Biosciences and Medicine

Overview

Why choose this programme

At the Biosciences and Medicine programme of the University of Surrey you’ll complete research over a period of four years (full-time) or eight years (part-time). You’ll embrace a ‘bench to bedside’ philosophy, with the potential to take part in molecular and computational studies as well as clinical trials.

You’ll work alongside world-leading researchers who are published in top academic journals (such as the BMJ, Nature and The Lancet) and regularly give expert media commentaries. In the 2020 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES), 94% of our biosciences and medicine students gave positive responses regarding supervision by academic staff.

What you will study

You’ll develop your scientific understanding and gain a deeper and more critical knowledge of your chosen research area. You’ll enhance your laboratory and analytical skills relevant to your project, acquire a general awareness of contemporary biomedical research, improve your independent analytical thought, presentation and communication skills, and hone your ability to solve academic and practical problems.

Depending on your research project, you’ll most likely complete extensive laboratory work to generate data that’ll underpin your final thesis. Some research areas will be primarily or entirely related to the analysis of existing scientific or clinical data sets; however, all projects will require some statistical analysis. Some projects will be entirely conducted at Surrey, whereas others will involve collaboration with UK-based or international institutions.

Current students are researching topics including:

• Combining multi-omic data analysis methods to increase understanding of key diseases, such as diabetes and cancer.

• Computational approaches to modelling biological systems.

• Developing the molecular and physiological bases of circadian rhythms, sleep, immunity and cardiovascular disease.

• Defining the nutritional value of micro- and macro-nutrients.

• Discerning host-pathogen (viruses and bacteria) interactions in health and disease.

• Dissecting the molecular basis of and innovative ways to treat cancer, especially of the prostate.

• Improving disease surveillance and health outcome measurements.