Doctor of Philosophy in Model Systems for Biomedical Research

University College Dublin (UCD)

Model systems are non-human species or other, non-living systems that provide a simplified background in which to study specific biological phenomena, diseases, molecular pathways and behaviours. Scientific research using model systems has taught us much of what we know about biology, identifying the fundamental properties of how cells grow and divide, how genetic properties get passed from one generation to the next, and how we store and use energy. The findings from this research are leading to novel methods for maintaining health and for diagnosing and treating disease in humans.By studying model organisms, such as C.elegans worm, drosophila melanogaster fruit fly and Danio rario Zebrafish UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science SBBS scientists are learning more about growth and development, as well as finding out about what drives behaviours such as learning, memory and addiction. The findings from this research are leading to novel methods for maintaining health and for diagnosing and treating disease in humans. Diseases being studied include Bardet-Biedl syndrome, motor neuron disease, diabetes and eye disease.