Musculoskeletal Ageing MRes at University of Liverpool

The MRes in Musculoskeletal Ageing has been established by leading international researchers and clinicians within the Universities of Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle as part of our MRC/Arthritis Research UK funded Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA) initiative (cimauk.org). CIMA researchers investigate why our bones, joints, ligaments and muscles function less well as we age, and how age related decline of the musculoskeletal tissues and age related clinical disorders (such as osteoporosis and arthritis) can be ameliorated or prevented. The MRes in Musculoskeletal Ageing provides a unique opportunity for the study of the musculoskeletal system and ageing from an integrated perspective, providing students with access to state-of-the-art  resources and facilities from across the three CIMA partner sites, with teaching and supervision delivered by leading researchers and clinical practitioners.

During the first semester, students undertake 60 credits of taught modules, which will ground the student in current approaches and techniques to studying the integrated musculoskeletal system as a whole and the effects ageing has on this system. These modules are delivered by e-learning, including live interactions with tutors and peers, online lectures and presentations and discussion forums. Students supplement the online component via self-directed learning. During the second semester, students undertake a research module which will provide the student with the opportunity to apply their knowledge to a project under the expertise of supervisors based across the CIMA consortium. They will also receive multidisciplinary skills training specific to their individual training needs, and have the opportunity to undertake an exchange visit at another CIMA site (for example, to learn a particular research technique in another laboratory).

Specific Programme Aims:

• To provide students with a wide breadth of knowledge and critical understanding of the integrated musculoskeletal system as a whole and the effects ageing has upon this system
• To develop oral and written communication skills to enable discussion with scientific and lay audiences and publication in peer reviewed journal articles
• To provide students with multidisciplinary knowledge, techniques, and complementary skills, to enable interaction across disciplines and sectors to the benefit of academic, industrial and public sector employers
• To maximise career potential through structured training delivered by international researchers  and by providing access to state-of-the-art training and research facilities
• To prepare the student for entry into a PhD programme