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MSc Experimental Physiology Full-Time

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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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

  • One-on-one teaching in an active research laboratory
  • Balance of laboratory-based practical modules and modules relating to cutting edge techniques, data analysis, scientific writing and communication, innovation, ethics, and integrity
  • Focus on mastering research techniques and experimental design
  • Horizons broadened via weekly research seminars
  • Perfect foundation for further post-graduate research or industrial research career
  • Taught by internationally renowned experts

About This Course

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.

Module Type Module   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.
MDCS41410 Teaching in Higher Education 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

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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

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

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 Full-Time:

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MSc Experimental Physiology Full-Time
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
* you can change options at the top of the page