Loughborough University

Access-Controlled Oxidation: Understanding the Role of Structure in Protein Damage

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom

Course overview

Protein oxidation is a major marker of protein damage in aging and disease processes, and can occur through a number of routes. One poorly understood contributing element is how protein structure, including local structure, controls the outcomes of oxidation events in the body. This project seeks to establish the role of structure so that health impacts can be better predicted.

As part of our team, you will look at the influence of protein structure in changing the accessibility and reactivity of reactive species, particularly radicals with disease-linked proteins. You will use and develop state-of-the-art computational methods, to complement experiments carried out by our collaborators at Copenhagen University in Denmark. This will enable us to more fully understand the radical reactions and their outcomes, alongside their biological impact.

Where required, training in specific computational methods (molecular dynamics, quantum mechanics, machine learning) will be provided. You will also have a range of opportunities to gain valuable transferrable skills (including through our doctoral college), network with international and industry partners, and be well-set up for a role in either industry, data science or academia at the end of the programme. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

REF 2021

Key highlights

  • Investigates how protein structure controls oxidation and radical reactions
  • Develops state-of-the-art computational methods alongside experimental collaborators
  • Collaboration with Copenhagen University researchers in Denmark
  • Training provided in molecular dynamics, quantum mechanics and machine learning
  • Transferable skills development through the doctoral college
  • Networking opportunities with international and industry partners

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — or above

Scholarships

  • Alumni Bursary

    10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 10% of fees
  • Alumni Discount

    UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.

  • Care Leaver's Scholarship

  • Excellence Scholarships

    UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary

    Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).

    Up to £12,000
  • London 10th Anniversary Award

    £5,000 off tuition fees.

    Up to £5,000
  • Loughborough Business School Scholarship

    £1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship

    50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 50% of fees
  • Qatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship

Careers this course leads to

  • Postdoctoral research associate
  • Computational chemist
  • Data scientist
  • Computational biologist
  • University lecturer
  • Industrial research scientist

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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