Master of Science in Molecular Medicine and Translational Research

MScPostgraduateMedicine

About This Programme

The College of Medicine, while consolidating its undergraduate innovative educational programs, initiated postgraduate programs offering Master and Ph.D. degrees in Molecular Medicine and Translational Research. The program started in 2011. An agreement has been signed by His Highness, Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qassimi, with Lubeck University in Germany to support postgraduate training and research in laboratories. An important aspect of the agreement with Lubeck University is to establish joint supervision of the postgraduate programs in Molecular Medicine and Translational Research. The Master and PhD programs will be the cornerstone of the Sharjah Institute for medical research at the University of Sharjah.

Course Highlights

48 credit hours
Taught in English
College of Medicine
Study system: Courses and Research Project
Full-time study
AED 3,200 per credit hour

What You'll Study

Program Structure Requirements Master of Science in Molecular Medicine and Translational Research is a course-based (non-thesis) program emphasizing the graduation research project. The program consists of 13 major compulsory courses (12 courses of 3 credit hours each and a Research Project, which is 6 credit hours). Additionally, students are required to complete two elective courses of 3 credit hours each. The total credit hours of the program are 48 credit hours. Duration and Graduation Requirement The MS program consists of 15 courses: 3 credits each except for the research project, which has 6 credits (Total 48 credits). Students are required to complete all obligatory courses in M1 (Total of 24 credits), and all obligatory and one selected elective course per semester in M2 (Total of 24 credits). Strategy of Learning and Teaching A combination of didactic and interactive lectures, group discussions, projects, case studies, literature review, self-directed learning, problem-solving, written homework assignments, practical and laboratory-based sessions, presentation-based learning, site visits, and discussion. Degree Requirements Total Credit Hours: 48 Program Structure: Core Courses (Obligatory): 42 credit hours Elective Courses: Minimum of 6 credit hours (students choose from a list each semester) Research Project: 3 credit hours (independent project under faculty supervision)

Year 1 (M1), Semester 1

12 credit hours

0900705Selected topics in Cell Biology3 credits
This course will focus on the understanding of cells. Topics covered will include understanding of abnormalities in genetic material that lead to cancer, the effects of carcinogens on cells, cell cycle control, programmed cell death, and regulation of the immune system.
0900702Gene expression3 credits
0900703Biomedical Genomics3 credits
0900704Modern techniques in Molecular Biology I (Lab)3 credits

Year 1 (M1), Semester 2

12 credit hours

0900701Biology and Genetics of Cancer cells3 credits
0900706Introduction to Biotechnology3 credits
0900707Bioinformatics Networks3 credits
This course will focus on the application of information technology to the field of molecular biology. Topics include: detailed studies on methods of genome analysis and modeling, sequence analysis, analysis of mutations in cancer, prediction of protein structure and high-throughput analysis.
0900708Modern Techniques in Molecular Biology II (Lab)3 credits

Year 2 (M2), Semester 1

12 credit hours; obligatory courses and one elective

0900709Selected topics in Immunology3 credits
0900710Advanced topics in Human Molecular Genetics3 credits
This course presents an overview of the genetic mapping of Mendelian and complex diseases and the identification of disease genes using a number of approaches. The students will analyze and assess the use of Linkage and association studies in mapping disease loci. The course also sheds light on the methods of genetic testing for allelic variants and the concept of population screening. Special emphasis will be given to mapping studies related to Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
0900711Selected Topics in Molecular Biology3 credits

Electives (one per semester):

0900712Monoclonal antibodies3 credits
0900713Selected Topics in Cancer Biology3 credits

Year 2 (M2), Semester 2

12 credit hours (programme total: 48); obligatory courses and one elective

0900715Cell communication and signaling3 credits
0900718Research Project6 credits

Electives (one per semester):

0900716Programmed cell death in cancer therapy3 credits
0900717Animal Models in Molecular Biology and therapeutics3 credits

Notes on the study plan

The page's Degree Requirements list the Research Project as 3 credit hours; the Program Structure Requirements on the same page and the study plan document give 6. Descriptions of 0900705, 0900707 and 0900710 are from the university's MSc Medical Laboratory Sciences page, which offers these courses as in this programme; this page gives no course descriptions.

What You'll Learn

This program presents you with an overview of Biomedical Genomics and Genetics and current potential applications in Biology and Medicine, including the identification of gene defects and the use of genetic tools for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Translational and Molecular Medicine is an area of research that coordinates the application of novel discoveries in biological sciences to practical applications in pharmaceutical or clinical settings. This innovative undergraduate program incorporates clinical observations and questions into scientific approaches designed to improve human health and longevity by facilitating new diagnostic tools and treatments. The program provides advanced education in the molecular and genetic basis of human diseases with an emphasis on translational research, the process of applying laboratory findings to clinical practice. Students gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience in: • Gene expression and regulation • Molecular techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry) • Biomedical genomics and bioinformatics • Cancer biology and immunology • Cell signaling and programmed cell death • Use of animal models in biomedical research Students also develop skills in scientific writing, data analysis, and ethical research practices, preparing them to contribute to research and innovation in medical science. Mission To educate future researchers through innovative teaching practices and opportunities. • To allow significant graduate student participation in cutting-edge research. • To provide an environment that fosters intellectual growth and professional development in the field of Molecular Medicine. • To encourage students to publish high impact papers. Program Outcomes Upon completion of the Master program graduates will be able to: • Discuss the basis of molecular medicine. • Integrate basic theories with translational application. • Analyse the basis of human genomes and its relevance to diseases affecting society. • Appraise immunological aspects of diseases and translate knowledge from the immune system into therapeutic applications. • Perform and execute experimental research independently. • Implement the values and ethics of doing research. • Use communication and presentation skills for presentation in international conferences. • Analyse and assimilate information from biomedical literature related to translational medicine.

Entry Requirements

Academic: Admission requirements for master programs: • The student must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized university with a CGPA of 3.00 out of 4.00. • Students with a CGPA between 2.5 and 2.99 may be admitted conditionally. • The degree must be in a major that qualifies the student to study the master's program. • Students must meet the English language proficiency requirement. • Attachment of ‘no objection of study certificate’ from the authorities responsible for national service for male Emirati students (ages from 18 to 30 years old). • Attachment of a letter of study approval from the Kuwait Embassy Cultural Office for Kuwaiti students only. • Attachment of People of Determination card (if applicable). • In case the student works in a certain place, please attach a letter from the employer stating that the student is working for this agency. • For individuals with foreign qualifications, it is necessary to provide a Certificate of Equivalency.

English: For programs taught in English, a score of 550 in TOEFL (ITP) (or its equivalence), or 6 in IELTS must be obtained. Native English speakers are exempt from the English proficiency requirement if the language of instruction for their undergraduate studies was English. Additionally, students who graduated from academic institutions where English is used as the primary medium of instruction for bachelor’s studies are also exempt. Equivalent scores (EmSAT / paper-based TOEFL ITP / IELTS academic): 950-1075 / 450 / 4.5; 1100-1225 / 500 / 5.0; 1250-1375 / 530 / 5.5; 1400-1525 / 550 / 6.0. The paper-based TOEFL ITP is offered only by the University of Sharjah, AMIDEAST Dubai, and Abu Dhabi head offices. The UoS reserves the right to require students to attend an interview in the Languages Institute. Students may be required to take a further in-house test to ensure their scores are consistent with their English Language proficiency.

Careers

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in: 1. Academic and research institutions as research assistants or laboratory coordinators 2. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in product development, molecular diagnostics, or R&D roles 3. Clinical and diagnostic laboratories utilizing molecular and genetic testing 4. Public health and regulatory agencies involved in biomedical policy and translational applications 5. Doctoral (PhD) studies in molecular medicine, biomedical sciences, or related fields