MSc in Cell and Molecular Systems Biology

细胞与分子系统生物学理学硕士是阿伯丁大学的一个新项目，旨在满足对生物学家日益增长的需求，这些生物学家能够在使用系统生物学方法的跨学科研究团队中有效地做出贡献。我们目前的经验是，由于缺乏数学训练，生物学研究人员经常难以在这样的团队中有效地运作，并且难以与参与系统建模的理论家进行有效的沟通。该方案将提供培训，以解决这种理解上的差距。这个精心设计的课程首先提供建模生物系统所需的基本数学培训，然后将这种培训应用于数学模型的开发，包括生物系统模型。同时，学生将学习先进的酶动力学和代谢控制分析，这两者都是代谢模型发展的基础。他们还选修后基因组技术课程，以便了解系统生物学中大量高通量全基因组数据的方法学基础，包括数据质量和统计问题。在第二学期，提供了更多关于高级生化技术，统计分析以及模型开发和测试的材料。与此同时，学生们将在小组学习中进行小组合作，单独开发数学模型，这将成为他们第三学期研究项目的主题。在这样做的过程中，他们在导师支持的环境中实践了第一学期的教学。这个独立模型开发的结果将是一篇描述他们模型的科学论文，并将对其进行评估。通过这个过程，他们将建立数学模型，形成他们研究项目的主题。最后，在第三学期，学生们将进入生物实验室进行自己的研究项目。他们将使用特定的生物系统生成原始数据，并开发然后验证在第二学期开始的数学模型，作为模块2a“建模生物系统”的一部分。此外，他们还将在研讨会上介绍他们的项目，以发展有效交流系统生物学的艺术。生物学家和理论PI都将监督学生的项目，以监督项目的模型开发和湿生物学元素。该课程的入学要求将包括生物学科领域的第一学位，以及某种形式的记录数学经验。这将由a -level或AS-level数学成绩提供，或者在苏格兰体系下，由高等或高级数学成绩提供。或者，可以提供本科水平数学训练的证据。对于受过特别高级数学训练的学生，如果课程主任认为先前的训练足够，可以在第一学期提供替代课程选择（模块1c[30学分]可以用更高级的建模和计算模块1d和1e代替，每个模块15学分；参见课程规范文件）。大学正在审批课程，预计将于2009年12月初获得最终批准。阿伯丁大学生物化学学位外部审查员戈登•林赛（Gordon Lyndsay）教授（格拉斯哥）审查了拟议的理学硕士课程，并附上了他的强烈支持报告。

The MSc in Cell and Molecular Systems Biology is a new programme at the University of Aberdeen devised to meet a growing requirement for biologists who can effectively contribute within interdisciplinary teams of researchers that use systems biology approaches. Our current experience is that as a result of poor mathematical training, biology researchers frequently struggle to operate effectively within such teams, and have difficulty communicating productively with theoreticians involved in system modelling. This programme will provide training that will address that gap in understanding. This well-designed programme first delivers basic training in the mathematics required to model biological systems, then applies this training to the development of mathematical models, including biosystems models. In parallel, students are taught advanced enzyme kinetics and metabolic control analysis, both of which underpin the development of metabolic models. They also take a course in post-genomic technologies, so that they understand the methodological basis of the burgeoning volume of high-throughput, genome-wide data available to systems biology, including issues of data quality and statistics. In the second semester, more material is provided on advanced biochemical techniques, statistical analysis, and on model development and testing. In parallel, the students will team-work in small study groups to individually develop the mathematical model that will form the subject of their research project in semester 3. In doing so they, put into practice the first semester's teaching in a tutor-supported environment. The output from this independent model development will be a scientific paper describing their model, which will be assessed. Through this process, they will have initiated the mathematical model that will form the subject of their research project. Finally, in semester 3, the students will go into biology labs to carry out their own research project. They will generate primary data using a specific biological system, and develop, then validate, the mathematical model initiated during semester 2 as part of module 2a 'Modelling biological systems'. In addition they will present a seminar on their project to develop the art of communicating systems biology effectively. Both a biologist and theoretician PI will supervise the students' project to oversee the model development and wet biology elements of the project. Entry requirements for the course will include a first degree in a biological subject area, and some form of documented mathematics experience. This will be provided either by an A-level or AS-level in Mathematics, or under the Scottish system, a Higher or Advanced Higher in Mathematics. Alternatively, evidence of mathematics training at undergraduate level can be provided. For students who have a particularly advanced mathematical training, alternative course options are available in the first semester if the course director considers the prior training adequate (module 1c [30 credits] can be replaced by more advanced modelling and computing modules 1d and 1e, each of 15 credits; see Programme Specification document). Programme approval by the University is underway, and final approval is expected early December 2009. Aberdeen's External Examiner for Degrees in Biochemistry, Prof Gordon Lyndsay (Glasgow), has examined the proposed MSc programme, and his strongly supportive report is attached.