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MSc in Structural Molecular Biology
Distance learning course
| Overview |
Our distance learning MSc in Structural Molecular Biology provides graduate students with grounding in the structure of proteins, and the main techniques that are used to study protein structure.
Graduates of this MSc programme are well placed to study for PhDs, start professional research careers, or change disciplines to encompass this important area of modern molecular biology. For further details please refer to the course content section. |
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| Modular structure |
The course has a modular structure and operates under the Birkbeck Common Awards Scheme, one module being worth 30 credits. In order to gain an MSc in Structural Molecular Biology students must earn 180 credits.
- 120 credits must be earned by completing two Postgraduate Certificates. Each of the Postgraduate Certificates counts as a double module, and is worth 60 credits. Students may choose which of the course modules they study.
- 60 credits must be earned through project modules. Projects are worth 30 credits each.
A summary of the course options is available below, including the period of study required for each qualification.
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| Certificate modules for MSc students |
Postgraduate Certificate |
Further information |
Principles of Protein Structure (PPS)
Course details |
This double module is worth 60 credits
Introduces the structure of proteins and how that structure is related to both a protein’s sequence and its function.
- Available as a stand-alone Certificate
- For those seeking an MSc in Structural Molecular Biology it is recommended that this certificate is taken in the first year
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Techniques in Structural Molecular Biology (TSMB)
Course details |
This double module is worth 60 credits
Gives a wide overview of the theoretical background of all the techniques that are commonly used in structural biology research. These include protein expression, purification and crystallisation, protein bioinformatics, X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance and electron microscopy.
- Available as a stand-alone Certificate
- For those seeking an MSc in Structural Molecular Biology it is recommended that this certificate is taken in the second year
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Protein Crystallography (PX)
Course details |
This double module is worth 60 credits
A specialist course designed for students who are following, or who intend to follow, a career in this area. It is mainly non-mathematical and designed for the biologically-oriented crystallographer (or potential crystallographer). Students complete a computer-based exercise in solving a structure using the molecular replacement method.
- Available as a stand-alone Certificate
- For those seeking an MSc in Structural Molecular Biology it is recommended that this certificate is taken in the second year
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| Project modules for MSc students |
A total of 60 credits earned from project work is required for students to gain an MSc in Structural Molecular Biology. Each of the Certificates above (PPS, PX and TSMB) have 30-credit projects based on material learned in the coursework.
The PPS project module will be in the style of a dissertation on a protein structural biology topic. The TSMB project module will be in the style of a dissertation based around a technique covered in the coursework. The PX project module will involve manipulating experimental data and will result in the student solving a protein structure by molecular replacement.
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- The projects can be carried out in two separate 3-month periods
From July to September in year 1
and from July to September in year 2
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- Or in one six-month period
Beginning in October or in January of year 3 |
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