The flexible Master of Research (MRes) in Advanced Biological Sciences degree from Southampton offers graduates the opportunity to develop their knowledge and practical skills in an area of Biological Sciences of their choice. The one-year course, tailored to your particular interests, is a stepping stone to further study at PhD level or a gateway to many careers in industry (e.g. agriculture, pharmaceutical and the healthcare sector), scientific services, science communication, the teaching profession or in scientific policymaking. The taught component will be assessed by a mixture of coursework (e.g. essays, poster presentations, oral presentations) and examination. The research component will be assessed on the basis of the practical outcomes of the project work, ability to communicate these and also the understanding of background literature, all of which is judged through the production of a scientific dissertation. This will be assessed independently by an internal academic examiner within the University of Southampton in addition to the supervisor. By the end of your MRes degree you will have extended your subject-specific and employability skills beyond the level of your undergraduate degree. A Master of Research course differs from a conventional MSc course in the balance between teaching and research. As an MRes student you will spend more time on the research project and correspondingly less time will be devoted to formal teaching.