Biomolecular Science

Our world is facing escalating problems of potentially catastrophic proportion: climate change, water and food scarcity, global pandemics and damaging economic addiction to fossil fuels. As life scientists, we need to identify ways to help address these challenges and prepare to be part of the solution to future crises.

Biomolecular science is the study of biological processes at the molecular level, whether within a cell, a tissue, a whole organism or an ecosystem. As such its concepts and experimental approaches underpin the whole range of present-day life sciences. Biomolecular science is a rapidly evolving field; in the technologies it exploits to understand life at the macromolecular level and in its conceptual advances that drive basic research and support biotechnology applications. By combining traditional areas of science to unravel how molecular machines execute biological processes, biomolecular science transcends boundaries between the single disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science.

This MPhil aims to convey a comprehensive understanding of biological processes at the molecular level. We will discuss the major biological macromolecule families, including, DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. We will explore the properties of biological membranes, the basis of biomolecular recognition, mechanisms of signalling and the applications of this knowledge in therapeutics. The understanding and application of advanced technologies are crucial to the advancement of biomolecular science and these will be explored in depth. Although we will not focus on specific diseases, the workshops and discussions will include relevant pathophysiological contexts, as understanding the molecular basis of disease will be imperative to developing innovations, from target-based therapeutics to agricultural applications.

The course will draw upon the breadth and international strengths in biomolecular science within the University of Cambridge and associated research institutes; notably the Departments of Biochemistry, Genetics, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology Development and Neuroscience, Plant Sciences, Zoology, the Gurdon Institute, the MRC Toxicology Unit, the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, the Sainsbury Laboratory and the Wellcome-MRC Stem Cell Institute.

Core topics in Biomolecular Science:

• DNA, chromatin and complex genetic control
• RNA mediated control of gene expression
• Proteins - where are we now and where are we going?
• Lipids and membranes
• Carbohydrates: nutritional, agricultural and industrial importance
• Biomolecules: World Problems and Solutions 1
• Biomolecules: World Problems and Solutions 2

Research Methods training in Biomolecular Science:

• Biophysics and NMR
• X-ray crystallography and CRyo EM
• Gene Editing
• Advanced Imaging
• Imaging macromolecules in their cellular context
• Application of "omics" technologies
• Molecular Modelling

Please note that the list of topics is an illustrative example and can change from year to year depending on the availability of academic staff.

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More information:

Participating research groups in the Biomolecular Science Pathway

Testimonial:

"Embarking on the Biomolecular Science pathway of the Biological Sciences MPhil was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The programme helped facilitate my comprehensive grounding in modern molecular biology as a discipline, as well as equipping me with important and transferrable skills ranging from statistical and computational literacy to presentation skills and scientific writing.

Through interactive taught sessions taken by world-leading experts in their field, all students had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of core topics and research methods in biomolecular science, ranging from mechanisms of gene expression to lipid biology, with insight into the latest developments. A self-driven research project constitutes the most significant component of the programme. For my research component, I had the opportunity to work as part of a research group, conducting original research aimed at progressing our understanding of a crucial mechanism in molecular biology. Supported by a diverse group of experts, I worked directly with both fundamental techniques in molecular biology as well as cutting edge approaches such as cryo-electron microscopy. I thoroughly enjoyed this component of the course and would label it my personal programme highlight. Notably, a statistics and computing course and literature-based dissertation component further emphasise the comprehensive and interdisciplinary nature of the programme.

I felt exceptionally well supported throughout the programme. The course directors were approachable and encouraging. I got to know the 2023-2024 cohort very well and learned a lot from my peers during group work, also meeting socially and at a science conference. Working in Cambridge was a fantastic experience and one that I know will only benefit me in the future. I would not hesitate to wholeheartedly recommend this MPhil to others."

Alexander Upperton, 2023-24 cohort