This MRes course is designed to provide a foundation year as part of an integrated four-year postgraduate training programme, or in preparation for embarking on future research-based postgraduate study, at the WHRI and departments with allied interests located on the Charterhouse Square Research Campus of the School of Medicine and Dentistry. The principal aims are:

1. To provide research training that integrates the techniques of in vivo science and key molecular and biochemical laboratory skills, into the investigation of disease mechanisms.
2. To provide research training in advanced pharmacological principles and methods.
3. To provide insights into the techniques used to investigate diseases such as arthritis, hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, diabetic vascular disease, renal failure and critical care research.
4. To provide insight into clinical trial design

Endothelial/vessel wall cell biology and vascular inflammatory mechanisms are common themes for the majority of these topics. Hence, the programme will lead to:

1. A sound understanding and detailed knowledge base from which to pursue further research studies in the broad disciplinary area of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Provide laboratory skills, developed in molecular biology and protein analyses, which will be applicable to any area of life sciences research.
3. Development of key generic skills essential for a successful career in research – critical thinking in all areas of cardiovascular immune biology, critical data analysis and handling, report writing and presentation skills.