Immunology enables students to gain an understanding of the structure and functioning of the immune system at the cell, molecular and genetic level, and its relation to health and disease. Ideal for scientists from clinical and non-clinical backgrounds as preparation for undertaking a PhD or other scientific research, as well as improving employment prospects.
KEY BENEFITS
- Includes a six month research-based laboratory project.
- Attendance at national residential immunology conference included.
- Benefits from the input of over 45 lecturers that come from King's, other colleges of the University of London and further afield.
- Two scholarships available (for home/EU students).
- Based in a central London location.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Many MSc Immunology graduates go on to research positions in either a university or research institute as PhD students or graduate research assistants. Others have gone into careers in hospital laboratories as clinical scientists or obtained positions in the pharmaceutical industry.
Programme leader/s
Dr Helen Collins
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, September to September.
Location
Guy's Campus; some projects may take place on non campus locations.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Medicine
Closing date
31 July 2013 for home students and 30th June 2013 for overseas students, but offers are made throughout the year.
Intake
35 FT.
Fees
FT Home: £9000 (2013)
FT Overseas: £20600 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Dr Helen Collins, Programme Director, 020 7848 6044,
helen.collins@kcl.ac.uk
Programme Administrator, Ms Anna Westlund, 020 7188 8301,
kcl-mscimmunology-admin@kcl.ac.ukPURPOSE
Suitable for scientists from clinical and non-clinical backgrounds wishing to improve their employment prospects by extending their expertise in the field of modern immunology, and those wishing to acquire relevant research training to undertake a PhD.
DESCRIPTION
Distinctive features of the course include the emphasis on group study and problem-directed learning and developing core skills required for further career progression, such as the ability to read and understand research data, presentational skills and experimental design skills.
This programme will give you an understanding of the structure and functioning of the immune system at the cell, molecular and genetic level and its relation to health and disease.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
- Cellular Interactions in the Immune System
- Molecular Immunology
- Immune Disorders and Infection OR Immune disorders and respiratory health and disease
- Experimental Research Project
- Research skills.
Please see the modules list for further information.
Indicative non-core content
Please see the modules list for further information.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Laboratory-based research project; lectures; small group tutorials; compulsory group study workshops in core transferable and technical skills, attendance at national immunology conference. Assessment approximately 30 per cent coursework, 70 per cent examination for taught modules and project report, research proposal and seminar presentation used for assessment of experimental project.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Teaching staff: Module organisers:
Dr Susan John and Dr Leonie Taams
Module code: 7MCEMM01
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 30
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
written examination/s; coursework;
This module is assessed by written examination (70%) and courseowrk (30%).
The coursework consists of preparation and presentation of a poster (15%) and preparation and presentation of a research paper (15%)
This module is designed to acquaint students with fundamental cellular processes involved in the generation of an immune response. It will provide students with detailed knowledge of the cells and organs of the immune system, their organisation and diversity, and their specialised functions at different anatomical locations. The importance of immune cell receptors and cytokines in cellular interactions and co-ordination of immunological mechanisms is also emphasised. The lectures will be supported by study groups and problem-based formative exercises which students will be asked to complete in class, or through individual study. Assessment is by written examination, poster and journal preparation.
Teaching staff: Module organisers:
Dr Leonie Taams and Dr Helen Collins
Module code: 7MCEMM04
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 90
Semester:
Semester 2 (spring); summer session 1;
Assessment:
coursework
The research project is assessed by 3 components:
Preparation of a research project proposal (20%)
Presentation of research findings (10%)
Preparation of research project report (70%)
The aim of the experimental project is enable students to work independently in a laboratory to an advanced level on an immunology research project. Students will undertake a six month lab based research project. In order to develop their research skills they will also attend generic research core skills training sessions and instruction in important immunological techniques. They will gain experience of attending a national Immunology Conference. They will write a research proposal and a formal scientific project report based on their laboratory work, and prepare two short seminar presentations to be given to their class on their projects. Assessment is by seminar presentation, research proposal, and dissertation.
Module code: 7MCEMM02
Credit level: 7
This module is designed to acquaint students with structure and functional relationships of immune cell receptors. Students will acquire knowledge of structural properties of immune receptors and how these are important in receptor functions such as antigen interaction and signal transduction. In addition, the module explores how immune regulatory molecules can be designed and manipulated for use in immunotherapy of disease and novel approaches to vaccine design. The lectures will be supported by study groups and problem-based formative exercises (mainly data-interpretation) which students will be asked to complete in class, or through individual study. Assessment is by examination and coursework.
Module code: 7MCEMM03
Credit level: 7
This 30 credit module aims to review selected areas of immunology that relate to protective immunity against infection. This will be achieved by a series of core lectures that will deal with general mechanisms and the nature of functional immunity against selected diseases including; viral bacterial and parasite diseases. It also aims to cover immunological aspects of selected diseases that affect humans; describe in outline the clinical aspects of the conditions or diseases; deal in detail with their immunological aspects with a view to explaining how immune disorders and conditions arise, progress and may be treated. Key reading material for student private study will be identified in most lectures. Experts from outside the DIIID will deliver some of the lectures; students are urged to talk to these visitors while here, and should feel free to contact them by e-mail for further guidance if required. Assessment is by examination and coursework.
Teaching staff: Module organisers:
Dr Els Henckaerts, Dr Steve Thompson, Dr Dave Cousins and Professor Catherine Hawrylowicz
Module code: 7MCEMM03A
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 30
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
Assessment:
written examination/s; coursework;
This module is assessed by examination (70%) and coursework (30%).
The coursework is a 5000 word supervised critical essay.
The aim of this module is to review selected areas of immunology that relate to immune disorders as well as those that relate to health and disorders of the respiratory system including asthma and respiratory infections. This will be achieved by a series of core lectures that will deal with general mechanisms of immune functions in the respiratory tract along with selected examples of immune disorders and diseases that affect the respiratory system. Key reading material for private study will be identified in the lectures
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
A second class UK honours degree in a biological science or a degree in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine or other relevant subject, or an overseas equivalent.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Your application will be assessed by two academics. We normally interview all suitable home applicants in person, or by phone if overseas if required. We aim to process all applications within eight weeks. Therefore, early applications are recommended to maximise your chances of selection. You are encouraged to attend our open days which usually take place in December and June.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Please give title and details of any laboratory-based projects you have undertaken, and cite any courses relevant to immunology you have completed if not mentioned elsewhere on the application form.
FUNDING
Self-funded. Two scholarships contributing to 50 per cent of the home (including EU) student fees will be awarded to outstanding applicants for September 2012 entry to the MSc Immunology course.
All home/EU applicants will be automatically considered for the scholarships. The scholarships will be awarded by the MSc Immunology Management Committee following consideration of academic performance and references of all home/EU applicants received up until the end of June.
Student profiles
Immunology MScI have always had a keen interest in the study of the immune system and how it can be manipulated to improve clinical outcomes in patients. After completing my bachelor degree in Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, a fascination with immunology led me to consider the different study options available. King’s College London was highly recommended by several lecturers at my old university, in particular the M.Sc. in Immunology.
The course is organised to accommodate a limited number of students, creating the perfect environment to build close relationships not only between students, but also with lecturers, whom I found to be approachable and extremely helpful, always doing their best to accommodate our requests for clarification and further assistance. The modules are arranged to cover the basics of immunology, however, I appreciated how the lectures were up to date with the latest publications and thoroughly covering the subjects. Whilst preparing for the exams, I found the extensive recommended reading list given after each lecture to be most useful.
One aspect I appreciated the most was the in-course evaluation system. Throughout the year every student was required to do a short essay, a poster, a journal club and prepare a small lecture-like presentation on an advanced topic.
Having briefly worked in a lab before I started the M.Sc. at King’s, I found it most helpful developing the necessary skills for communicating science, which could be applied in a variety of circumstances, ie: presentation of a poster at a conference, a paper at an internal journal club or even showing data in front of peers or experts in the field. The data interpretation tutorials were also another invaluable learning tool that sometimes is taken for granted; apart from being practical exercises before the exams, they taught us how to read, understand and present critically the data published in a scientific paper.
The course included a week at the British Society for Immunology (BSI) congress in Liverpool. It was the first national congress I have attended and I was glad that it was part of the M.Sc. program, as it gave me a glimpse of what the scientific community does to keep up to date with the latest data and most importantly how to create connections and collaborations for future projects. In addition, many of our lecturers were invited to chair the meetings and give talks about their work, highlighting the way in which Immunology research at King’s is leading within its field.
After finishing my M.Sc., due to the invaluable contact opportunities offered by the program, I managed to find a position as a Research Assistant in the Immunoregulation Lab at King’s, during which time I successfully applied for a PhD studentship at King’s Health School. Having completed the M.Sc. in Immunology, combined with my previous qualifications, was instrumental in the success of my application.
Immunology MSc
London is a city that I have admired for so long and I decided to come to such a vivid place because I believed it would help me relax after a long day of study. After almost eight months of learning and living experience, I have been touched by the people around me, and by what the city has provided. My classmates help me with my learning bit by bit and my personal tutor helps me with problems, no matter how fundamental they are. Six months of lab experience will provide me with strong support and a research background which is critical for me since I am considering finding a job in London when I finish my studies.
Besides my academic study, I am a member of KCLSU dance society and I have attended classes at the English Language Centre. Both experiences have let me make more connections to the UK and I’ve also met lots of really nice people. Not to mention the ancient architectures, multi-culture environment and free exhibitions in London that surround me. I will never get bored of this city!