Applications are currently being accepted and can be made via the UCD applications page. 

The taught MSc in Experimental Physiology is an ideal programme for students that are interested in a biomedical research or laboratory-based career in academia or industry.  The programme focuses on basic research skills and laboratory techniques that are taught in a structured modularised format spread over three trimesters.  This programme provides invaluable exposure to the research environment and is ideal preparation for those considering a further research degree.  To date 75% of graduates from this programme have gone on to enrol in PhD programmes within UCD. 

This programme is ideal for high calibre students that are interested in academic careers as well as those who want to move into industry with an expanded skill set. 

The aim of this programme is to provide in-depth laboratory-based training in a variety of techniques that are commonly used in physiological and biomedical research laboratories, and in industrial research and development facilities.  In addition to mastering common laboratory techniques (such as Western blotting, cell culture, real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry) students will learn how to appropriately apply these techniques in order to address research questions.  Via optional modules, students will also be introduced to cutting edge developments in “Omics” technologies, flow cytometry, and imaging.

Knowledge and Understanding

Successful completion of this programme will require students to demonstrate specialized knowledge in the area of experimental design and various methodological processes related to assessing physiological functions at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and/or organismal level.  Students will acquire advanced theoretical and conceptual knowledge relating to various laboratory techniques that are used in the research environment to assess physiological function.  Students will consider how current laboratory techniques have been developed and be required to understand the theory behind such techniques.   Students will develop an understanding of the importance of experimental design and technical rigour as they relate to current debates, such as the challenges of scientific reproducibility, and see the opportunity for improving practice in the research environment.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Students should be able to use their problem-solving skills to optimise assays and refine experimental techniques so that they can be successfully used to address questions relating to physiological functions.  Although the emphasis of this programme is not the generation of new knowledge through research there will be the opportunity for students to develop their experimental skills in the context of ongoing research activities.  For example students may conduct defined experiments in contribution to an ongoing project or help develop or optimise assays that will then be used by other researchers to address specific research questions.

Making Judgements

While developing their skills in specific laboratory techniques students will learn to critically analyse published data in order to judge the validity of current methodologies.  On successful completion of this programme students should be able to integrate their technical and theoretical knowledge in order to reflect on wider scientific issues, as well as the social and ethical responsibilities, that are associated with the production of scientific data.

Communications and Working Skills

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to communicate their experimental findings, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously.

Learning Skills

Successful completion of this programme will require a high level of self-directed learning.  Students will be required to conduct thorough literature searches, compare published methods and research findings, and develop the skills that are required to autonomously design, develop, and conduct physiological research

Students will be able to select from a suite of laboratory-based modules in order to build a portfolio of practical skills.  These modules will be assessed via the submission of written laboratory reports that cover technique development, evidence of successful execution of the relevant techniques, as well as evidence of data interpretation.  Laboratory-based teaching will be supported by tutorials and workshops.

Individual students will be hosted by active research groups within the UCD School of Medicine (predominantly based in the UCD Conway Institute) where they will receive one on one training in the laboratory.  Practical modules will also involve regular small group tutorials at which students will present and discuss their work with research-active staff.  The core laboratory-based teaching will be complemented by modules that cover fundamental research skills, online research skills, research ethics, scientific communication, biostatistics, and research integrity.  In addition, students will keep up to date with cutting edge advances in biomedical research via attendance at translational medicine workshops and journal clubs, and weekly research seminars hosted by the Conway Institute.  These modules involve a mixture of small group teaching, online activities, and seminars. 

Final optional modules will include several advanced modules on cutting edge technologies, science communication, scientific writing, data anaysis and tech transfer.  These modules involve a mixture of small group and online teaching activities and predominantly involve continuous assessment.

For more information on course fees please visit the Fees & Grants Office website

• Undergraduate degree in Physiology or related biomedical discipline.

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