Postgraduate courses in Molecular Biology

Hey, quick question. Do you want to develop your knowledge of cells and their function? If so, stick around. You might want to read through this!

Molecular biology is a very important subject for many reasons. It plays a huge role in our understanding of formations, actions and regulations of many different parts of cells. 

It aids the development of new drugs, to help diagnose diseases and quite simply, understand the physiology of the cell. We’ll guide you in your approach to embarking on a postgraduate course in this area. Take a look and see what you think!

What is molecular biology?

Molecular biology is the study of the molecular underpinnings of different processes such as translation, cell function. It focuses on the specific structure and function of the macromolecules including proteins and nucleic acids. 

What does a molecular biologist do?

As a molecular biologist you may work more than 40 hours a week. It is mostly a 9-5 job where you will mostly work in an office setting. Your day to day duties and tasks may differ depending on what exactly you’re working on. However, general duties carried out in this position may include: 

• Design and carry out different experiments
• Gather, record and present findings and data of these experiments 
• Develop and maintain operating procedures for conducting experiments 
• Ensure high safety and health and cleanliness standards with equipment and experiments
• Carry out research and present findings
• Train and oversee work done by researchers scientists etc
• Determine and recommend what equipment and supplies are needed 
• Carry out work safely and effectively

Courses

There are many courses on offer in the area across the UK. Some courses offer the opportunity to study either part time or full time. Universities may have certain restrictions in place due to Covid-19 and may offer courses online. There are courses available in this area across a number of colleges and are very similar. Courses include:

Advanced Professional Practice Musculoskeletal Neuroscience

Quite a mouthful, that title! In a postgraduate course in this area you will be at the centre of neuroscience application and will be provided with the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and understanding in neuroscience relevant to patient management. Modules may include neuropathology and pathophysiology, clinical neuroscience and therapeutics, clinical neuroscience and diagnosis and professional clinical practice. Particular modules may differ from course to course. 

Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology

Postgraduate courses in this area will allow students to receive hands-on training in behavioural and imaging neuroscience techniques as well as clinical study. Students will look at how theories of cognitive function can be informed by evidence from converging neuroimaging methods. Modules may include advanced quantitative methods, neuroimaging methods, sensorimotor process and attention and more. Course material may differ from course to course.

Other courses available in this area include Clinical Physiology, Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry, Social Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Physiology and Molecular Biology and Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, to name just a few. 

Entry requirements 

Entry requirements may differ from course to course or university to university. Therefore, it is important to research your specific course in detail to ensure you meet the entry requirements. As these courses are postgraduate courses, you will need a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may accept a 2.2 degree while others will require a 2.1 in a relevant science subject. For some of the courses in this area you must be a registered health professional validated by the appropriate Professional, Statutory and Regulatory body and have access to a patient base.

Salary 

There are a few factors that might have an impact on your salary such as your location, your employment/where you work and your experience in the field. As a molecular biologist in the UK you may earn an average of £32,500 annually. Salaries can range from around £25,000 to £38,000. All figures are based on estimates and are intended to be used as a guide only. 

Skills and requirements 

Skills and requirements helpful in this area include: 

• Strong communication skills
• Attention to detail 
• Organisation skills
• Problem solver
• Ability to work well with others
• Analytical skills
• Critical thinking skills
• A keen interest in this area
• The want to continuously learn