Global infectious diseases are rarely out of the news, as new communicable diseases - Ebola, Zika, bird flu - along with some old familiar ones - tuberculosis (TB), cholera, HIV, malaria - raise concerns about outbreaks and global pandemics. In our ever-changing, rapidly globalising world, the free movement of people and goods, social change, urbanisation and environmental degradation mean that microorganisms can move quickly between and across populations, crossing natural and human-made borders with ease. A communicable disease that develops in one country has the potential for global impact. On top of this, microorganisms are constantly adapting and developing resistance to existing antibiotic and other treatments, leading to the resurgence of old diseases and the evolution of new ones.
In response, new and improved treatments are constantly required to combat parasitic, bacterial and viral infections. These pathogens have the potential to adversely affect the health of millions of people and they challenge scientists, particularly in the field of microbiology, to respond swiftly and preemptively.
This course is ideal if you have an undergraduate degree in a relevant scientific subject and you would like to develop an academic or professional career as a researcher into global infectious diseases. The course is research-focused and it will help you develop the research skills and subject-specific, laboratory-based expertise you need to develop as a microbiological researcher. You will develop the knowledge and learn the skills you need to undertake an original, independent research project and dissertation.
In addition to your own laboratory work, you will attend group laboratory meetings and seminars, to deepen your theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and to contextualise your research.
The research component of this degree occupies about two-thirds of the programme. The remaining third comprises postgraduate taught modules that will provide the necessary theoretical and practical background for you to pursue your chosen research topic.
You take the compulsory module Research in Microbiology (30-credit taught module, taught in the day), choose taught option modules (worth 30 credits) and complete a research project and dissertation (120 credits, full-time laboratory work, attendance at seminars, journal club, etc.).
One of two specialised master’s pathways within our global health and development programme, this award is relevant for those who want to mark their focused interest and expertise in aspects of sexual heath and reproductive health. The course will equip you to work at a senior level to promote the sexual and reproductive health and social wellbeing of people, especially those living in low and middle income countries, through the development of effective, contextualised sexual and reproductive health policies, services and interventions.
The award has been designed in response to the increasing need for personnel of governments, global health institutions and non-governmental organisations to be trained to support development in this key area. This award focuses on the social and political issues influencing sexual and reproductive health, with a special focus on low and middle income countries. It focuses on integration of theory and practice and enables you to draw on your experience, develop critical thinking skills and widen your perspective on current and historical sexual and reproductive health issues.
Teaching is comprised of a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, simulation exercises and projects. Assessment is continuous and incorporates assignments, action plans, projects and examinations. For their dissertation projects, students can chose to collect desk-based studies, or conduct primary data collection in collaboration with national or international organisations working in health and development.
Each module which you study on campus will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. Your exact attendance requirements at QMU will depend on which module you are studying and whether you are studying full or part time. Modules typically run over five weeks and involve two sessions of three hours in class each week. In addition, for each module students spend around 10-12 hours of each week on preparatory class work independently and with colleagues, including readings and exercises available on dedicated web-based learning platforms.
Students study core modules totalling 105 credits. This includes foundational study of global heath and development, through such subjects as Global Health and Social Policy; Researching Global Health and Development; Global Public Health; and Health Systems; and then extends through more focused study of subjects such as Sexual and Reproductive Health and Gender, Health and Development. You will also choose one 15 credit elective class from classes available within the Institute or from other QMU programmes recognised as of relevance.
For the MSc award the culmination of your study will be completion of a dissertation involving desk study or fieldwork on an approved topic related to sexual and reproductive health and development (60 credits).
As a graduate you will be well equipped for employment as a global health practitioner with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health issues.
Graduates have secured technical, advocacy and leadership positions with national and global programmes, addressing such issues as safe motherhood, adolescent friendly health services, health of sexual minorities, HIV treatment and prevention, and FGM.
Scholarships Santander Scholarships: 2 x £5,000 scholarships are available for international students undertaking a course within the IGHD.
See http://www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/fees-andfunding/ scholarships-for-new-students/ for more information.
This programme is organised by Edinburgh Infectious Diseases (EID), which is hosted by the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine and the College of Science and Engineering.
It provides an introduction to research methodology for biologists, medics and veterinarians. The training also provides an entry into PhD studies. Previous students have undertaken projects in the following areas:
The learning process includes a one-year research project and during the study period students will be required to attend research seminars and lectures, including those on the related areas of immunology, microbiology and pathology. Training will also be given in generic skills including: statistics; project management and planning; oral and written presentational skills.
Depending on the project selected, students will learn how to apply modern molecular and biochemical techniques to the investigation of pathogenesis of infections, or the use of statistics and mathematical models to study the epidemiology of diseases.
The learning process includes a one-year research project and during the study period students will be required to attend research seminars and lectures, including those on the related areas of immunology, microbiology and pathology. Training will also be given in generic skills including: statistics; project management and planning; oral and written presentational skills.
