Animal Biosciences

The MSc in Animal Biosciences is a 12-month, full-time programme that covers a wide range of practical and theoretical knowledge in the area of animal biosciences.  Students graduating with an MSc in Animal Biosciences will have a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills which open a number of options for future career development. 

The skills acquired during the course are unique among MSc-level courses, making our graduates attractive to a wide range of employers and supervisors. 

PhD preparation  

Students will have hands-on experience of a range of techniques in animal sciences, so that they will be able to enter a laboratory with the basic knowledge needed to start bench work immediately. The Research Proposal provides a basis for developing any research project from the literature and MSc research project gives students an authentic research experience. In addition, the different assessment items develop skills which are used extensively by researchers, such as preparation of journal articles, posters and oral presentations. 

Students graduating will have a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills which open a number of options for future career development. 

The Roslin Institute is a major centre of animal science research, with over 30 new PhD students each year. There are other opportunities within Edinburgh and the wider academic community and we envisage that at least 50% of our graduates will find a PhD placement after this course. 

Industry 

The MSc in Animal Biosciences has been tailored to address the documented shortage of graduates with training in in vivo skills.  

MSc, PGDip, PGCert

Applications are welcomed from candidates with a strong interest in the broad techniques and knowledge of animal science. 

Candidates should have a first degree in a relevant subject area such as Biological or Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacology, Agricultural or Animal Science etc. 

Further information on international equivalents to UK academic requirements is available from the University of Edinburgh International Office. 

Evidence of proficiency in English must be provided by non-native English speakers. The UK Government requirements are available via the University website. The course involves extensive written and oral scientific communication in English so that English proficiency above the minimal standards is desirable. English at CEFR level B2 is required; CEFR level C1 would be desirable. 

This course will provide students with a range of skills and experiences which will form a good foundation in the area of animal biosciences. 

The purpose of this programme is to: 

• Provide students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of animal biosciences. 

• Provide students with practical experience in a range of animal science techniques. 

• Explore the concepts of One Biology, One Health, One Medicine and equip students to carry out research in this area. 

• Develop an increased understanding and awareness of the application of scientific principles to the study of animal biosciences. 

• Develop the ability to apply scientific knowledge and technical skills in research. 

• Establish the ability to utilise effective and modern methods for interpreting, analysing and describing scientific data. 

• Enhance the ability to communicate, in writing and verbally, scientific results and information in research. 

• Ensure an understanding of animal biosciences, to enable the undertaking of independent research. 

Students take courses totalling 180 credits. All courses are SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) 

Taught stage (90 credits) 

Semester 1 (60 credits) 

Semester 2 (30 credits)                          

Dissertation Stage (90 credits) 

Semester 1 

Induction 

The University of Edinburgh Induction Week for 2017 commences on 11 September 2017. Students are encouraged to arrive in Edinburgh to take part in the Induction Week activities. 

All students are expected to attend a compulsory induction session on Friday 15 September 2017. 

Foundations of Animal Science 

This is a foundation course to ensure students are equipped for the degree with a sound understanding of basic biological processes and to develop their generic skills. The generic outcomes will be relevant to a variety of disciplines and employment opportunities. 

The course aims to provide essential laboratory skills for the animal scientist. Laboratory Tools for the Biosciences 

Training will include generic skills such as scientific method, presentation of scientific material, quality management, occupational health and safety and preparation for the Home Office licence. Specific skills will include molecular biology techniques, cell and tissue culture, introduction to bioinformatics, population genetics and statistical analysis. 

The course aims to provide advanced laboratory skills for the animal scientist. One Health and Comparative Animal Models 

Students will address concepts of comparative anatomy, cell biology and physiology and implications these have when using animals as models of disease, degeneration or infection. Students will be given a clear understanding of comparative anatomy and physiology and how these are relevant to animal models with comprehension of: 

1. Range of species used 

2. Variety of purposes for which they are used 

3. The methods by which they are generated 

4. How they are assessed as valid models 

5. Ethical considerations in using animal models. 

Training will be for specific skills in mammalian anatomy, and pathology, and laboratory techniques in infection and immunity including diagnostics. 

Semester 2 

Avian Biology & Development 

This course consists of a two-week practical and theoretical module. It aims to provide knowledge and laboratory skills in the area of avian biology, with current and immediate relevance. The course will cover avian biology and development from egg to shed, and include practical experience working with chicken model systems. 

Analytical Methods in Animal Biosciences 

The course aims to develop the student's skills in a range of analytical methods considered essential for researchers in the animal sciences in the 21st century. 

These will include statistical analysis, analysis of "omics" data, mathematical modelling, epidemiology and advanced bioinformatics. 

One Health, Zoonoses and Emerging Infections 

This course will teach the general concepts of One Health science and the requirements and examples of interdisciplinary research. 

The course will take students from science to policy and expose students to global burdens of disease, policy development, risk assessment, approaches to disease management. The course will cover food borne zoonotic diseases, conservation medicine, diseases of wild animals, evolutionary drivers for the emergence of disease, the prevention and control of zoonoses. The course will also cover general concepts of "Farm to Fork" approach, food chain information and traceability. 

The programme finishes with a research project and dissertation. 

The course aims to develop the student's skills and knowledge in a specific area of animal bioscience. The student will prepare a research proposal based on a laboratory (or bioinformatic) research project and then will carry out the project under the supervision of a member of the Roslin Institute staff or staff from other University departments. The project will involve techniques including but not limited to those experienced in the first part of the course. The student will work as an independent researcher and interact with other laboratory members as a full member of the group, including presenting at laboratory meetings. The dissertation will be in the format of a scientific paper suitable for a relevant journal. 

Details of the course fees and additional programme costs for the MSc in Animal Biosciences. 

Students admitted to the course for the 2017/2018 academic session will be required to pay Tuition Fees. 

The fees for 2017/2018 session in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine are available from the University's Postgraduate Tuition Fees page (search for Animal Biosciences). 

A number of potential sources of funding are available to those who are interested in applying for the MSc in Animal Biosciences. 

For details of potential sources of funding, visit the University of Edinburgh scholarships pages. Some examples of funding available to overseas students are given below. 

1. The Scottish Executive Saltire Scholarship Programme offers awards to students from China, India, Canada and the United States of America. 
2. The Chevening Scholarship Scheme supports MSc students at the University of Edinburgh. These awards are managed by the British Council, and the British Council offices in each student's home country should be contacted for funding. 
3. Students from Commonwealth countries can apply for Commonwealth Scholarships. 
4. The Government of Japan sponsors the Japan/World Bank Graduates Scholarship Programme which is open to applicants of a World Bank member country. 
5. The University of Edinburgh has Master’s Scholarships for students from several countries, with Canada, China, India and the USA currently targeted. 

Information on Studentships from the University of Edinburgh is available online. 

You can view information on awards from other sources by visiting www.scholarship-search.org.uk/. 

Links:

University of Edinburgh scholarships pages 

Scottish Executive Saltire Scholarship Programme 

Chevening Scholarship Scheme 

Commonwealth Scholarships  

Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme 

Masters Scholarships 

*This programme is not available for 2021 entry*

All applicants must satisfy the course requirements. 

Applications should be made online via University of Edinburgh - MSc in Animal Biosciences 

To submit your application and supporting documents select year of entry and click apply at the top of the Animal Biosciences postgraduate prospectus page. To find out what documents you will need and how to upload them, please read the College information on uploading documents. 

If you have any questions about the application procedure, please contact the Programme Administrator. 

Links: 

University of Edinburgh - MSc in Animal Biosciences 

University of Edinburgh Postgraduate Prospectus 

College information on uploading documents (24.56 KB PDF)