MIF

MIF may refer to:

Science and technology

Medicine

Computing

Finance

Other uses

Melanocyte-inhibiting factor

Melanocyte-inhibiting factor (also known as Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂, Melanostatin, MSH release–inhibiting hormone or MIF-1) is an endogenous peptide fragment derived from cleavage of the hormone oxytocin, but having generally different actions in the body. MIF-1 produces multiple effects, both blocking the effects of opioid receptor activation, while at the same time acting as a positive allosteric modulator of the D₂ and D₄ dopamine receptor subtypes, as well as inhibiting release of other neuropeptides such as alpha-MSH, and potentiating melatonin activity.

This complex mix of actions produces a profile of antidepressant,nootropic, and anti-Parkinsonian effects when MIF-1 is administered, and it has been investigated for various medical uses. MIF-1 is unusually resistant to metabolism in the bloodstream, and crosses the blood–brain barrier easily, though it is poorly active orally and is usually injected. Several other closely related peptides with important actions in the body include Tyr-MIF-1 and endomorphin-1 and -2.

Master of Finance

A Master's degree in Finance is a postgraduate program designed to prepare graduates for careers in Finance. The degree is often titled Master of Finance or Master in Finance (abbreviated M.Fin or MiF), or Master of Science in Finance (abbreviated MSF in North America and MSc in Finance in the UK and Europe). In the U.S. and Canada the program may be positioned as a professional degree. Particularly in Australia, the degree may be offered as a Master of Applied Finance (abbreviated MAppFin).

Structure

In general, MSF and M.Fin / MSc programs differ as to intended career preparation and hence degree focus — with the former centered on financial management and investment management, and the latter on more technical roles (although, see below for further discussion as to this distinction). Both degree types, though, emphasize quantitative topics, and may also offer some non-quantitative elective coursework, such as corporate governance, business ethics and business strategy. Programs generally require one to two years of study, and are often offered as a non-thesis degree.