The MOAC Degree is a combined one year MSc in Mathematical Biology and Biophysical Chemistry followed by an multidisciplinary science three year PhD, designed to train students for multi-disciplinary research at the Physical Sciences / Life Sciences interface. Although it is a formally assessed MSc programme and we treat the assessment process seriously, the aim is to equip you with skills you need for research across the physical/life sciences boundary. Our concern is therefore to ensure you can use skills rather than merely pass an exam or submit an assignment.

Funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is available for eligible students wishing to undertake the combined MSc/PhD programme. The first year of the programme may also be taken as a stand-alone MSc.

MSc in Mathematical Biology and Biophysical Chemistry (MBBC)

The MOAC MSc is broken down into a taught section consisting of eight modules (taught in the first half of the year, 50% credit), and a research section consisting of three research mini-projects (taking the last six months of the year, remaining 50% credit).

The Modules

Generally speaking, each module lasts for five weeks, and there will be two modules ongoing at the same time. The modules are as follows, but are not necessarily taught in this order:

• CH920 - Cellular systems and biomolecules I
• CH921 - Techniques for the characterisation of biomolecules
• CH922 - Microscopy and Imaging
• CH923 - Statistics for Data Analysis 
• CH924 - Mathematical Models of Biological Systems
• CH925 - Numerical methods for Modelling
• CH926 - Molecular modelling
• CH927 - Quantitative biology
• CH932 - Introduction to chemical aspects of biological systems
  
• CH948 - Warwick Interdisciplinary Science Transferable Skills

Related to the maths modules, there is a presessional week for everyone and Hugo has produced some Maths Worksheets

The Mini-Projects

The eight-week research mini-projects are unique to each student. Each student must complete their three mini-projects in three different research environments: experimental biology, experimental physical sciences, and computation/mathematics. The order does not matter, however some mini-project in different disciplines are linked projects.

The first miniproject (chronologically) is assessed by a poster and talk, presented at the MOAC Annual Conference to the other students and core MOAC staff. The second, is assessed by a report in the style of a thesis and a viva. The final project is assessed by a report in the style of a research paper and a talk to the incoming MOAC MSc students. The aim is to expose the students to the main ways of reporting scientific research, and to help prepare them for their PhD.

The dates for 2009-10 MOAC mini projects are:

• Mini project one: 22 March - 14 May (poster and talk at the MOAC Annual Conference)
• Mini project two: 17 May - 9 July (thesis and viva)
• Mini project three: 12  July - 3 September (research paper and talk)

Multidisciplinary Science (PhD)

All students undertake multidisciplinary PhD projects in two or more disciplines and use skills from one area to solve challenging problems in another. Students thriving at MOAC typically have a passion for multidisciplinary ideas, have an ability to assimilate knowledge quickly, and to transfer ideas from related disciplines.

MOAC PhD students are co-supervised by researchers in at least 2 departments. You can get a good idea of the research areas covered by MOAC from looking at the PhD titles of the current students - topics should be covered by the scientific scope of MOAC.