Course summary

Improve healthcare by learning how scientific discoveries are turned into drugs, diagnostic tools and preventive strategies. RNA vaccines, gene therapies, GLP inhibitors – medicine is rapidly advancing thanks to recent research breakthroughs. But how do we achieve the next innovation? How do we use data to move drug development forward? What challenges are involved in clinical trials? How do we unite disciplines to improve human health? Studying with us, you’ll discover what it takes to turn research discoveries into new diagnostic tools, therapies and preventive strategies for human diseases. Learning from leading researchers, you’ll prepare to make an impact whether that’s in academia or the pharmaceutical and biotechnology field. Designed to develop practical skills According to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, there is a shortage of professionals with the practical skills to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. We’ve designed this course to help you become the expert the sector needs. Focus on hands-on learning and build your confidence in key areas. Most of our students have an undergraduate degree in biomedical science. However, you might have studied a related subject like biotechnology, dentistry or pharmacology. To get the most out of the course, you’ll need to be confident writing scientifically and working with numbers. We also expect you to already have some understanding of molecular biology and genetics. Why St George's? Practical training - hone the skills employers are looking for and develop specialist skills in areas like data analysis, bench research and scientific communication. Small class sizes - you’ll learn in small groups, so you get to know the teaching team and get the support you need for success in this field. Boost your employability - we’ve designed this course to address the skills shortage in this area. This means you’ll spend time in the lab exploring different techniques and receiving hands-on training. Course content Studying this course, you’ll be immersed in the latest biomedical research, with sessions delivered by scientists working actively in the field. You’ll cover everything from clinical trial management and bioinformatics to population health research and personalised medicine. For our Hot Topics in Biomedical Science module, we discuss recent publications in a journal club format. Case Studies in Drug Discovery and Development also gives you a chance to hear more about our researchers’ work. We’ll tell you about clinical trials happening in London, and you’ll also meet our academics carrying out projects in regions like Africa. Become a confident researcher You’ll graduate with a whole host of sought-after skills in areas like data analysis and computer programming. In the lab, you’ll also get hands-on training in a range of areas such as the safe handling of chemicals, working with DNA, studying proteins and growing mammalian cells in tissue culture. You’ll apply what you’ve learnt to a three-month research project – either in London or abroad with the Turing Scheme. Previous students have explored polycystic ovary syndrome, brain cancer, childhood asthma, and more, using methods such as microscopy, genomics and population health statistics. If you’re looking for a programme that includes a longer research project, you might be interested in our MRes Biomedical Science course.