Molecular Medicine
Student Testimonials
Ms. Michelle Cruz (Indian science graduate, MRes Molecular Medicine graduate - Nov 2011)
After completing my MSc in India I was faced with the decision as to whether to pursue a PhD or join the industry in a scientific role. Having received an interesting offer I worked at a Molecular diagnostic laboratory for the following 14 months. My time there made me realise that my real passion was research. I was keen on undertaking a pre-doctoral training before joining a PhD as I did not feel completely prepared for it. The MRes.Molecular Medicine course at the University of Glasgow seemed to offer just that. In addition to learning different techniques through the two research placements, the journal clubs and critical appraisals that are a part of the curriculum really help develop critical thinking which is an indispensable skill for research. Also, for the each of the formative and summative assessments the feedback sheets that we receive contribute tremendously to improving your skills and building self-confidence. When it came to applications for a PhD, I was not only able to submit a competitive application but was immensely supported by the course staff while doing so.
Dr. Anuja Sathe (Indian medical graduate, MRes Molecular Medicine graduate - Nov 2011)
After completing a degree in medicine, I was interested in pursuing a career in translational cancer research. I chose the MRes programme as it offered an intensive hands on research experience in the field of cancer biology. Since I had studied clinical medicine, I had limited practical laboratory experience. With two intensive 20 week placements in excellent laboratories, the MRes gave me a chance to learn both basic and advanced molecular biology techniques. The design of the course also helped to develop areas like scientific writing and critical thinking. The MRes programme helped me tremendously to develop the skills needed to pursue a PhD and also formed a perfect bridge to cross over from the clinic to the lab.
Shivam Mishra, India (graduated 2009)
The MRes course has equipped me with knowledge to develop myself from a science student into a researcher amidst some of the best scientists from different fields like Molecular Biology and Immunology. The curriculum is completely research-oriented and pushes you to the limit. I met some wonderful researchers, really close colleagues and had a life-enriching experience.
Matthias Tesson, France (graduated 2008)
This MRes is based on two placements of 20 weeks each in different labs. This is better than a one-year placement because you are not committed to a single project over the year, in case you don't like your project. Being involved full-time in a group allows you to make contacts with the scientific community and learn about possible PhD opportunities. Personally, I’m now starting a PhD in the lab where I did my second MRes placement.
Carolyn Low, UK (graduated 2008)
For me, taking part in the Molecular Medicine MRes course was an invaluable experience. I was interested in a career in scientific research but unsure if a PhD was for me. I was also lacking confidence in my practical abilities in the lab. However, almost immediately after starting this course I felt myself becoming increasingly confident in both the lab environment and my own practical ability. The opportunity to complete two projects in different labs is, in my opinion, one of the greatest strengths of this course as it allows students to gain experience of another working environment and many more experimental techniques than would be possible in a single project masters.
Milica Vukovic, Canada (graduated 2008)
After completing my honours degree in Toronto, I sought out an international Masters program from a leading UK university that would allow me to specialize in Cancer Research. The MRes in Molecular Medicine here at the University of Glasgow seemed to offer just this, but I soon realised that it offered far more than I had ever expected.
I was immediately impressed with the high quality of the program, reputable faculty and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. I was given the opportunity to become a vital part of two research teams where I conducted my own projects led by the group’s leader and supervised by post-doctoral fellows. More than anything, it was the supervisors’ excitement about their relative fields that led me to desire to build an expanding knowledge and understanding of cancer, and hopefully help identify future treatments of a disease that affects so many.
MRes External Examiner comments:
A well-organised programme that offers an excellent research training for aspiring PhD students, or for clinicians who wish to enhance their research skills and experience before pursuing a career in academic medicine. Particular strengths are the initial lab-based course that introduces students to molecular biology research skills, and the breadth of experience gained from undertaking research placements in two different laboratories.
For additional student comments, please see our MRes Molecular Medicine Video link.