Masters Degrees (Disease Ecology)

Today more than ever, quantitative skills form an essential basis for successful careers in ecology, conservation, and animal and human health. This Masters programme provides specific training in data collection, modelling and statistical analyses as well as generic research skills. It is offered by the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), a grouping of top researchers who focus on combining field data with computational and genetic approaches to solve applied problems in epidemiology and conservation.

Why this programme

• This programme encompasses key skills in monitoring and assessing biodiversity critical for understanding the impacts of environmental change.
• It covers quantitative analyses of ecological and epidemiological data critical for animal health and conservation.
• You will have the opportunity to base your independent research projects at the university field station on Loch Lomond (for freshwater or terrestrial-based projects); Millport field station on the Isle of Cumbrae (for marine projects); or Cochno Farm and Research Centre in Glasgow (for research based on farm animals). We will also assist you to gain research project placements in zoos or environmental consulting firms whenever possible.
• The uniqueness of the programme is the opportunity to gain core skills and knowledge across a wide range of subjects, which will enhance future career opportunities, including entrance into competitive PhD programmes. For example, there are identification based programmes offered elsewhere, but most others do not combine practical field skills with molecular techniques, advanced informatics for assessing biodiversity based on molecular markers, as well as advanced statistics and modelling. Other courses in epidemiology are rarely ecologically focused; the specialty in IBAHCM is understanding disease ecology, in the context of both animal conservation and implications for human public health.
• You will be taught by research-active staff using the latest approaches in quantitative methods, sequence analysis, and practical approaches to assessing biodiversity, and you will have opportunities to actively participate in internationally recognised research. Some examples of recent publications lead by students in the programme:
• Blackburn, S., Hopcraft, J. G. C., Ogutu, J. O., Matthiopoulos, J. and Frank, L. (2016), Human-wildlife conflict, benefit sharing and the survival of lions in pastoralist community-based conservancies. J Appl Ecol. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12632. 
• Rysava, K., McGill, R. A. R., Matthiopoulos, J., and Hopcraft, J. G. C. (2016) Re-constructing nutritional history of Serengeti wildebeest from stable isotopes in tail hair: seasonal starvation patterns in an obligate grazer. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom., 30:1461-1468. doi: 10.1002/rcm.7572.
• Ferguson, E.A., Hampson, K., Cleaveland, S., Consunji, R., Deray, R., Friar, J., Haydon, D. T., Jimenez, J., Pancipane, M. and Townsend, S.E., 2015. Heterogeneity in the spread and control of infectious disease; consequences for the elimination of canine rabies. Scientific Reports, 5, p. 18232. doi: 10.1038/srep18232.
• A unique strength of the University of Glasgow for many years has been the strong ties between veterinarians and ecologists, which has now been formalised in the formation of the IBAHCM. This direct linking is rare but offers unique opportunities to provide training that spans both fundamental and applied research.

Programme structure

The programme provides a strong grounding in scientific writing and communication, statistical analysis, and experimental design. It is designed for flexibility, to enable you to customise a portfolio of courses suited to your particular interests.

You can choose from a range of specialised options that encompass key skills in

• monitoring and assessing biodiversity – critical for understanding the impacts of environmental change
• quantitative analyses of ecological and epidemiological data – critical for animal health and conservation
• ethics and legislative policy – critical for promoting humane treatment of both captive and wild animals.

A total of 180 credits are required, with 50 flexible credits in the second term. See the accompanying detailed course descriptions found in the IBAHCM Masters Programme Overview. When selecting options, please email the relevant course coordinator as well as registering using MyCampus.

Term 1: Core courses (assessment in %)

• Key research skills (scientific writing, introduction to R, introduction to linear models; advanced linear models, experimental design). Coursework – 60%; scientific report – 40%
• Spatial Ecology and Biodiversity. Coursework – 60%; assignment – 40%

Term 2: Core courses

• Programming in R. Coursework – 50%; assignment – 50%

Term 2: Optional courses

• Biodiversity Informatics. Coursework – 25%; assignment – 75%
• GIS for Ecologists. Set exercise – 60%; critical review – 40%
• Infectious Disease Ecology & the Dynamics of Emerging Disease. Coursework – 50%; assignment – 50%
• Introduction to Bayesian Statistics. Coursework – 50% assignment – 50%
• Invertebrate Identification. Coursework – 20%; class test – 40%; assignment – 40%
• Molecular Analyses for Biodiversity and Conservation. Coursework – 40%; assignment – 60%
• Molecular Epidemiology & Phylodynamics. Coursework – 40%; assignment – 60%
• Multi-species Models. Coursework – 50%; assignment – 50%
• Single-species Population Models. Coursework – 30%; assignment – 70%
• Vertebrate Identification. Coursework – 20%; class test – 40%; assignment – 40%
• Human Dimensions of Conservation*. Press statement – 50%; assignment – 50%
• Principles of Conservation Ecology*. Coursework – 30%; set exercise – 15%; poster – 55%
• Protected Area Management*. Coursework – 50%; assignment – 50%
• Animal Ethics. Oral presentation – 50%; reflective essay – 50%
• Biology of Suffering. Essay – 100%
• Care of Captive Animals. Report – 100%
• Enrichment of Animals in Captive Environments. Essay – 100%
• Legislation & Societal Issues. Position paper – 50%; press release – 50%
• Welfare Assessment. Critical essay – 100%

Term 3: Core MSc Component

• Research project. Research proposal – 25%; project report – 60%; supervisor’s assessment –15%

Career prospects

You will gain core skills and knowledge across a wide range of subjects that will enhance your selection chances for competitive PhD programmes. In addition to academic options, career opportunities include roles in zoos, environmental consultancies, government agencies, ecotourism and conservation biology, and veterinary or public health epidemiology.

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A unique programme in New Zealand

Join this world-leading programme offering postgraduate study in conservation veterinary medicine.

Find out more about the Master of Veterinary Studies parent structure.

The Master of Veterinary Studies (Conservation Veterinary Medicine) is the only programme of its kind in New Zealand. It combines the strengths of our world-leading veterinary school and the essential work of our Massey Wildbase team and the Massey University ecology group.

Help save New Zealand’s endangered species

New Zealand ‘s biodiversity is in crisis and the study of conservation medicine, disease ecology and ecotoxicology is crucial to protecting the remaining unique endemic fauna.

Your learning will cover a broad range of conservation-related medicine including avian and reptile medicine, wildlife pathology, captive management of wildlife, disease ecology and ecotoxicology.

A world-leading centre in wildlife health

Attached to Massey University’s veterinary school, Wildbase has four areas of focus: the hospital, oil response team and training, research and pathology.

Massey University’s Wildbase Research Centre is an internationally renowned leader in the field of wildlife health and disease. Wildbase has New Zealand's only dedicated wildlife hospital and is having a huge impact on the survival of some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds and animals. We are the go-to hospital for the Department of Conservation, receiving wild and captive animals from all over New Zealand to diagnose, care for or perform autopsies. The Wildbase wildlife hospital is currently in the midst of a NZ$1.44 million expansion.

World-ranked

Massey University’s veterinary programme is ranked in the top 50 universities worldwide by both the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranking and ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

Wide range of facilities

This course is run on our Manawatu campus in Palmerston North. Host to the only veterinary school in New Zealand, Massey University’s well-equipped facilities include an equine hospital, 24-hour pet hospital and sheep, beef, dairy and deer farms, all located near campus. The Wildbase wildlife hospital is the only dedicated wildlife hospital in New Zealand and underwent a $1.44 million expansion in 2016.

You will have access to our other world-leading science facilities such as modern laboratories for virology and bacteriology, molecular and immunohistochemical work.

Internationally-recognised and supportive environment

Our courses are led by internationally-recognised lecturers and have a reputation for their use of real-life case studies and high staff to student ratios.

Massey’s veterinary and animal science staff are integrated and cooperative. There is also a wide range of expertise across the sciences at the university, including agricultural science, fundamental sciences and engineering. This will give you access to a wide range of expertise, equipment and facilities on one small campus.

Why postgraduate study?

Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The Master of Veterinary Studies will push you to produce your best creative, strategic and theoretical ideas. The workload replicates the high-pressure environment of senior workplace roles. Our experts are there to guide but if you have come from undergraduate study, you will find that postgraduate study demands more in-depth and independent study.

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The Master of Research (MRes) programme in Ecology and Environmental Biology provides research training for students wishing to enter a PhD programme or seeking a career in ecological science.

Why this programme

This programme consists of a taught component, and a laboratory or field based research project. The taught component consists of core research skills and specialist options in analytical and sampling techniques. The main part of the degree is devoted to experience of research techniques. You will carry out an extended research project chosen to reflect your interests and the skills you wish to acquire. 

A total of 180 credits are required, with 30 flexible credits in the first term. See the accompanying detailed course descriptions found in the IBAHCM Masters Programme Overview. When selecting options, please email the relevant course coordinator as well as registering using MyCampus.

Term 1: Core courses (assessment in %)                             

Key Research Skills (scientific writing, introduction to R, introduction to linear models; advanced linear models, experimental design). Coursework – 60%; scientific report – 40%

 Term 1: Optional courses                        

• Spatial Ecology and Biodiversity**. Coursework – 60%; assignment – 40%
• Programming in R (*prerequisite B grade in KRS R component). Coursework – 50%; assignment – 50%
• Biodiversity Informatics. Coursework – 25%; assignment – 75%
• GIS for Ecologists. Set exercise – 60%; critical review – 40%
• Infectious Disease Ecology & the Dynamics of Emerging Disease*. Coursework – 50%; assignment – 50%
• Introduction to Bayesian Statistics*. Coursework – 50%; assignment – 50%
• Invertebrate Identification. Coursework – 20%; class test – 40%; assignment – 40%
• Molecular Analyses for Biodiversity and Conservation. Coursework – 40%; assignment – 60%
• Molecular Epidemiology & Phylodynamics. Coursework – 40%; assignment – 60%
• Multi-species Models**. Coursework – 50%; Assignment – 50%
• Single-species Population Models. Coursework – 30%; assignment – 70%
• Vertebrate Identification. Coursework – 20%; class test – 40%; assignment – 40%
• Human Dimensions of Conservation**. Press statement – 50%; assignment – 50%
• Principles of Conservation Ecology**. Coursework – 30%; set exercise – 15%; poster – 55%
• Protected Area Management**. Coursework – 50%; assignment – 50%

Projects:                       

• MRes Ecology and Environmental Biology Project 1 (terms 1 + 2). Oral presentation – 20%; project report– 80%
• MRes Ecology and Environmental Biology Project 2 (Summer). Poster – 15%; supervisor’s assessment – 15%; project report– 70%

Career prospects

The programme will provide an excellent training for those who wish to apply for a PhD programme or enter ecological consultancy or conservation sectors. It also serves as an excellent introduction to research in the UK for overseas students.

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Veterinary epidemiology is a key component in a number of the global grand challenges relating to disease control, food security and climate change. Consequently, there is a need to improve our ability to understand, predict and respond to patterns and dynamics of disease and to control outbreaks.

The R(D)SVS and SRUC partnership creates the greatest concentration of research power in veterinary and agricultural sciences in the UK. The MSc draws on this wealth of experience and research activity to provide scientific knowledge of the fundamental biological processes (e.g. behaviour, physiology, immunology, ecology) and environmental and farming management practices (e.g. husbandry, nutrition, livestock trade) driving disease transmission, persistence, prevalence and spread in livestock production systems. This enables in-depth understanding of complex environmental patterns of disease, which facilitates prediction of disease risk and control. This multidisciplinary systems approach will provide you with the skills to make significant contributions to tackling food security, climate change and disease control in your role as an animal health professional.

By the end of the programme you will not only have a detailed understanding of the biology driving disease persistence and prevalence, but also how the biology scales up from individuals to populations. You will understand how this interacts with agricultural management practices to determine the efficacy of disease control strategies and livestock production (i.e. interdisciplinary systems thinking and communication). Furthermore, the systems approach offers a way to frame disease challenges and problem solve disease risk at a range of scales (e.g. from veterinarians tackling specific outbreaks to the consequences of climate change on disease risk). To this end the programme provides training in methodological skills for the design, implementation, analysis, interpretation and communication of epidemiological studies, disease surveillance and disease control in animal populations and wider host communities.

Courses are delivered by active researchers presenting their own research, which is placed into context with global grand challenges. As such, you will be exposed to and taught skills appropriate for developing a research career.

Online learning

The programme will use the University’s award winning online learning environments, which includes video podcasts, web-based discussion forums and expert tuition.

Programme structure

The programme is delivered part-time by online learning over period of 3-6 years.

You may undertake the programme by intermittent study (flexible progression route), accruing credits within a time limit of:

• 1 years for the Certificate (maximum period 2 years)
• 2 years for the Diploma (maximum period 4 years)
• 3 years for the MSc (maximum period of 6 years including a maximum period of 12 months from the start of your written reflective element to it being completed)

The programme is modular in structure, offering a flexible student-centred approach to the choice of courses studied; other than the three core courses required for the certificate, students may choose to study individual courses, to complete a sufficient number of credits to be awarded the:

• Certificate (60 credits)
• Diploma (120 credits)
• MSc (180 credits)

Postgraduate Professional Development

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, after one year of taking courses you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to studying towards a higher award on a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme. Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout a year you may only start a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme in the month of September. Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

• More information on PPD

Learning outcomes

• Acquire knowledge about disease systems in livestock production environments and the interactions between the biological and livestock management processes driving disease dynamics.
• Acquire specific skills to link individual farm environments and management practices to disease risk and production efficiency at farm and national scales.
• Be able to interpret, be critical of and communicate scientific results and information in research.

Career opportunities

The courses and programme as a whole will provide:

• general postgraduate training (e.g. for people in education, government, policy-making, agricultural and veterinary organisations) to enable promotion, further employment opportunities or personal fulfilment
• general postgraduate training for people considering a career in research (e.g. a precursor to a PhD)
• topic-specific postgraduate training (e.g. for veterinarians for continuing professional development) to enable promotion, further employment opportunities or personal fulfilment

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Postgraduate Loans are now Open for Home/EU students - https://www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan/how-to-apply

Scholarships & Discounts available

• North West Progression Discount - LSTM are pleased to offer a 20% Discount for Undergraduate students to progress to Masters level study. Eligible students must be based, or have studied in the North West of England.  
• Alumni Loyalty Tuition Fee Discounts - Generous discounts available across all taught programmes.
• LSTM Merit Scholarships - Tuition Fee discount up to £1,500 for Home/EU students and up to £10,000 for International Students.

This programme provides advanced contemporary training in parasitology and the study of disease vectors. The broad scope of the programme ranges from the biology, immunology, ecology and population biology of the organisms to public health, disease epidemiology and tropical health issues. In addition to providing a solid foundation in parasite and vector biology, the programme provides practical experience of essential techniques, as well as significant theoretical and practical knowledge in all important and topical areas of the field. Following the taught component, participants complete a dissertation including a period of applied research either overseas or in Liverpool.

AIMS

LSTM education courses are taught within a dynamic environment by staff working at the cutting-edge of research in tropical medicine and global health. They are designed to enable the professional development of the student, to be relevant to students from both the UK and overseas and to promote approaches to study that will enable students to continue their learning into the future. 

This course aims to: 

To equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to develop a career in research, training or control of parasitic and vector-borne diseases.

To provide practical experience of a range of specialised technical and analytical skills relevant to the study of parasites and disease vectors.

To enable students to conduct independent research in the laboratory and/or field.

To produce graduates who are experienced, committed, informed, proactive and effective professionals, capable of taking substantial and leading professional roles.

To facilitate high quality learning that is informed by critical analysis of current research.

To develop independent and reflective approaches to study that will enable graduates to continue to learn in the future.

CAREERS

Over many years, we have educated hundreds of Masters students, many of whom have established successful careers in research in the academic or private sectors, or who have gone on to work in development as part of government or NGO teams. Graduates of the MSc Biology & Control of Parasites and Disease Vectors typically follow careers in research (some in LSTM) or training in areas related to the control of infectious disease, in particular parasitic and vector-borne tropical diseases. Other careers paths have led to teacher training, working overseas for NGO’s, military and public health-related careers.

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Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Biosciences at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).

This MRes in Biosciences programme will provide you with research training in one or more of our Research Pathways and you will benefit from training in our Specialist Research Facilities. Research staff will share their expertise and assist you in developing the skills necessary to do independent research, leading to a dissertation written as a scientific paper.

All research students in Biosciences undertake taught modules followed by a major research project under the guidance of academic staff in one or more of our Research Pathways, and benefitting from training in our specialist research facilities.

The MRes Biosciences is a one-year programme. All research students undertake taught modules followed by a major research project under the guidance of academic staff in one or more of our Research Pathways , and benefiting from training in our Specialist Research Facilities.

Biosciences at Swansea has a good relationship with a wide range of external partners, including SMEs, Government Agencies, Local Government, UK and overseas research institutes and universities.

Research Pathways

1) Behavioural and Movement Ecology

Studying adaptations, and the selective pressures in the social and ecological environment that bring them about. We specialise in the movement ecology of individuals and collectives and can provide specialist research training to understand the role of the environment in structuring the properties of animal movement and behaviour.

2) Evolutionary and Molecular Biology

Understanding the diversity of life from a molecular perspective. We use the latest genetic and genomics techniques to address key questions in ecology, behaviour and conservation from an evolutionary perspective in a range of non-model organisms, from fungi to plants and animals.

3) Marine Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture

From developing new techniques in fish husbandry and rearing of commercially important aquaculture species, to research in food and fuel security, low carbon technologies, biogeochemical cycles and climate change. Specialist research training can be provided on a diverse range of temperate to tropical aquatic organisms, from microplankton to invertebrates to fish, inhabiting marine to freshwater environments.

4) Mathematical and Statistical Ecology

Research that complements the full range of our academic expertise, from theoretical investigations of ecosystem complexity, stoichiometric ecology, pattern formation and animal movement, to practical agricultural applications and the operation of micro-algal biotechnology.

5) Population and Community Ecology

Combining experimental and theoretical approaches to develop our understanding of how species interactions with their environment (including other species) generate the spatial-temporal biodiversity patterns we observe in nature. Study systems include plankton ecosystems, coastal ecosystem functioning, disease control, conservation, and the impact of spatial-temporal environmental variation on community dynamics.

6) Whole Organism Biology

Our staff comprises world-leading experts on a range of organisms studied around the world, and welcome students who want to develop projects around such species.

7) Wildlife Diseases and Pest Control

Research focused on developing natural agents and solutions for the control of wildlife diseases and invertebrate pests that impact on food security and human and animal health. Research training provided in disease detection methods, disease management, and the socioeconomic benefits of pest control.

Facilities

As a student on the MRes Biosciences programme, you will benefit from a range of facilities such as:

Our excellent facilities include a unique built Animal Movement Visualisation Suite (£1.35m), incorporating an electronic wall linked to a computer-tesla cluster for high-speed processing and visualisation of complex accelerometry and magnetometry data derived from animals. Coupled with this facility is the Electronics Lab with capacity for research, development and realisation of animal tags with new capacities (sensors, energy-harvesting systems, miniaturization, 3-D printing of housings etc.); a custom-designed 18m on coastal research vessel; a recent investment of £4.2m on a new suite of state-of-the art Science laboratories; and the £2m unique Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research (CSAR) with a 750 m2 controlled environment building, with programmable recirculating aquatic systems, unique within the UK’s higher-education sector. These are tailored for research on a diverse range of organisms, ranging from temperate to tropical and marine to freshwater. Coupled with this are nutrient and biochemical analytical capabilities.

Theoretical/mathematical research uses advanced university computing facilities that includes high-end graphics workstations, high-speed network links and the Blue Ice supercomputer located at the Mike Barnsley Centre for Climatic Change Research.

Several dedicated Bioscience labs housed within our grade 2 listed Wallace Building recently benefitted from a £4.2 million renovation programme, providing world-class research facilities that includes a specialist molecular ecology lab and a dedicated arthropod facility.

Research

We are 7th in the UK and top in Wales for research excellence (REF 2014)

93.8% of our research outputs were regarded as world-leading or internationally excellent and Swansea Biosciences had the highest percentage of publications judged ‘world-leading’ in the sector. This is a great achievement for the Department, for the College of Science and indeed for Swansea University.

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Researchers in the School of Biological Sciences conduct cutting-edge research across a broad range of biological disciplines: genomics, biotechnology, cell biology, sensory biology, animal behaviour and evolution, population biology, host-disease interactions and ecosystem services, to name but a few.

In 2014 the school relocated to a new £54 million, state-of-the-art Life Sciences building. Our new laboratory facilities are among the best in the world, with critical '-omics' technologies and associated computing capacity (bioinformatics) a core component. The new building is designed to foster our already strong collaborative and convivial environment, and includes a world-leading centre for evolutionary biology research in collaboration with key researchers from earth sciences, biochemistry, social medicine, chemistry and computer sciences. The school has strong links with local industry, including BBC Bristol, Bristol Zoo and the Botanic Gardens. We have a lively, international postgraduate community of about 150 research students. Our stimulating environment and excellent graduate school training and support provide excellent opportunities to develop future careers.

Research groups

The underlying theme of our research is the search for an understanding of the function, evolution, development and regulation of complex systems, pursued using the latest technologies, from '-omics' to nanoscience, and mathematical modelling tools. Our research is organised around four main themes that reflect our strengths and interests: evolutionary biology; animal behaviour and sensory biology; plant and agricultural sciences; and ecology and environmental change.

Evolutionary Biology
The theme of evolutionary biology runs through all our research in the School of Biological Sciences. Research in this theme seeks to understand organismal evolution and biodiversity using a range of approaches and study systems. We have particular strengths in evolutionary genomics, phylogenetics and phylogenomics, population genetics, and evolutionary theory and computer modelling.

Animal Behaviour and Sensory Biology
Research is aimed at understanding the adaptive significance of behaviour, from underlying neural mechanisms ('how', or proximate, questions) to evolutionary explanations of function ('why', or ultimate, questions). The approach is strongly interdisciplinary, using diverse physiological and biomechanical techniques, behavioural experiments, computer modelling and molecular biology to link from the genetic foundations through to the evolution of behaviour and sensory systems.

Plant and Agricultural Sciences
The global issue of food security unifies research in this theme, which ranges from molecular-based analysis of plant development, signal transduction and disease, to ecological studies of agricultural and livestock production systems. We have particular strengths in functional genomics, bioinformatics, plant developmental biology, plant pathology and parasite biology, livestock parasitology and agricultural systems biology. Our research is helped by the LESARS endowment, which funds research of agricultural relevance.

Ecology and Environmental Change
Research seeks to understand ecological relations between organisms (plant, animal or microbe) at individual, population and community levels, as well as between organisms and their environments. Assessing the effect of climate change on these ecological processes is also fundamental to our research. Key research areas within this theme include community ecology, restoration ecology, conservation, evolutionary responses to climate change and freshwater ecology. Our research has many applied angles, such as ecosystem management, wildlife conservation, environmental and biological control, agricultural practice and informing policy.

Careers

Many postgraduate students choose a higher degree because they enjoy their subject and subsequently go on to work in a related area. An Office of Science and Technology survey found that around three-quarters of BBSRC- and NERC-funded postgraduates went on to a job related to their study subject.

Postgraduate study is often a requirement for becoming a researcher, scientist, academic journal editor and for work in some public bodies or private companies. Around 60 per cent of biological sciences doctoral graduates continue in research. Academic research tends to be contract-based with few permanent posts, but the school has a strong track record in supporting the careers of young researchers by helping them to find postdoctoral positions or develop fellowship applications.

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What is the MSc/PGDip in One Health (Infectious Diseases)?

Changing environmental, social and agricultural conditions are a threat to animal and human health and welfare.

Many infectious diseases can pass between animals and humans, while food production, human diet and community stability are harmed by diseases that infect livestock and wildlife. Emerging veterinary infectious diseases and human diseases, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, emphasise the threat posed by these issues.

The One Health approach recognises the relationship between health and disease at the human, animal and environment interfaces and has become an important focus in both medical and veterinary science. It promotes a “whole of society” treatment of health hazards and a systemic change of perspective in the management of risk.

If you are interested in One Health and the control of infectious disease (particularly in the developing world), then this unique course could be for you. We welcome applications from individuals with a background in public health, veterinary sciences, animal or biological sciences, social and environmental sciences, ecology and wildlife health. If you are interested in this field, but do not have the relevant background, please speak with the course directors who can consider such cases on an individual basis.

The course is delivered jointly by the RVC, University of London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). 

What will I learn?

The course will provide you with:

• A comprehensive foundation on the principles of diseases in the context of socio-ecological systems, global health and food safety
• Knowledge and skills in relation to One Health methodologies, transdisciplinary interactions and in using a systems approach. 

At the end of the course you will be able to:

• Understand the One Health concept and approach problem solving using a trans-disciplinary methodology
• Understand the origin, context and drivers of infectious disease at the human, animal and environment interface
• Evaluate impacts of multi-host infections on human, animal and ecosystem health and economics directly, or indirectly, via food, disease vectors or the environment.
• Develop a One Health systems approach to complex disease issues in monitoring, surveillance, diagnosis, prevention and control
• Critically review published literature
• Design a research project (MSc students only).

Programme delivery

The MSc may be completed full-time in one year or part time over two to three years, and consists of eight taught modules and a research project.

The PGDiploma is shorter (eight modules with no research project component) and may be completed in two terms. 

The course starts in September each year and you will split your time between the RVC and LSHTM. Students studying the MSc will then undertake a four-month research project in an area and country of their choice.

What will I be able to do with my qualification?

A postgraduate degree from the RVC and LSHTM is highly regarded and recognised internationally. This course is one of very few face-to-face One Health courses designed to develop the skills and knowledge needed for resolving complex health challenges.

Ministers of State and international agencies have endorsed the One Health approach and governments are establishing joint committees between public health and veterinary authorities, with close links to wildlife and environmental agencies, with a view to developing inter-sectoral programmes. Our Diploma and Masters provide training to fulfil this growing demand.

Our graduates have a track record of successful careers in Government, research and other organisations where they are involved in the implementation and management of human and animal health programmes. However, as this unique MSc/Diploma is a new programme, we are currently unable to provide specific details of what our graduates in One Health have gone on to do.

Please see the testimonial below of Jessica Floyd, one of our successful One Health graduates, who has gone on to work on human and livestock movement patterns in Kenya, and the associated risk of zoonotic disease transmission:

Jessica Floyd testimonial 

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New for 2018/19, the MSc in Biosocial Medical Anthropology is for those wishing to gain proficiency and understanding of biosocial approaches in examining disease, health and medicine. It draws from cross-disciplinary expertise in medical anthropology, human ecology and environment, and biological anthropology. It aims to equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to develop careers that engage with and make use of a biosocial approach.

 

About this degree

There are two pathways, A: 'Statistic Training Pathway' (for those without statistics training), or B: 'Open Pathway' (for those with demonstrable statistics training e.g. at A level or equivalent).

The programme consists of a core course (30 credits), one or two core modules (15 to 30 credits), two to three optional modules (30 to 45 credits), and a dissertation (90 credits).

Core modules

Biosocial Medical Anthropology (two term module)

Anthropological Methods

Introduction to Statistics (compulsory if no statistics training)

 

Optional modules

Medical Anthropology

Aspects of Applied Medical Anthropology

Ecology of Human Groups

Population and Development

Evolution of Human Brain, Cognition and Language

Statistics and Causal Analysis for Qualitative Social Scientists

Anthropologies of Science, Society and Biomedicine

Reproduction, Sex and Sexuality

Human Behavioural Ecology

Anthropology and Psychiatry

 

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words.

Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Biosocial Medical Anthropology.

 

Teaching and learning

Seminars, lectures and tutorials form a core part of the learning approach. Students will be encouraged to develop critical and independent thinking and to be able to engage and make use of cross-disciplinary perspectives on the biosocial topics related to health, medicine and disease. Assessment is through examination, essays, dissertation and optional module requirements.

Funding

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Careers

Biosocial medical anthropology is a new and cutting-edge interdisciplinary approach that will equip students with the skills to think critically and engage with the biosocial contexts of health, disease and medicine. We expect graduates of this programme to be able to develop careers in academia, clinical research, public health, government and non-governmental organisations.

 

Employability

This programme will equip students for careers in research related to biosocial approaches to health, disease and illness and also for working across a wide range of health care arenas including public and global health, international development.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL Anthropology was the first in the UK to integrate biological and social anthropology with material culture into a broad-based conception of the discipline. It is one of the largest anthropology departments in the UK in terms of both staff and research student numbers, offering an exceptional breadth of expertise.

Our excellent results in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise and 2014 Research Excellence Framework show that we are the leading broad-based anthropology department in the UK.

Students are encouraged to take full advantage of the wider anthropological community in London and the department's strong links with European universities and international institutions.

Application dates

All applicants

Open: 11 January 2018

Close: 27 July 2018

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The MPhil in Applied Biological Anthropology is a full-time interdisciplinary course, taken over a period of ten months, with core teaching in human nutritional ecology, growth and development, epidemiology and disease, reproductive ecology, conservation and molecular genetics. There are strong biostatistical and laboratory elements to the course as well as a focus on field studies.

The lecturers are primarily involved in research and teaching within the Division of Biological Anthropology, in the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology. This taught MPhil recruits students who are prepared for graduate work and wish to receive interdisciplinary training, but who do not have sufficient background in Applied Biological Anthropology to be considered for the research MPhil or doctoral work. This is a demanding course that enables students to obtain specialist training and knowledge in an area of Applied Biological Anthropology over a relatively short time frame. Subject to performance in the examination, the course prepares students to undertake an advanced degree.

See the website http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/hsbampaba

Format

The MPhil in Applied Biological Anthropology is a full-time one year interdisciplinary course, taken over a period of ten months, with core teaching in human nutritional ecology, growth and development, epidemiology and disease, reproductive ecology, conservation and molecular genetics. There are strong biostatistical and laboratory elements to the course as well as a focus on field studies.

This taught MPhil recruits students who are prepared for graduate work and wish to receive interdisciplinary training, but who do not have sufficient background in Applied Biological Anthropology to be considered for the research MPhil or doctoral work. This is a demanding course that enables students to obtain specialist training and knowledge in an area of Applied Biological Anthropology over a relatively short time frame. Subject to performance in the examination, the course prepares students to undertake an advanced degree.

Assessment

- All students will write a thesis of not more than 20,000 words in length, excluding tables, appendices, and references, on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Human, Social, and Political Science. This is worth 50% of the final mark.
- All students will undertake a quantitative exercise on statistical analysis and interpretation, worth 10% of the final mark.
- All students will write two essays of each not more than 2,500 words in length, excluding tables and references, based upon material from the core courses. These are worth 10% each of the final mark.
- All students will undertake two written assignments (either two essays or one essay and one lab report) based on material from the option courses. These are worth 10% each of the final mark.
- Lab report based on one of the two lab practicals that will be carried out. The lab practicals will be based on hormones and genetics. This will contribute towards 10% of the final mark.

Continuing

MPhil students are registered for one year only. Those who hope to read for a PhD at Cambridge immediately after the MPhil wil need to obtain support from a potential supervisor. This need not be the same person who supervises your MPhil thesis. But you will need to work hard to let the potential PhD supervisor see substantive work that you have written, in addition to your draft thesis proposal, at an early stage in the academic year. Once you have applied for the PhD a definite decision will be taken after your performance in the MPhil can be fully assessed; the Committee wil set conditions for your related to the entry requirements of the PhD. If you do not achieve these targets it is unlikely you wil be able to continue to reads towards a PhD.

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to apply for relevant funding during the application process. General Funding Opportunities http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

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Our MSc by Research in Life Sciences is a dedicated programme which is designed to enable students to further develop their research skills by focusing on a specialist project.

This course provides an opportunity for students from biological subjects to begin research in life sciences. Research may be conducted in a broad range of topics in biology and life sciences and as a researcher in the School, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with academics working on studies and projects.

The School undertakes research at molecular, cellular, organism and population levels in order to answer fundamental questions in molecular biology and biomedical science, forensic science and microbiology, animal and plant biology, and evolution and ecology.

Research Areas, Projects & Topics

Research is conducted within six substantial research groups. Scientists in Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare explore the causes, functions and evolution of animal behaviour and the impact this has on animal welfare.

Those in Evolution and Ecology examine population dynamics and evolutionary processes at all levels of biological organisation. Researchers in Drug Design and Delivery focus on the application and efficacy of novel therapeutics, while academics working in Molecular Basis of Disease aim to understand disease at a molecular level in order to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Example Research Areas:
-Management of Native River Fish
-Forensic Analysis of Burnt Bones
-Public Perception of Dog Breed Types.

Example Research Projects:
-Peptide-guided drug delivery
-Cognitive phylogenetics in parrots
-Sexual selection dynamics in humans
-Protein Biochemistry with the development of cardiovascular disease
-Reconstruction of patterns of habitat colonisation using genetic methods.

How You Study

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of your time will be spent in independent study and research. You will have meetings with your academic supervisor, however the regularity of these will vary depending on your own individual requirements, subject area, staff availability and the stage of your programme.

Facilities

Students have the chance to develop their professional and technical skills in specialist laboratories equipped for research in biomedical, forensic and pharmaceutical science, chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology and animal and plant biology.

Minster House, adjacent to the laboratories, provides specialist facilities for the study of animal behaviour. Our links with local, national and international partners may provide postgraduate students with opportunities for further collaboration with scientists in industry, government and academia.

Career and Personal Development

Postgraduate-level research provides you with the opportunity to advance your knowledge and develop your practical and intellectual skills. Graduates may pursue careers in research and science-related roles, while others may choose to move on to research at doctoral level.

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Want to be at the forefront of scientific research into microbes and their role in developing new medicines, tackling diseases and improving the environment?

Northumbria is the only UK university to offer Microbiology as an individual discipline, giving you the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and break new ground as a scientist.

Gain hands-on, immersive experience, in high tech facilities, working alongside leading academics. Advance your expertise in clinical and environmental microbiology, studying how viral and bacterial diseases work and how you can use microbes to create new medicines.

You’ll cover microbial taxonomy, bioinformatics and molecular biology, using bacteria and viruses to develop new technologies and substances through data analysis and genome sequencing.

With opportunities to develop your theoretical knowledge, advance your own research, and increase your profile through articles and publications, this course equips you for further PhD study or for a career in microbiology.

This course is also available part time - for more information, please view the web-page: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/microbiology-dtpmgy6/

Learn From The Best

Specialising in a wide range of research areas, from developing enzymes for pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries, to life in extreme environments, your academic team reflect the varied, multi-disciplinary nature of microbiological science.

Tutors are active researchers in their chosen specialisms and share their knowledge through teaching, scientific conferences and publications. Many have established relationships with professional microbiology organisations and lead policy and practice within the profession.

Combining industry experience and research expertise, you’ll benefit from their knowledge and real-life insights as you develop your skills and understanding.

Teaching And Assessment

You’ll enhance your knowledge of this broad subject matter through in-depth, research focused and real-life learning.

You’ll gain skills in applying tools, techniques and methods related to molecular biology, microbial culture and classification and in functional analysis of microbial and viral genomes.

With an emphasis on individual learning and problem solving using the latest research, as part of the course, you’ll undertake a research project based on a currently relevant question. This will allow you to develop your particular specialism or interest and focus your study on practical research.

You’ll be assessed on your ability to apply your subject knowledge to real-world challenges in the form of assessment tasks as well as being measured in key laboratory skills.

Module Overview
AP0700 - Graduate Science Research Methods (Core, 20 Credits)
AP0701 - Molecular Biology (Core, 20 Credits)
AP0702 - Bioinformatics (Core, 20 Credits)
AP0703 - Subject Exploration (Core, 20 Credits)
AP0706 - Microbes and Disease (Core, 20 Credits)
AP0707 - Microbial Diversity (Core, 20 Credits)
AP0708 - Applied Sciences Research Project (Core, 60 Credits)

Learning Environment

You’ll get hands-on experience in our large, modern well-equipped laboratories with audio-visual facilities that help you observe, learn and question techniques and ideas.

High-tech wet and dry labs which are fully equipped for molecular biology manipulations are available to help you work on your own research projects.

While some modules are conventionally taught, you’ll benefit from a mixture of learning experiences including lectures, small group seminars and laboratory sessions, adding a practical edge to your theoretical understanding.

Research-Rich Learning

The internationally recognised and well-established group, led by Professor Iain Sutcliffe, apply scientific approaches to aspects of healthcare and extend understanding of diseases.

Research areas include:
-Bacterial cell envelope architecture and biosynthesis
-Control of parasitic arthropods
-Microbial diagnostics (in collaboration with Applied Chemistry)
-Microbial enzymes as biocatalysts (through our Nzomics Innovation Unit, in collaboration with Applied Chemistry)
-Molecular ecology and microbial community analysis in human health (COPD, cystic fibrosis and necrotising enterocolitis)
-Molecular ecology and microbial community analysis in the environment (Lake Suigetsu, Japan; Polar environments) and in agricultural management
-Genomics and proteomics of prokaryotes
-Novel antimicrobials (in collaboration with Applied Chemistry)
-Systematics and taxonomy of bacteria
-Virulence determinants in pathogenic streptococci

Microbiological and virological based techniques to study; virus-host interactions and phage genomics (through our Nu-omics). Research is funded by companies, charities and research council grants.

Give Your Career An Edge

This course has been designed to help you develop specific knowledge and practical skills in Microbiology based on work-related learning. Teaching and assessment throughout the course is based on problem solving linked to a practical approach to current research.

You’ll have opportunities for work-based learning and to be an ambassador for STEM activities, gaining valuable professional experience and applying your knowledge in real-world situations.

Your research project provides a chance to showcase your interests and ability to define, formulate and test a hypothesis through careful experimental design, method development, data capture and analysis and communicating your findings.

You’ll be able to demonstrate transferable skills valued by employers including critical thinking, working as part of a group, data mining and record keeping, alongside problem solving, independent learning, and communication with both technical and non-technical audiences.

Your Future

The MSc Microbiology course will support and inspire you to high achievement in employment or further education and research in your chosen specialism.

Building on your theoretical knowledge with practical and laboratory skills you’ll show that you can tackle complex problems with confidence, skill and maturity as you develop key strengths in critical thinking and expressing opinions based on evidence.

The practices and procedures of Microbiology and Virology, together with logical thinking, attention to detail and a questioning mind will equip you with skills suitable for a range of careers in human health and disease, environmental studies and industrial or biotechnical industries.

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MSc Biology

The two year MSc Biology concerns understanding the complexity of biological systems, at scales ranging from single molecules to whole ecosystems, provides a unique intellectual challenge. The biosciences aim to understand living systems and to help preserve biodiversity and our environment and simultaneously produce sufficient healthy and safe food.

Programme summary

Biological issues are at the forefront of the technological progress of modern society. They are central to global concerns about how we effect and are affected by our environment. Understanding the complexity of biological systems, at scales ranging from single molecules to whole ecosystems, provides a unique intellectual challenge. The MSc Biology allows students to get a broad overview of the latest developments in biology, ranging from genes to ecosystems. They learn to critically discuss the newest scientific developments in the biological sciences. Within their area of specialisation, students deepen their knowledge and skills in a certain subject. To prepare for a successful international career, we strongly encourage our students to complete part of their programme requirements abroad.

Specialisations

The MSc Biology offers nine specialisations:

Animal Adaptation and Behavioural Biology
This specialisation focuses mainly on subjects as adaptation, mechanisms involved in these adaptations and behaviour of animals.

Bio-interactions
In this specialisation, you obtain knowledge about interactions between organisms. You learn to understand and interpret interactions on different levels, from molecular to ecosystem level.

Molecular Ecology
In this specialisation, you learn to use molecular techniques to solve ecological questions. You will use, for example, molecular techniques to study the interaction between a virus and a plant.

Conservation and Systems Ecology
This specialisation focuses initially on fundamental processes that play a key role in ecology. You learn to interpret different relations, for example, the relation between chemical (or physical processes) and bioprocesses. Furthermore, you learn to analyse different ecosystems. You can use this knowledge to manage and conserve these ecological systems.

Evolution and Biodiversity
The systematics of biodiversity in an evolutionary perspective is the central focus of this specialisation. Subjects that will be addressed in this specialisation are: evolution, genetics, biosystematic research and taxonomic analysis.

Health and Disease
This specialisation focuses on regulatory mechanisms that have a central role in human and animal health.

Marine Biology
Choosing this specialisation means studying the complexity of the marine ecosystem. Moreover, you learn about the impacts of, for instance, fishery and recreation on this ecosystem or the interaction between different species in this system.

Molecular Development and Gene Regulation
This specialisation focuses on gene regulations and the different developmental mechanisms of organisms.

Plant Adaptation
This specialisation focuses on the adaptations that different plants gained in order to adjust to various conditions. You learn to understand the regulation processes in plants that underlie these adaptations.

Your future career

Many graduates from the MSc Biology study programme enter careers in fundamental and applied research or go on to become PhD students. Some find a position as communication officer, manager or policymaker. Compared with other Dutch universities, many biology graduates from Wageningen University find a position abroad.

Alumna Iris de Winter.
"I work as a PhD student at Wageningen University. In my research, I aim to understand the effect of human disturbance on the parasites prevalence in lemurs. I also look at the potential risks of the transmission of diseases and parasites from lemurs to humans, but also vice versa, from humans (and their livestock and pets) to wild lemur population. I alternate my fieldwork in Madagascar with parasite identification, analyses and writing manuscripts in the Netherlands. With this research, I hope to gain more insight in the factors that increase parasite prevalence in natural systems and hereby to improve the protection of both lemurs and their natural habitat."

Related programmes:
MSc Molecular Life Sciences
MSc Animal Sciences
MSc Plant Sciences
MSc Forest and Nature Conservation
MSc Biotechnology
MSc Plant Biotechnology
MSc Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management
MSc Organic Agriculture.

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The Water and Environmental Management MSc provides training in the core scientific, technical and interdisciplinary skills that are essential in water resource and environmental management fields. You will acquire specialist knowledge and develop key analytical and scientific skills, particularly in the context of national and international environmental legislation.

Learning from and working alongside our world-leading academic researchers, you will benefit from expertise covering a range of disciplines relating to water resources and environmental management.

Our Aquatic Research Centre provides excellent facilities for your studies, including specialist water chemistry and microbiology laboratories, laboratory-scale water and wastewater treatment systems, an experimental river basin, a water efficiency laboratory, as well as a large pool of aquatic field equipment and computing facilities.

You have the choice from a wide range of option modules in order to tailor the course to your interests and career aspirations. As part of this, there are opportunities for our students to conduct a placement with organisations involved in water resource and environmental management, including industrial members of the Green Growth Platform.

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators as meeting the requirements for further learning for a chartered engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng-accredited undergraduate first degree. It is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).

Course structure

You will study core modules and complete a dissertation. You will also choose option modules enabling you to specialise in the areas of the course that interest you the most.

As an MSc student, you will also undertake an individual dissertation project in an area of particular interest. Examples of subjects our students have completed their research project on include:

• an analysis of novel treatment technologies
• assessment of the potential for re-use of treated wastewater
• management of water resources in the UK and overseas.

Modules

Water Resources Management

Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% exam

The module will be divided broadly into four distinct, but linked sections:

1. Introduction to the challenges of global and national water resource management;

2. Introduction to the fundamental hydrological processes (surface and subsurface) that influence water resource availability;

3. Introduction to the legal and policy framework of the water sector with a specific emphasis on Europe and the UK;

4. Introduction to potential future solutions to the challenges of global and national water

Water Treatment Technology

Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% exam

This module explores the links between drinking water characteristics and treatment plant design. It critically evaluates a variety of treatment technology options and suitable plans for treatment processes according to varying water characteristics and international drinking water quality standards.

It also investigates the principles governing disease control through sustainable water treatment technology in developing countries and explores the process of risk management through the application of Water Safety Plans.

Wastewater Treatment Technology

Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% exam

This module addresses the characteristics of wastewater and how variations in flow rate are dealt with. It explores wastewater treatment theory and practice, and the treatment and disposal of wastewater sludge.

It also considers both advanced wastewater treatment technologies and low-cost wastewater treatment and sanitation options for developing countries; it does so in the context of global and local societal and environmental needs.

Water Quality Analysis

Assessment: 100% coursework

This 20-credit module investigates the principles of safe and accurate environmental water sampling through a local field-based case study. It explores methods for the analysis of the physical, chemical and biological components of water quality and covers approaches to analysing complex data sets.

Option modules

• Environmental Placement
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Environmental Policy and Law
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• Advanced Ecology Field Skills
• Issues in Ecology and Conservation
• Systems for Environmental Management
• Case Studies in Environmental Assessment and Management
• Hydrogeology
• Introduction to GIS
• Spatial Data Analysis
• Environmental Auditing
• Independent Study Module 
• Air Quality Management
• Social and Community Enterprise

Careers and Employability

Graduates are well equipped to apply for jobs with water companies, government agencies and regulatory bodies, environmental/civil engineering consultancies, and international non-governmental organisations. Graduates are also well equipped to secure PhD studentships to further their research ambitions.

The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM). 

 

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The MSc programme in Parasitology and Pathogen Biology is designed for students seeking training in parasite-borne infectious diseases that severely undermine: human health in the developing world and tropics; agri-food production systems globally (including plant health and animal health and welfare).

Students taking the course will develop expertise directly applicable to human, plant and animal health and welfare, food security and the future sustainability of food production, particularly within livestock and plant/crop production systems.

The course will be run entirely by research active and will offer students the opportunity to gain experience in internationally competitive laboratories.

PROGRAMME CONTENT

The MSc programme in Parasitology and Pathogen Biology is designed for students seeking training in parasite-borne infectious diseases that severely undermine: human health in the developing world and tropics; agri-food production systems globally (including plant health and animal health and welfare). Students taking the course will develop expertise directly applicable to human, plant and animal health and welfare, food security and the future sustainability of food production, particularly within livestock and plant/crop production systems.

Students undertaking this MSc course will study the folling modules:

- Foundation for Research in the Biosciences 20CATS

- Fundamental Parasitology & Advanced Skills 20CATS

- Advanced Parasitology I 20CATS

- Advanced Parasitology II 20CATS

- Bio-Entrepreneurship & Advanced Skills 20CATS

- Literature Review 20CATS

- Research Project 60CATS

CAREER PROSPECTS

It is anticipated that the skills set and knowledge acquired will equip participants with a comprehensive academic and methodological repertoire to undertake careers in agriculture, plant science, animal and human health, pharmaceutica, academia and food security, underpinning the transdisciplinary nature of the programme.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

WHY QUEEN'S?

The MSc programme embraces the One Health approach to these infectious diseases, with strong recognition of the interplay between health and disease at the dynamic interface between humans, animals and the environment.

In addition to embedded generic skills training, students will have the opportunity to acquire subject-specific skills training, e.g. molecular biology techniques, diagnostics, epidemiology (human, animal and plant diseases), drug/vaccine development, pathogen management/control, host-parasite interaction, immunobiology, drug resistance and the potential impact of climate change on parasites and their vectors.

In addition to the taught elements of the course, MSc students will undertake a research project working in research active laboratories (academic or industrial), or in the field, e.g. the impact of helminth infections on animal welfare, the economic impact of parasites on agriculture, the role of vectors in emerging diseases, the ecology of zoonotic diseases, the molecular basis of anthelmintic resistance, emerging technologies for drug discovery, the pathology of infection, parasite immunomodulation of the host.

The transferrable skill set and knowledge base acquired from the programme will equip students with a highly desirable qualification that is suited to those wishing to pursue careers in human health/infectious disease, animal health, veterinary medicine, animal/plant biology, pharmaceutical sciences and food security.

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