皇家华人

Hear from some of our students about their experience of studying on our MSc/ MRes Experimental and Translational Immunology:

"I applied for the MRes Experimental and Translational Immunology after completing my undergraduate at 皇家华人. The previous experiences I have with the Department of Infection and Immunity inspired me to pursue my interests further and enrol in the MRes, and I certainly was not disappointed.

The MRes allowed me to build on my previous knowledge as well as develop my practical and analytical skills as a scientific researcher. This course provides secure foundations for beginning a career as a researcher with the ten-month research project allowing me enough time to really dedicate myself to my research. I felt the course was very personal, I felt like an individual rather than a random student in a large lecture hall and was supported well by the network of course directors administrators and supervisors.

Not only am I now working as a research assistant and plan on starting my PhD soon, now I have a wonderful group of like-minded friends 鈥� we even still talk to each other about immunology! I could not be happier with this MRes and I would recommend this to anyone interested in pursing a career in medical science research."

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"The Experimental and Translational Immunology course at 皇家华人as a really formative experience for me.

Through undertaking a 9 month research project, focusing on CRISPR gene editing, I became confident performing various wet lab techniques and testing my own hypotheses. With such extended periods of practical work, I was able to produce data that thoroughly answered my research questions in a similar manner to PhD students. I found members of my laboratory and course organisers very supportive and I got the impression they had my best interests at heart.听

As someone who took biomedical sciences as my undergraduate degree, I found the fundamental and applied immunology module extremely helpful. The lecture series was delivered by world class academics who love their subject and as such the material was very engaging. Overall the module provided the background information necessary for understanding the research of both my own lab and others within the IIT. The research skills and data interpretation module was equally useful. I was able to apply theory taugh in workshops, such as the rationale for choosing certain statistical tests, to real data during my project. By participating in journal clubs I developed the ability to critically analyse primary literature - an essential skill for a career in research.听

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Experimental and Translational Immunology course to anyone looking to do a PhD or another lab-based role within academic research."

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Tooki Chu, MRes ETI 2021-22
"This course is fantastic for anyone who is interested in immunology. In terms of teaching, the core module provides a solid foundation on the key concepts of immunology, which was helpful as a refresher and also very easy to follow for students that did not have a background in immunology. There is a great selection of optional modules that allow students the opportunity to learn about cutting edge research in the immunological basis and immune-based therapeutic approaches for autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies and cancer. The weekly journal clubs were particularly helpful in teaching us how to read and critically analyse research papers.听

For me, the highlight of this programme was the 9 month research project. The Pears building is a great hub of immunology research and all the PIs, postdocs and staff here were very approachable and supportive. I really enjoyed the opportunity to undertake original research and definitely learned a lot in terms of practical lab skills and experimental design. Overall, this MRes programme was very well organised and I would recommend it to anyone who intends to pursue a career in research."

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"When听choosing to study for a Master's in 2022, I was interested by the clear modular layout and options within the UCL MSc in Experimental and Translational Immunology, including the recommendation that the course would be focusing on contemporary articles and theories in immunology. I had wanted to do a Masters in Immunology to improve my ability to critically analyse articles, better understand the link between the mechanisms within the immune system and human health and gain some laboratory experience. The course exceeded my expectations and was fantastic. The lecturers were clearly at the forefront of research and a large focus was placed on how to contextualise ongoing and rivalling theories to form our own hypotheses and promote us to be functioning scientists.

As a medical doctor, I was concerned my lack of laboratory work would hinder me but the four month laboratory time was a particular highlight and has since allowed me to continue my career as an academic clinician. There is recognition that students are there to learn and so may need some coaching but there is also opportunity for those who start with more experience. For the modules, I especially enjoyed taking the 'Immune system, cancer and its treatment' module due to the focus on cancer as a dynamic entity which strongly interacts and influences its environment and the 'biological therapies and live medicines' module for its focus on treatments currently undergoing research. Both of these modules have altered the way I consider disease and treatment.

Finally, the senior staff are incredibly kind and supportive and there is an understanding within the institute that science is a collaborative process. This course has definitely made me a better scientist and further prepared me for a career in academic medicine."

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Genevieve Gottschalk, MSc ETI 2022-23

鈥淚 applied to the Experimental and Translational Immunology MSc as I have always been interested in how the immune system works and wanted to learn more about how basic science can translate to clinical application to improve human health. This course is not only brilliantly structured, providing students with a wide variety of taught modules followed by an independent research project, but is also taught by world leaders in immunology. It is quite a unique experience to learn from and work alongside top autoimmunity, cancer, and immunodeficiency researchers in a state-of-the-art facility such as the Institute of Immunity and Transplantation at the Pears Building.

While the lectures were engaging and taught us about the most novel ongoing research in immunology, the highlight of this course for me was my research project focused on enhancing thymic function. This was such a great learning opportunity and really allowed me to refine not only my laboratory skills, but also more practical research and analytical skills. My project supervisor, the programme leader, and the lecturers all provided so much support throughout the duration of the year and really instilled a sense of confidence in me as a young scientist. I have only wonderful things to say about this course and would recommend it to anyone who is interested!鈥�

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Eliza Lin, MSc ETI 2022-23

"I applied to the Experimental and Translational Immunology MSc at 皇家华人 to learn more about molecular and cellular immunology and current clinical applications. This course delivered more than promised 鈥� lecturers provided detailed and engaging lectures on fundamental immunology, giving those with little experience a solid foundation while allowing us to explore personal interests through various coursework. Moreover, the course directors, PIs, personal tutors, administrators, and lecturers genuinely cared about our cohort鈥檚 well-being, making my time at 皇家华人 one of the most enjoyable periods of my academic journey.

One of the highlights of the course for me was the 5-month independent research module, where we could direct and build our research projects. I chose a fascinating project on immune checkpoint biology, a topic first introduced to me during one of the many lectures on applied immunology. I learned various laboratory techniques from brilliant post-docs, PhD candidates, and RAs who were always supportive and helpful. By the end of the MSc, I had gained valuable knowledge and skills, boosting my confidence in conducting scientific research and increasing my interest in the field. Overall, I was very happy with my time in the MSc program and highly recommend this course.鈥�

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听Anna Vallduriola Martin,听MSc ETI

"I 听applied to the MSc Experimental and Translational Immunology Program because it was specific to my interests in the field of immunology. Through the optional modules I was able to study these subjects deeper, as well as discover new fields of research. Being taught by leading scientists passionate about their research was really inspiring and motivating.听

Through the research project I was able to widen my skill set, and dive into my desired research area, as well as understand the every day work of a research lab. Ultimately this experience gave me the knowledge and skills to continue with my academic career as a PhD candidate.

I am deeply grateful for the support recieved by everyone involved in the program, and recommend this course to anyone interested in a career in immunology"听 听

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"Undertaking the MSc in Experimental and Translational Immunology at 皇家华人 has provided me with an insight to the forefront of immunological research. The taught content in the first two semesters involved teaching from pioneers in the field to provide the initial foundations and further extended knowledge on various topics within immunology. Furthermore, the research project facilitated the application of this knowledge in a cutting edge research facility. I would highly recommend this course to anybody with a keen interest in immunology"听

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"I applied for the MSc in Experimental and Translational Immunology since I wanted to learn more about the translational aspect of immunology research.听I undertook modules regarding cellular pathology, cancer biology, research skills and data interpretation, fundamentals of immunology, and biological therapies. Throughout the year, we had weekly journal club sessions that helped us to interpret and critique scientific papers and evaluate novel findings in the context of current understanding. Furthermore, I had the chance to learn how to write a grant proposal, which has challenged me to think outside the box while attempting to answer a major scientific question. I thoroughly enjoyed our group discussions regarding current literature and different experimental methods in order to devise and justify our approach. The course directors, administrators, lecturers and supervisors have been incredibly supportive and approachable, and help was always available throughout the course.听

At the end of my MSc, I completed a 4-month research project in the Pears building. This experience has been incredible opportunity for me since I had no prior research experience. I was able to immerse myself in the inner workings of a lab and learn first-hand from world-leading researchers. Working in the听brand-new听Pears building has also been a delight; it is a fantastic working environment. Everyone in the IIT has been incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout my project.听

Ultimately, I believe this course has taught me how to integrate immunological aspects of different diseases into experimental medicine, all while equipping me with essential laboratory skills and knowledge that has enabled me to transform into a research scientist. I can whole-heartedly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in immunology research.鈥澨�

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