Master of Multidisciplinary Research in Experimental Sciences

"Thanks to this experience I now have the tools to start my PhD at CNAG-CRG, where I will be under a multidisciplinary environment combining both wet and dry lab, as well as microscopy imaging!"

Meritxell Novillo (2020-2021)

"Thanks to this Master, I obtained great experience in the lab and was able to become a teacher in one of the biggest universities in Argentina: Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (UTN)"

Gonzalo Podgaezky (2017-208)

"It was key in my training as an independent researcher capable of facing today's questions. The tools acquired during this master have proven to be crucial for my current research as a PhD student at Harvard Medical School"

Alejandra Rodríguez de la Rosa (2018-2019)

"Not only did we receive hands-on scientific and research training, but we also had the opportunity to hone other skills in highly dynamic sessions. We had the chance to engage with world-class scientists and it made me realise that solid collaborations among different scientific disciplines are key to solving complex global challenges."

Jia Liang Sun (2017-2018)

Why choose this program?

The Master of Multidisciplinary Research in Experimental Sciences (MMRES) is a full-time, one-year programme offering highly flexible and personalised hands-on research training in a multidisciplinary environment. The students will spend two-thirds of the programme working in the laboratories of leading research centres (BIST Community research centres and MELIS-UPF department), under the supervision of internationally renowned researchers in fields such a genomics, bioengineering, photonics, chemistry, nanotechnology, high-energy physics, and biomedicine, among others. 

 

 
 

 

Who is it for?

The program is aimed at candidates who intend to pursue a research career in experimental sciences including biomedical science, chemistry, physics, and nanotechnology, with the specific focus of preparing students to undertake a PhD in any of these disciplines.The program is open to candidates who hold a degree in health sciences, engineering, computer sciences or degrees in basic scientific disciplines (chemistry, physics, biology, or mathematics).

 
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Duration
1 academic year (60 ECTS credits)
Calendar
From September to July
Timetable
Full-time
Fee
EU students: 1,302 € | Non-EU students: 5,749.8 €
Places
30
Course type
On Campus
Language
English
Grants access to

PhD in Experimental Sciences

Center

Pompeu Fabra University - Medicine and Life Sciences

Academic information and syllabus

 

The master's degree is obtained by passing a minimum of 60 ECTS distributed as follows:

  • 20 ECTS credits - Compulsory
  • 30 ECTS credits - Internships (on BIST Community centres and MELIS-UPF)
  • 10 ECTS credits - Master’s degree final project

The programme of the Master of Multidisciplinary Research in Experimental Sciences is based on experiential learning through working on selected research projects under the supervision of group leaders from a large variety of research areas.

2025-26 Calendar

Total credits: 5 ECTS
Workload: 125 hrs.
Term: 1st
 

This subject focuses on statistical methods to analyse research data in experimental sciences. The course includes theory classes of probability theory and and parameter estimation, a module on Bayesian statistics and an introduction to machine learning. Because of the needing programming knowledge, there will be 6 classes spread over the course dedicated to introducing Python language to the students. 

The evaluation of the Statistics and Data Analysis course is divided into an exam and 3 deliverable works. The exam corresponds to a 40% of the grade and each of the works (misophonia analysis, machine learning work and Bayesian take home exercises) are a 20% (60% in total).

 

 

ECTS: 5

Workload: 125 hrs.

Term: 1st, 2nd and 3rd

The course is a developmental training programme which focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of future researchers by providing an opportunity to build their understanding of, skills and confidence in a basic knowledge of responsible research, project management and effective communication. It also encourages critical discussions and thorough reflection on the wider impact of concrete research and innovation (R&I) aspects and the overall science and technology system.

The course also focuses on different skill sets for scientific communication: how to gather information, and how to communicate science to peers from a wide variety of disciplines and to the general public. During the course students will learn to gather, manage and summarize scientific information and will develop their abilities in three key media for traditional scientific communication (poster presentations, scientific articles, and oral presentations) and by designing, performing and evaluating an engagement activity for the general public.

The course is divided into three different domains:

BLOCK I: RRI and public communication

BLOCK II: Project management

BLOCK III: Scientific communication

This course does not have a final exam; the assessment will be done continuously throughout the course. This will be through several deliveries along the three blocks, oral presentations, and self-assessment activities. It is necessary to pass all three blocks (minimum score 5/10) to pass the course. Attendance will be considered and it can modify up to 10% of the final grade.

Total credits: 5 ECTS

Workload: 125 hrs.

Term: 1st, 2nd and 3rd

This course provides an introduction to multidisciplinary research in experimental sciences.

The aim is to put students in direct contact with inspirational speakers, introduce cutting-edge challenges in contemporary research, and help prepare students to understand what is involved in pursuing a cutting-edge research career in academia or industry, and specifically for pursuing a PhD at a leading international institution.

There are two main components of the course:

Research seminars: Designed to complement the hands-on training, these seminars are presented by PIs from UPF and BIST Community research centres.

Group discussion sessions: During the training days, there will be a student-led group discussion session emphasizing the critical evaluation of the scientific literature. They will involve faculty from UPF and the BIST and/or external guest speakers.

In the initial training period, there will be a short online quiz following each seminar using questions provided by the lecturers. These tests are the 40% of the grade. 
During the training days, before the speakers’ seminars, there will be an oral presentation by the students summarizing the chosen research article. Students must also lead a discussion session afterwards. This is the 60% of the grade.

 

ECTS: 5

Workload: 125 hrs.

Term: 1st and 2nd

This course is organized as an intensive winter school combining theoretical courses and hands-on training in microscopy, nanoscopy and imaging analysis. This course will take full advantage of the research and academic facilities at the BIST Community research centres.

The winter school will cover the following five topics:

1. Optical microscopy

2. Electron microscopy

3. Scanning probe microscopy

4. Raman imaging and spectroscopy

5. Imaging technology and approaches in astrophysics / cosmology

This subject is evaluated via an oral presentation per group or individual, which counts 70% of the grade. The other 30% of the grade is participation in the classes and other students’ presentations.

ECTS: 20

Workload: 500 hrs.

Term: 1st, 2nd and 3rd

Hands-on, intensive training-through-research. The aim is to provide in-depth training in a specific discipline. The student chooses and develops over five months one of the projects offered by the BIST Community and MELIS-UPF research groups and reinforces their training in multidisciplinary science provided in the initial period.

Research component: During this time, the student will perform calculations and/or experiments, analyse data, describe and discuss results, research the literature, and other tasks required to successfully carry out a research project. The aim is to acquire key conceptual knowledge and experimental skills, familiarize the student with the organization and functioning of a research team, and provide them with first-hand knowledge of life as a researcher, as a first step towards pursuing a future career in research.

Training component: Under the guidance of their supervisor, students will gain a broad understanding of their field’s theoretical concepts and standard research techniques, and a deep understanding of the background to their research topic.

The major project progress is evaluated by an initial and mid-term report (10% each), a poster presentation (20%) and the supervisor evaluation (60%).

ECTS: 10

Workload: 250 hrs.

Term: 1st and 2nd

The aim of this subject is to provide students with complementary training in a different research discipline to that of their major project. Students are required to spend 10 weeks with a different research group from the one where they carry out their major project. The aim is to gain complementary conceptual knowledge and experimental skills. Students will gain experience working in a different research environment, and an ability to analyse the multidisciplinary component of a research project. Once the programme has started, you will decide on your Minor Project together with your Major Project research supervisor. 

For the minor project, there will be an initial report (40%) and the supervisor evaluation (60%).

ECTS: 10

Contact Hours: 250

Term: 3rd

The student will write a research manuscript in the form of a scientific paper, based on the original results obtained by the student during their research training. In addition, the student will make a public oral presentation and defence of their work before an examining committee.

The master thesis is evaluated by an external panel. 50% of the grade is the scientific manuscript, 30% the oral presentation of the work and 20% the oral defense.

The students will attend and explain their work on a poster presentation at the BIST Symposium on Microscopy, Nanoscopy and Imaging Sciences. The Symposium is the culmination of the ATES Winter School, a two week training programme on microscopy, nanoscopy and imaging sciences.

The Symposium is organized by the BIST Community centres ICFO and ICN2, and aims to gather researchers from the BIST centres as well as other catalan institutes to discuss the latest techniques and results in various fields such as optical and electron microscopy and imaging technology, among others.

Faculty staff

Course coordinators

Ana Janic
Janic, Ana
Principal investigator MELIS-UPF

Janic, Ana

Principal investigator MELIS-UPF

ORCID
Neus Penalva
Penalva, Neus
Outreach and Education manager BIST

Penalva, Neus

Outreach and Education manager BIST

ORCID

Career prospects

  • The master's degree qualifies holders to pursue a PhD at participating institutions and leading international universities.
  • MMRES' Alumni have also been hired into industrial research, consulting or scientific communication positions in high-tech companies in fields such as biotechnology, biomedicine, photonics, chemistriy, data-science, or nanotechnology.
Career prospects

See also

Medicine and Life Sciences Department

Edifici Dr. Aiguader (campus del Mar)
Doctor Aiguader, 80
08003 Barcelona