Biomedical Science - Reproduction and Development MRes

Study this pioneering degree to carry out research that improves fertility and helps identify, treat or manage birth defects.<br/><br/>Reproduction is a fascinating process, but it doesn’t always go to plan. Many couples struggle to conceive. Some experience miscarriage. And, according to NHS statistics, one in 47 babies are born with a congenital anomaly – anything from cleft palate or limb defect to heart conditions or spina bifida.<br/><br/>This course is for you if you want to carry out research that improves fertility and helps identify, treat or manage birth defects. Joining us, you’ll study the interplay between genes and physiology and the complications that can arise.<br/><br/>**Kickstart your research career**<br/>Research and innovation are in our DNA. Edward Jenner, whose groundbreaking work contributed to the eradication of smallpox, completed his medical training at St George’s in 1770. More recently, our research has helped accelerate the treatment of tuberculosis, malaria, HIV and Covid-19.<br/><br/>You’ll meet experts improving diagnosis and counselling for unexplained infertility and creating new therapies and diagnosis for neonatal disorders. We’ll also reveal how we’re using rare disease models to understand human development and reproduction. <br/><br/>**Why St Georges?**<br/>- Pioneering pathway – our specialist pathway is one of a few of its kind in the UK that focuses on the science behind reproduction, embryo formation and fetal development. <br/><br/><br/>- Expert research community – you’ll have access to specialist equipment and expertise in clinical, epidemiological and laboratory research. Your project might involve working with clinical samples or staff on our hospital sites.<br/><br/><br/>- Intense research training – completing an MRes means you’ll spend nine months working on a research project and receive one-to-one training. Past students have even been listed as authors of published papers.<br/><br/><br/>**Course content**<br/>Whichever biomedical science pathway you pick, you’ll complete three core modules: Research Methods, Statistics, and Research Project Planning and Management.<br/><br/>All the core modules provide advanced training in biomedical research and help you interpret data. You’ll develop specialist skills in tissue culture, handling of clinical specimens, flow cytometry, gene cloning and protein techniques, microbiological techniques and more.<br/><br/>While sharpening your research skills, you’ll learn about the genetic basis of birth defects and underlying molecular mechanisms. We’ll also take a closer look at events during early pregnancy when the placenta forms and disruptions which result in disorders, such as pre-eclampsia. <br/><br/>**Your research project**<br/>Unlike MSc courses, you’ll complete an extensive research project which involves spending up to nine months working as part of a research team. This may provide an opportunity to work with clinical samples or staff on our hospital sites.<br/><br/>During the first term, you’ll meet potential supervisors and pick a project. Past projects have explored the effects of progesterone on placenta development, vascular function during pregnancy, and molecular mechanisms of polycystic ovary syndrome.