This course is available through the following application route(s)
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.
Robust reproducible science is the foundation of biomedical discovery. The MSc in Experimental Physiology programme focuses on teaching practical laboratory techniques and fundamental biomedical research skills. A key feature of this programme is that all students experience one-on-one teaching within research groups that are supervised by internationally renowned investigators. This unique learning environment allows students to perfect fundamental laboratory techniques and apply them to current research questions in an active world-class research environment.
Course Features
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
Upon completion of this programme students will be equipped with the skills necessary to pursue a biomedical research or laboratory-based career in academia or industry. This programme provides invaluable exposure to the research environment and is ideal preparation for those considering a further research degree (75% of our graduates have obtained PhD positions and are thriving in the research environment). Transferable skills in online research, data analysis, communication, scientific writing, and innovation can also open up a diverse array of opportunities outside of the laboratory.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYS40300 | Narrative Literature Review | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
MDCS42340 | Stage1 Trans Research Skills A | Autumn | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYS40090 | Analysis of Gene Expression - PCR | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYS40100 | Analysis of protein distribution in tissues - Immunohistochemistry | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYS40110 | Analysis of protein expression - Western Blot | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYS40120 | Cell Culture for Physiological Research | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SCI50010 | Online Research Skills | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SCI50020 | Research Integrity Online | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BMOL50070 | Public Science Communication | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
MDCS42350 | Stage1 Trans Research Skills B | Spring | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CNWY40010 | Conway Lecture & Seminar Series | Year-long (12 months) | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CNWY40180 | Introduction to Core Research | Year-long (12 months) | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
CNWY40120 | Advanced Biological Imaging | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
PHYS40170 | Fundamentals of Physiological Research | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
IA40470 | Entrepreneurship: Application and Mindset | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
SCI50030 | Academic Writing for Science for Postgraduate students | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
IA40430 | Creative Thinking & Innovation | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
IA50000 | Communicating for Impact | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
IA50002 | Entrepreneurship: Application and Mindset | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
IA50004 | Creative Thinking & Innovation | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
PHYS40130 | Cellular Physiology | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 20 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
PHYS40140 | In Vivo Physiology | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 20 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
PHYS40150 | Molecular Physiology | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 20 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
PHYS40160 | Tissue Physiology | Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) | 20 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
CNWY40090 | Introduction to 'Omic' and Advanced Imaging Technologies | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
BIOL40390 | Quantitative Tools for the Life Sciences | Summer | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
BIOL40550 | Scientific Writing and Communication | Summer | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
CNWY40130 | Flow Cytometry: Principles and Practice | Summer | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
CNWY40160 | Applied Proteomics | Summer | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select 35 credits of optional modules.Students can select either IA40430 or IA50004. Students can select either IA40470 or IA50002. |
CNWY41160 | Statistical Analysis of Proteomic Mass Spectrometric Protein Identification Data | Summer | 2.5 |
Science graduates with a BSc in physiology or a related biomedical discipline who are:
• Interested in a research or technical career in industry
• Interested in molecular/cellular physiology and it’s application to translational research
• Interested in expanding their analytical and critical research skills
• Thinking about doing a PhD in any biomedical discipline and looking for a strong foundation course
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MSc Experimental Physiology:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | X846 MSc Experimental Physiology Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught |