UCL Institute of Ophthalmology

MSc Bioscience (Research and Development) with Practice

Teaching and learning

Module teaching is primarily in the form of attended lectures and seminars across terms one and two. Face-to-face attended sessions form typically approx 18-20 hours per week in terms one and two and there is considerable independent reading and study expected through the module delivery period and in the periods of independent research.

Lectures allow for specific, in depth information to be provided while seminars allow for interrogation and discussions of material covered to develop understanding. Group tutorials allow for more detailed appraisal of the learning journey and further consideration of the material covered in lectures and seminars. Lab time and guided practical sessions allow for you to evolve hands on technical skills, facility and processes for lab based research activity.

Module consolidation seminars involving problem or case based presentations relating to module content and informal quizzes allow for knowledge and understanding to be tested, and for formative feedback to be given, in advance of summative assessment, alongside focused revision sessions.

Research in practice seminars allow for investigative, analytical, synthesis and data interrogation skills to be developed, prior to being put into practice in the dissertation module. A considerable number of student-led journal club sessions will develop the crucial skills of scientific scrutiny, peer-reviewing and abstract writing.

Digital learning/VLE you can expect to engage in some online activities to support independent study, which may include guided learning activities (online quizzes, lab simulations), attendance on digital platforms for tutorials, discussion and presentations; review video material such as lectures to consolidate understanding and supply written tasks via digital methods such as e-portfolios, and Turnitin. From time to time you can expect to engage with digital/online learning within taught modules in year one such as video seminars, lectures and presentations. Module guidance, tutorials and dissertation supervision in year two will be conducted via online/distance methods.

Independent research and reflection forms a substantial proportion of the study hours, encompassing time spent preparing for taught module sessions and assessments, and planning, shaping and conducting the research for your projects, which may include self led lab time as well as library based research. You will systematically gather and analyse research data to draw conclusions, with the assistance of academic supervisors.

Terms three, four and five encompass the research project based modules which are fundamentally reliant on you learning autonomously, but with academic supervision and pastoral support throughout.

Some variation of learning and teaching strategies will result from the optional modules selected.

Summative assessments are taken in the form of:

• Written exams
• Coursework essays
• Written reports
• Coursework Portfolio
• Presentations
• Abstract /Grant Proposal writing
• Independent research projects/dissertations
• Research presentation and panel questions VIVA
• Reflective evaluation

Compulsory modules

• Research in Practice
• Grant Application Proposal
• Science of Diseases
• Reflective Evaluation e-Portfolio
• Stem Cell and Genome Therapies
• Lab-Based Research Project Dissertation
• Disease Models in Research
• Research Project and Laboratory Skills

Optional modules

• Molecular Aspects of Cell and Gene Therapy
• Novel Therapies: From Concept to Clinical Translation
• Immunodeficiency and Therapeutics
• Advanced Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Pharmacology of Inflammation (Extended)
• Pharmacology of Inflammation
• Stem Cells and Their Applications in Surgery

Bioscience students are encouraged to apply.

• The program will utilize the expertise available at the institute given that staff are all mainly translational researchers across the life sciences and includes the offer of a placement with global partner institutions.
• The program is also predicated on you being able to shape your own area of interest from a suite of optional modules delivered by other UCL departments. The location allows for students to place their learning on this program in a context that explicitly consolidates research into translational practice and implementation.
• The extended period of study (18 months) provides you with an intensive taught curriculum, which then feeds into periods of independent research activity, ensuring that you will leave with substantial lab-based skills in workplace lab contexts and a research portfolio,
• This will maximize your capacity to develop your practice further through PhD study/Institutional research or in workplace laboratory contexts.
• In terms four and five there will be a more extensive lab placement either at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology or with an international partner institution which will provide additional lab expertise within an academic environment and foster academic collaboration.
• There will be a preliminary module focused on preparing a grant funding application around the proposed project, allowing a thorough understanding of the background science and implementation of grant writing skills taught in year one, and a reflective module that will ask you to appraise and evidence your practical bench and lab skills.

The foundation of your career

A systematic understanding of research and therapeutics, and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights informed by current research and practice at the forefront of the field
A comprehensive understanding of the techniques and processes which drive both research practice and the therapies themselves
A capacity to apply and generate new knowledge through their own research, with a practical integration of established techniques of research and enquiry in this area, and the potential to innovate new models for research in practice.

Employability

Graduates from this programme will also have:

• The capacity to critically appraise existing research, methodologies, and processes for developing therapies
• The ability to formulate and evaluate complex decisions, solutions, and communications of their findings
• The autonomy to initiate, plan, and actualise effective research projects independently
• The potential to advance their learning and skillset, and to undertake further research and practice in both subsequent study and employment
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, which support information and data management
• A substantial individual research portfolio, based on lab practice and experience

Networking

The opportunity to meet students and scientists working in research institutions overseas will give an insight into the various research practices and learning options globally.

You will be invited to the annual ECR symposium which showcases PhD and post doctoral research projects. You will be working in labs alongside PhD students and post-doctoral researchers.

You will be sharing modules from other MSc programs across UCL and meeting other MSc students during those sessions.