International Pre-master's (Bio Sciences)

About the course

The Pre-master's programme is designed for overseas students who have completed the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree. The programme prepares you for entry to a wide range of Master's degrees and on successful completion you are guaranteed a place on your chosen course. You can go on to do degrees in computer science, biosciences and engineering. Other subjects may be available.

The course is designed to improve your specialist knowledge and study skills in your chosen subject area and will develop your English language skills. The specialist modules will be in subject areas appropriate to your proposed postgraduate course - typically modules based on those of a BA or BSc(Hons).

The IPM leads to progression to the following MSc's in September:

Life Science

• MSc Bioinformatics
• MSc Biotechnology
• MSc Molecular Biology
• MSc Pharmacology
• MSc Environmental Management

Why choose this course?

This is an opportunity for international students who already have a university degree to spend one semester in the UK preparing for Master's degree study.

Study routes

• Full Time, 20 Weeks

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

In recent years, students have progressed to a wide range of Master's degrees including MSc Computer Science, MSc Distributed Systems and Networks, MSc Manafacturing Management, MSc Molecular Biology, MSc Environmental Management and many other courses.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• English in Academic Contexts

• Molecular Biology and Genetics

  This module will introduce the student to the organisation, function and transmission of genetic material in eukaryotes. This includes a consideration of Mendelian principles, concepts of linkage and basic human genetic epidemiology. How mutated DNA contributes to human morbidity and mortality is considered together with a consideration of how genetics and molecular biology underpin important concepts in biomedical science. Aspects of human genetic screening, ethics and counselling are included. A major emphasis of the module is to promote a basic understanding of how molecular biological (e.g. recombinant DNA technology) and molecular genetic techniques (model organism mutagenesis and gene tracking methods; human genetic epidemiology) are carried out and how these transferable skills are used in fundamental and applied molecular biosciences. This is enhanced by the student carrying out laboratory experiments in the fields of molecular biology and genetics.

• Principles of Immunology

  Anatomy and physiology of the immune system: cells, primary and secondary lymphoid tissues, leukocyte circulation and key phenomena including; chemotaxis, opsonisation, phagocytosis, inflammation, antigen processing and clonal expansion. Natural immunity: role of phagocytic cells, the complement system, cytokines, chemokines and the acute inflammatory response. Hypersensitivity reactions. Adaptive immunity: antigen specificity of B and T cells. Antibody structure and effector functions. T cell subsets; antigen processing and presentation to T cells, the role of the major histocompatibility complex. T-helper cell subpopulations and cytokines in determining the immune response. Immunity to microbial pathogens including bacteria, viruses and selected parasites. Vaccine design strategies. Inflammation: immunology of chronic inflammation; immunopathology of selected chronic inflammatory diseases e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases . Anti-inflammatory therapies; steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Research Methods and Project

Optional

Fees & funding

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply