Molecular medicine is transforming the way to understand and treat human diseases, from cancers to neurodegenerative disorders. Combining contemporary medical studies with biochemistry and molecular biology, this rapidly advancing area creates a bridge between the subjects, and draws on other fields such as physics, chemistry, biology and medicine. This course examines how normal cellular processes are affected by disease. Students gain an understanding of the core foundations of molecular medicine, studying the topics most relevant to the real world, and how this science may be used in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.

Students learn about and appraise the approaches that can be used to address global health problems, including cancer as well as genetic and infectious diseases. The foundations that support investigations of molecular disease mechanisms and the search for new diagnostic tools and treatments will be laid, as you explore topics including:

• Gene and protein technology. • Synthetic biology • Bioinformatics • Genomics

The course has a very high proportion of practical work that provides valuable experience for the students' career. The University of Essex's research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. Therefore to ensure the course is as relevant and up-to-date as possible, the module structure may be subject to change. The students' research project will immerse them in a research environment, allowing them to conduct their research alongside expert academics and PhD students in shared labs.