Course summary

Our PhD/MPhil Molecular Biology programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Molecular Biology. Molecular biology is fundamental to almost all research that studies microbial, animal and plant systems and is important to underpin clinically related subjects including cancer, embryology, development, movement disorders, arthritis, bacterial pathogenesis, tissue injury and its repair. Research is focussed on how genes are expressed and how their products interact with other molecules to exert a biological effect. This involves studies of the mechanisms that control transcription, RNA processing and translational events with a view to understanding their roles in regulating cellular processes and organisation in living systems. In vitro and in vivo investigations exploit state-of-the-art technologies, including gene editing and genomics/proteomics approaches, to visualise the activity of genes and gene products. These approaches provide a strong link with our strengths in Bioinformatics. Examples of the breadth and diversity of molecular biology research at Manchester include:

• Transcription factors and signal transduction;

• RNA processing and protein translation;

• Apoptosis and cell fate;

• Molecular basis of inherited diseases;

• Cell and tissue morphogenesis;

• Cytoplasmic inheritance;

• Biological clocks.

• Transgenic technologies.