MSc by Research in Cell and Organismal Biology

University of Leeds

This 12 month programme features no taught content, rather you will undertake a research project and write a thesis from your results. Similar to a PhD, you will have a supervisor who is based in your chosen field. MSc by Research will develop your academic and practical skills and is an excellent option should you wish to explore your area of interest further but feel that a PhD is not the right choice at this time. MSc by Research students often go on to PhD study or to work in industry.Our cell biology research aims at determining the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying both normal cell functions and how they become dysfunctional in diseased cells and organisms. In particular our research pursues a detailed understanding of the structure and function of cellular components such as membranes, organelles and the cytoskeleton as well as cellular processes including protein folding and degradation pathways, stress response mechanisms, gene regulation and protein targeting and secretion in health and disease. These themes are addressed in model systems as diverse as mammalian cells in culture, plants, worms and fruit flies. Our studies exploit techniques ranging from molecular biology, functional genomics and advanced imaging techniques including Confocal and Super-resolution Microscopy and Cryo-Electron Microscopy.