems responsible for maintaining gene and genome integrity and securing accurate chromosome transmission in bacteria, archaea, yeast and vertebrates.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
After identifying which Masters you wish to pursue please complete an on-line application form
https://pgapps.nottingham.ac.uk/
Mark clearly on this form your choice of course title, give a brief outline of your proposed research and follow the automated prompts to provide documentation. Once the School has your application and accompanying documents (eg referees reports, transcripts/certificates) your application will be matched to an appropriate academic supervisor and considered for an offer of admission.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The MRes degree course consists of two elements:
160 credits of assessed work. The assessed work will normally be based entirely on a research project and will be the equivalent of around 10 ½ months research work. AND
20 credits of non-assessed generic training. Credits can be accumulated from any of the courses offered by the Graduate School. http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/gradschool/research-training/index.phtml The generic courses should be chosen by the student in consultation with the supervisor(s).
ASSESSMENT
The research project will normally be assessed by a dissertation of a maximum of 30,000 to 35,000 words, or equivalent as appropriate*. The examiners may if they so wish require the student to attend a viva.
*In consultation with the supervisor it maybe possible for students to elect to do a shorter research project and take a maximum of 40 credits of assessed modules.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The University of Nottingham is delighted to offer 10 x £1,000 tuition fee scholarships for students starting full-time study on one of the Masters by Research (MRes) programmes in the School of Biology at the University in September 2007. Applicants must be classified as ‘overseas’ students for fees purposes and be applying to study full time. All eligible students who have offers of admission before 22 May 2007 will automatically be considered for the Scholarships. The scholarship winners will be notified in June 2007.
