Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

Skills and professional training

The Master’s Degree in Molecular Biomedicine seeks to provide advanced, multidisciplinary and integrated training in the field of Molecular Biology of Health and Illness aimed mainly at research into the molecular basis of human pathology, as well as the discovery and development of new preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures based on knowledge about Molecular Biosciences. In summary, this Master’s Degree seeks to provide professionals with cellular and molecular training which will allow them to work in the both in basic research and clinical research and to be able to promote applied and “translational” research.

The Master’s Degree in Molecular Biomedicine comprises 5 specialized fields that focus on specific illnesses (cancer, immune and inflammatory diseases, neurological illnesses, rare illnesses and cardiovascular disease). The teaching programme will provide up-to-date knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis and the physiopathology of the aforementioned diseases, as well as advanced experimental training in the laboratory which includes some of the main research techniques in Molecular Biomedicine.

The training objectives of the Master’s Degree in Molecular Biomedicine

• To broaden knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and the physiopathology of human illnesses, acquiring an integrated vision of this question.
• To acquire systematic, rigorous and up-to-date knowledge (and a critical vision) of the main subjects of each specialized field in the discipline of Molecular Biomedicine.
• To acquire the basic skills needed to work in an experimental laboratory in the field of Molecular Biomedicine.
• To become familiar with some of the most important modern technologies in research, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human illnesses.
• To acquire the knowledge and the ability needed to identify problems, search for practical and creative solutions and apply them in the context of research or professional activity in the field of Molecular Biomedicine.
• To acquire the ability to plan and carry out a research project in the field of Molecular Biomedicine.
• To develop the ability to present scientific work in a spoken or written form in a clear and concise way.
• To develop the capacity to explain in a clear and effective way scientific advances in the field of Molecular Biomedicine, along with their ethical and social implications, to a non-specialist public.
• To acquire the skills required to be able to continue with lifelong learning in an autonomous and self-directed way.
• To acquire a solid training background which will enable students to begin a research career by writing a PhD or by developing professional tasks in the field of Molecular Biomedicine that do not require a PhD or an official qualification as a Doctor or a Clinical Specialist.

Competences and Professional Ability

• The training programme of the Master’s Degree in Molecular Biomedicine will enable students to acquire the following specific competences:
• Advanced knowledge of the pathophysiology and the cellular and molecular basis of human illnesses (in a specific field of specialization).
• Advanced knowledge of the applications of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to diagnosis, therapy and prevention of human illnesses, with special emphasis on the applications of Genomics and Proteomics.
• Knowledge of the technology and experimental systems used in research into Molecular Biomedicine with a special emphasis on techniques of genetic modification in animals which can help to serve as “models” for human pathologies.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of the basic experimental techniques which are most widely used in Molecular Biomedicine.
• Capacity to apply theory to practice in the in the context of a Molecular Biomedicine research laboratory.
• Clear knowledge of how to design a study to test a hypothesis.
• Technical and scientific competence to ensure the achievement of precise and reproducible results from which we can reach valid conclusions in the specific field of specialization in Molecular Biomedicine.
• To demonstrate the ability to establish and implement in a practical way chemical and biological safety rules.
• To demonstrate sound knowledge and skill in the use of the basic Biocomputing tools which are most widely used in Molecular Biomedicine.
• To demonstrate a good capacity to search electronic data bases of scientific and technical literature.
• To demonstrate a good capacity to understand and critically review scientific literature in their field of specialization.
• Capacity to identify a significant question or hypothesis about a subject or a problem and to establish the objectives, design and monitoring of a project in order to find a solution.
• To demonstrate a good capacity for spoken and written communication in order to effectively and fluently present research results so that they can be critically assessed by colleagues or referees.
• To demonstrate a good capacity for scientific explanation to a non-specialist public, paying particular attention to the social implications of scientific advances.
• To demonstrate a good understanding of the ethical aspects of the profession.
• To complete a Master’s Dissertation based on the research work personally carried out by the student under the supervision of a Tutor.

Furthermore, the programme of the Master’s Degree in Molecular Biomedicine will encourage the development and consolidation of the general “cross-curricular” competences which are considered fundamental for the future professional activity of students, among which we can highlight:

• Understanding of the value and the limits of scientific method.
• Capacity for critical and self-critical reasoning.
• Capacity for analysis and synthesis.
• Capacity to practically apply knowledge.
• Capacity to solve complex problems.
• Capacity to generate new ideas (creativity).
• Initiative and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Capacity for self-assessment and recognition of the need for continuous personal improvement.
• Capacity to update knowledge in an autonomous way.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Capacity to search for, analyze and manage information, including the capacity to interpret and assess this information.
• Skill in the use of basic computer tools.
• Ethical commitment.
• Spoken and written communication skills in Spanish and English