IDOH (Infectious Diseases and One Health) is a partnership of some of Europe's leading research-intensive universities in the field of infectious diseases and the "one health" concept. The three founding partners are Université de Tours, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the University of Edinburgh.
Infectious diseases represent a major threat to public health. Fighting emerging, or re-emerging, infections requires that both animal and human health be treated as "One Health". This will enhance biomedical research discoveries, to the great benefit of both humans and animals.
The objective of the programme is to provide students from all over the world with education in One Health concepts, host pathogen interactions, immunology, zoonotic and emerging infections, translational animal models and management of infectious diseases.
This programme will allow students to study at three of Europe's leading research-intensive universities in the field of infectious diseases and complete an internships at one of the three academic partners or any of 35 associated partners (academic and industrial) located worldwide.
The programme will take place over two academic years and students will spend a semester at each of the three academic partners before completing a fourth semester as an internship either at one of the academic partners or one of the 35 associated partners (academic and industrial) located worldwide.
Year 1
Semester 1: Université de Tours
Semester 2: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Year 2
Semester 3: University of Edinburgh
Semester 4:
Summer school
There is also a week long summer school between semesters 2 and 3 focused on generic transferable skills.
The programme will provide core competencies in skills identified as being required by industry and academia. Therefore, the purpose of this programme is to:
Throughout the programme, lectures, tutorials, interactive sessions, the “flipped classroom” approach and practicals will be the main teaching format, with the balance varying depending on the partner institution. The small class size allows for extensive participation and interaction among students and between students and academics.
Assessment items reflect the practice of science and are integrated into the course, for example with students presenting the results of a literature review to the class (peer teaching). Concepts from lectures are developed in laboratory sessions and through assessment items. Students are encouraged to question the validity of information provided and critically appraise information sourced through the literature and other resources.
Independent learning is encouraged throughout the programme, particularly during the research project, but also during preparation of assessment items and classroom work. Group work and cooperation is encouraged and enhances the learning process. Formal class contact is supported by regular meetings with course organisers and tutors. A feature of the University of Edinburgh component of the programme is the intensive hands on approach to learning. Students will participate in a wide range of laboratory activities both at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute.
On completion of the degree, graduates will have a wide range of skills in the area of infectious disease biology, interactions between disease, environment and host, modern animal science and laboratory techniques.
You will also have obtained valuable generic skills in producing and presenting scientific material, communicating with people from a wide range of geographies and cultures and hypothesis development and testing. This will give you a unique background for progressing to further study (PhD or professional qualifications) or going straight into employment.
You could work in developing countries where the burden of infectious disease on both humans and livestock is significant, and thus will help improve food sustainability and the transition from poverty in these countries. In developed countries infectious diseases also cause major losses in productivity of humans and animals, and this will increase as globalisation increases. Depending on your initial background (medical, veterinary, scientific, therapeutic) graduates will find employment that exploits their new knowledge to reduce the impact of infectious disease
The MSc in Epidemiology at Imperial College London offers training in the methodology, design, conduct and interpretation of epidemiological studies on chronic and infectious diseases. The course is based within the School of Public Health.
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution, causes, and possible prevention and control, of diseases in populations.
The MSc in Epidemiology offers training in the methodology, design, conduct and interpretation of epidemiological studies on chronic and infectious diseases. It is particularly suitable for students who wish to acquire skills in epidemiology and biostatistics, and to get involved with research projects.
Upon completion of this course, students usually develop an academic career by beginning a PhD, or move on to work for public health organisations, pharmaceutical companies or non-governmental agencies.
INTRODUCTION TO INFECTIOUS DISEASE MODELLING
This module provides an overview of infectious disease modelling and develops skills in designing and analysing infectious disease models for public health policy. Students will be taught how to represent the characteristics of an infectious disease using a mathematical model, how to simulate that model using a computer, and how to analyse that model. Students will also learn how models have been applied in public health policy, and how models are designed to address a research question. Module leader: Dr Nim Pathy.
PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
This module ensures students will be familiar with the core concepts of epidemiology and acquire the skills necessary to describe, analyse, interpret and appraise epidemiological studies. Further modules and projects require such knowledge, and a good grasp of these basics is thus essential for successful completion of the degree. Module leaders: Dr Amanda Cross and Dr Filippos Filippidis.
DISEASE MASTERCLASS
This module aims to provide students with an overview of core health challenges and lines of epidemiological research being undertaken, across a range of infectious and non-communicable diseases. Module leader: Professor Tim Hallett.
INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICAL THINKING AND DATA ANALYSIS
The aim of this module is to give students an understanding of the importance of statistical thinking in epidemiology, randomised trials and public health, to enable them to critically evaluate the results of standard statistical analyses published in journal articles and to carry out a range of statistical analyses using R. Module leaders: Dr Victoria Cornelius and Hilary Watt.
Visit the course page to find out more about optional modules and the individual research project.
Professor Tim Hallett - Professor of Global Health
Dr Amanda Cross - Reader in Cancer Epidemiology
The need to develop new strategies to combat diseases remains a major global challenge. This degree aims to enhance your employability and prepare you to tackle this challenge.
We’ll give you advanced training in the mechanisms underpinning a spectrum of infectious and non-infectious diseases, including viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease and chromosomal abnormalities. You’ll also explore current and emerging diagnostic and treatment strategies.
You’ll learn about the latest molecular, genetic and cellular approaches being used to understand, diagnose and treat human disease, including traditional methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and novel methods involving genome and proteome analysis.
You’ll also have the opportunity to investigate the role of the immune system in the response to infection and disease, covering topics such as innate and adaptive immunity, allergy and immune evasion.
If you choose to study at Leeds, you’ll join a faculty ranked 6th in the UK for its research impact in the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), and you’ll graduate with the solid base of scientific knowledge and specialist skills highly valued by employers.
On this course you’ll gain an overview of a range of modern techniques and methodologies that underpin contemporary biomolecular sciences. You’ll investigate five topic areas: molecular biology, structural biology, cell imaging and flow cytometry, high throughput techniques and transgenic organisms.
You’ll also apply your knowledge to an extended practical investigation in the form of a laboratory-based project, involving practical training in a range of modern molecular biology and protein engineering techniques such as gene cloning, PCR, mutagenesis, protein expression, protein purification and analysis.
To help you to develop and specialise, you’ll get substantial subject-specific training through an independent research project in an area of infection, immunity or human disease.
You’ll also take specialist taught modules covering topics such as infectious and non-infectious disease, advanced immunology, medical diagnostics and treatment of infectious diseases and cancer.
If you have previous experience of immunology, you could opt to investigate the structure, regulation and development of the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, or explore aspects of human toxicology. These could include the actions of toxicants on the cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems, kidneys, liver and lungs, genetic toxicology and chemical carcinogenesis, and the effects of chemicals on fetal development.
In the final part of the course you'll work on an independent laboratory-based research project related to your course options. You’ll receive extensive training in experimental design, the practical use of advanced techniques and technologies, data analysis and interpretation, and will be assigned a research project supervisor who will support and guide you through your project.
These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Compulsory modules
You’ll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies. We’ve been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
Your learning will be heavily influenced by the University’s world-class research as well as our strong links with highly qualified professionals from industry, non-governmental organisations and charities.
You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including formal lectures, interactive workshops, problem-solving, practical classes and demonstrations.
Through your research project and specialist modules, you’ll receive substantial subject-specific training. Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to develop you into a scientist who is able to think independently, solve problems, communicate effectively and demonstrate a high level of practical ability.
We use a variety of assessment methods: multiple-choice testing, practical work, data handling and problem solving exercises, group work, discussion groups (face-to-face and online), computer-based simulation, essays, posters and oral presentations.
The strong research element of the Infection, Immunity and Human Disease MSc, along with the specialist and generic skills you develop, mean you’ll graduate equipped for a wide range of careers.
Our graduates work in a diverse range of areas, ranging from bioscience-related research through to scientific publication, teacher training, health and safety and pharmaceutical market research.
Links with industry
We have a proactive Industrial Advisory Board who advise us on what they look for in graduates and on employability-related skills within our programmes.
We collaborate with a wide range of organisations in the public and commercial sectors. Many of these are represented on our Industrial Advisory Board. They include:
Industrial research placements
Some of our partners offer MSc research projects in their organisations, allowing students to develop their commercial awareness and build their network of contacts.
Professional and career development
We take personal and career development very seriously. We have a proactive Industrial Advisory Board who advises us on what they look for in graduates and on employability related skills within our courses.
Our dedicated Employability and Professional Development Officer ensures that you are aware of events and opportunities to increase your employability. In addition, our Masters Career Development Programme will support you to:
Despite incredible advances in medicine, there is still plenty of work to be done in the 21st century to create healthier communities across the globe – and microbiologists are leading the way.
Tuberculosis and cholera still devastate populations around the world. New and deadly strains of influenza are appearing. Zika virus is spreading rapidly with warmer global temperatures – as are other parasitic diseases.
For almost a century, we’ve relied on vaccines and antibiotics to prevent and treat infectious disease. But as new pathogens emerge, and antimicrobial drug resistance spreads, innovative approaches are needed. The stakes for microbiologists are higher than ever.
GCU’s MSc Clinical Microbiology will give you the expertise you need to help conquer these challenges – building knowledge, advancing cures and contributing to the common good.
The curriculum takes a scientific approach to the field of clinical microbiology, keeping it career-focused with an emphasis on research and development.
The programme brings together lectures, seminars and practical laboratory classes, ensuring you’ll acquire both cutting-edge theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical skills. You’ll keep pace with the latest advances in microbiology – including the big breakthroughs happening now in the top microbiology labs across the world.
Finally, you’ll undertake a laboratory-based research project with real-world impact, practising the skills required of a successful independent researcher in clinical microbiology.
(Re)Emerging Infectious Disease; Microbial Pathogenicity; Medical Microbiology; Skills for Professional Practice for Biosciences; Applied Molecular Microbiology; Microbial Genetics; Case Studies in Infectious Diseases; and Research Project.
Through GCU’s MSc Clinical Microbiology, you will acquire the skills necessary for success in this highly competitive and important field.
With an understanding of this fast-changing sector and in-demand lab experience, our graduates make competitive candidates for jobs in health, medicine and life sciences, and in university and industry research departments. You’ll also be well prepared to pursue further study at the PhD level.
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).
The course will provide you with:
At the end of the course you will be able to:
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.
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:
This programme is delivered jointly by the School and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). It addresses a broad range of topics under the One Health paradigm and provides a foundation in the principles of diseases in the context of sociological systems, global health and food safety. Students develop skills related to methodology, transdisciplinary interactions and using a systems approach.
This course is also available as a Postgraduate Diploma
Graduates from this programme will have the knowledge and skills provided by experienced scientists in order to be able to respond rapidly and effectively to outbreaks of disease as well as controlling endemic disease at the interface between humans, animals and the environment.
Visit the website https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/one-health
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- understand the One Health concept and approach problem solving using a transdisciplinary 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, 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 and complete a research project (MSc only)
Term 1:
There is a one-week orientation period that includes an introduction to studying at the School and the Royal Veterinary College, followed by four compulsory modules:
- Foundations of One Health
- Introduction to Disease Agents for One Health
- Infectious Disease Emergence
- Introduction to One Health Epidemiology
Terms 2 and 3:
All students take three compulsory modules:
- One Health Economics
- One Health Skills
- Medical Anthropology and Public Health
In addition, students choose a fourth module from the following:
- Vector Biology and Vector-Parastite Interactions
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Diseases
- Globalisation and Health
Project report (MSc only):
During the summer months (July - August), students complete a research project on a topic in one health, for submission by early September.
Assessment:
Assessment takes place by eight end-of-module examinations, in-course assignments and by project report and an oral examination.
Undergraduate medical students can take a year out either to pursue related studies or work. The School welcomes applications from medical students wishing to intercalate after their third year of study from any recognised university in the world.
Why intercalate with us?:
Reputation: The School has an outstanding international reputation in public health & tropical medicine and is at the forefront of global health research. It is highly rated in a number of world rankings including:
- World’s leading research-focused graduate school (Times Higher Education World Rankings, 2013)
- Third in the world for social science and public health (US News Best Global Universities Ranking, 2014)
- Second in UK for research impact (Research Exercise Framework 2014)
- Top in Europe for impact (Leiden Ranking, 2015)
Highly recognised qualification: possessing a Master's from the School will give you a focused understanding of health and disease, broaden your career prospects and allow you to be immersed in research in a field of your choice.
Valuable skills: you will undertake an independent research project (summer project) in your chosen topic, equipping you with research skills that will distinguish you in a clinical environment. While your medical qualification will give you a breadth of knowledge; undertaking an intercalated degree will allow you to explore your main area of interest in greater depth.
Alumni network: the School has a strong international and diverse alumni community, with more than 20,000 alumni in over 180 countries.
MSc vs. BSc: undertaking an MSc is an excellent opportunity to develop in-depth specialist knowledge in your chosen topic and enhance your skills in scientific research. Postgraduate qualifications are increasingly sought after by clinicians and possessing a Masters qualification can assist you in your future career progression.
Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/onehealth.html#sixth
With diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria killing millions of people every year and recent outbreaks of Ebola and Zika, there is a pressing need for accelerating research into infectious disease. This specialist pathway will equip you with a critical understanding of infection, immunity and the cellular and molecular processes involved.
-Shared campus with one of the largest teaching hospitals in the UK.
-Expertise in clinical, epidemiological and laboratory research within the University and St George’s Hospital
-Excellent Image Resource and Biomedical Research facilities to gain strong research knowledge and skills
The specialist Infection and Immunity module is 30 credits and will cover the broad area of infectious disease, taking advantage of active research taking place at St George’s by exploring some of the specific causes of infection such as tuberculosis, malaria, MRSA and viral infections such as HIV. You will learn about the cellular and molecular responses to infection, including innate and adoptive immune responses and those responses that are deleterious.
The module will provide insight into the pathogenesis of infection and the virulence mechanisms involved. It will also demonstrate how an understanding of these processes drives vaccine development, antibiotic treatment and immunotherapy. The module will also provide you with insight into how new sequencing technologies and ‘omics’ methodologies are providing novel insights into the human microbiota, susceptibility to infection, tracking of infectious disease and mechanisms underlying resistance to antibiotics.
The course is highly effective for accelerating your development within your general healthcare career. As a direct result of the depth and quality of the academic research that you’ll undertake on your nin8e month project, you will also be in primary position when it comes to successfully applying for PhDs.
This is a multidisciplinary programme that bridges the fields of epidemiology, laboratory sciences and public health. It includes a strong practical component and the opportunity to undertake a research project overseas. The course will train students in all aspects of the control of infectious diseases and prepare them for a career in a range of organisations.
This course will equip students with specialised skills that will facilitate a career in the control of infectious diseases as staff of health ministries, health departments, national or international disease control agencies, aid organisations or universities.
The majority of the research projects are performed overseas, with collaborating public health or research organisations and NGOs. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this overseas opportunity, which is crucial to the nature of the course.
- Full programme specification (pdf) (https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/files/cid_progspec.pdf)
- Intercalating this course (https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/ways-study/intercalating-study-masters-degree)
Visit the website https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/control-infectious-diseases
By the end of this course students should be able to:
- investigate the transmission of endemic and epidemic infections
- select appropriate methods of control
- design, implement and evaluate co-ordinated control methods
- assess constraints of local public health delivery systems
- manage available resources in the context of the control of infectious diseases
- focus their efforts on particular geographical regions or specific diseases
Term 1:
After orientation, students take two compulsory modules: Basic Statistics and Introduction to Disease Agents & Their Control, which focus on the life cycle and characteristics of infectious disease agents according to their principal transmission routes; the principal intervention strategies used to combat infectious diseases; and examples of successes, partial successes and failures in intervention programmes against infectious diseases.
In addition, students take one of the following module combinations:
- Basic Epidemiology; Health Economics; and Health Policy, Process and Power
- Extended Epidemiology and Health Economics or Health Policy, Process and Power
An interdisciplinary approach is emphasised which takes account of the social, political and economic context in which health systems operate.
Terms 2 and 3:
Students take a total of five study modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.). The list below shows recommended modules. There are other modules which may be taken only after consultation with the Course Directors.
*Recommended modules
- Slot 1:
Designing Disease Control Programmes in Developing Countries*
Epidemiology & Control of Malaria*
Health Care Evaluation*
Childhood Eye Disease and Ocular Infections
Clinical Infectious Diseases 1: Bacterial & Viral Diseases & Community Health in Developing Countries
Clinical Virology
Economic Evaluation
Health Promotion Approaches and Methods
Maternal & Child Nutrition
Research Design & Analysis
Study Design: Writing a Study Proposal.
- Slot 2:
Clinical Bacteriology 1*
Conflict and Health*
Design & Analysis of Epidemiological Studies*
Population, Poverty and Environment*
Statistical Methods in Epidemiology*
Advanced Diagnostic Parasitology
Clinical Infectious Diseases 2: Parasitic Diseases & Clinical Medicine
Health Systems
Qualitative Methodologies
- Slot 3:
Applied Communicable Disease Control*
Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections*
Current Issues in Safe Motherhood & Perinatal Health*
Economic Analysis for Health Policy*
Medical Anthropology & Public Health*
Spatial Epidemiology in Public Health*
Tropical Environmental Health*
Vector Sampling, Identification & Incrimination*
Basic Parasitology
Clinical Infectious Diseases 3: Bacterial & Viral Diseases & Community Health in Developing Countries
Modelling & the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases
Nutrition in Emergencies
Organisational Management
Social Epidemiology
- Slot 4:
Clinical Bacteriology 2*
Epidemiology & Control of Communicable Diseases*
Analytical Models for Decision Making
Clinical Infectious Diseases 4: Parasitic Diseases & Clinical Medicine
Ethics, Public Health & Human Rights
Globalisation & Health; Sexual Health
Vector Biology & Parasite Infections
- Slot 5:
AIDS*
Applying Public Health Principles in Developing Countries*
Integrated Vector Management*
Advanced Statistical Methods in Epidemiology
Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
Integrating Module: Health Promotion
Integrating Module: Health Services Management
Mycology
Nutrition Programme Planning
Principles and Practice of Public Health
Further details for the course modules - https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/masters-degrees/module-specifications
Project Report:
During the summer months (July - August), students complete a research project studying aspects of an intervention programme, for submission by early September. If appropriate, this may take the form of an optional period in a relevant overseas location. Most students on this course undertake projects overseas. Students undertaking projects overseas will require additional funding of up to £1,500 to cover costs involved.
Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/mscid.html#sixth
This programme is intended for graduates already working in Medical Microbiology laboratories, or in a closely-related field, who want to enhance their understanding of the role of microorganisms in health and disease.
You will study the theoretical aspects of medical microbiology, which encompasses: the biological and pathogenic properties of microbes; their role in health and disease; the reactions of the host to infection; and the scientific basis for the detection, control and antimicrobial treatment of infectious disease.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will possess a deeper knowledge of medical microbiology and highly developed management and research skills which will enhance your professional activities.
This programme is studied part-time over two academic years. It consists of eight taught modules and a research project.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
All our lecture modules are offered as stand-alone short courses and are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences for the purposes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Each module lasts for five or six weeks, with the lectures taking place on Wednesdays throughout the academic year. Individuals wishing only to attend the lectures may do so; alternatively, you may decide to take the assessment and acquire credits which may contribute to a postgraduate qualification, either at the University of Surrey or elsewhere.
You may take up to three modules as stand-alone courses before registering retrospectively for the MSc and counting the accumulated credits towards your degree.
The fee structure for short courses is different to that for registered students and details may be obtained upon enquiry to the programme administrator. Also contact the programme administrator for information regarding the timing of each module.
The programme is intended for graduates already working in medical microbiology laboratories, or in a closely-related field, who want to enhance their understanding of the role of microorganisms in health and disease. This includes:
Other applicants seeking an understanding of the advances in modern medical microbiology and its associated disciplines will also be considered. This includes:
This part-time two year programme is intended primarily for those who are already working in the field of Medical Microbiology who aspire to become leaders in their profession.
The programme has been designed to increase your scientific understanding of medical microbiology and develop your critical and analytical skills so that you may identify problems, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, acquire and interpret data, and draw conclusions.
It will allow you to study theoretical aspects of medical microbiology encompassing the biological and pathogenic properties of microbes, their role in health and disease, the reactions of the host to infection, and the scientific basis for the detection, control and anti-microbial treatment of infectious disease.
Knowledge and understanding
Intellectual / cognitive skills
Professional practical skills
Key / transferable skills
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
Learn more about opportunities that might be available for this particular programme by using our student exchanges search tool.
Our MRes Infection Biology programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to join the global fight against infectious diseases which threaten humanity.
Infectious disease remains a major cause of human death but the efficacy of antimicrobial interventions continues to decline. The discovery of novel preventative and therapeutic interventions now critically dependent upon a detailed mechanistic understanding of disease processes, their impact upon human pathobiology and the feasibility of therapeutically targeting such mechanisms.
With a view to training a generation of infection biologists equipped with the skills to tackle this global challenge, the MRes in Infection Biology provides outstanding academic and research training in the molecular and cellular basis of host-microbe interactions in health and disease.
You will learn directly from internationally recognised scientists through joint research, thereby securing a sustained interaction with expert mentors for the duration of the course.
The course provides research training in fundamental aspects of infectious diseases, microbial pathogenesis, host interactions, antimicrobial immunity, and antimicrobial therapy. For the talented student this course provides an excellent training prior to registration for a PhD.
This course will equip you with:
This course aims to:
This course combines theoretical knowledge and practical training in the immunology of infectious diseases through comprehensive teaching and research methods. Students will gain specialised skills in applying scientific concepts, evaluating scientific data and carrying out modern immunological techniques. Students will benefit from the unique mix of immunology, vaccinology, molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, mycology and clinical medicine at the School.
Infectious diseases represent an increasingly important cause of human morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Vaccine development is thus of great importance in terms of global health. In parallel with this growth, there has been a dramatic increase in studies to identify the innate, humoral or cellular immunological mechanisms which confer immunity to pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. As a result, increasing numbers of scientists, clinicians and veterinarians wish to develop their knowledge and skills in these areas.
The flexible nature of the course allows students to focus on attaining a broader understanding of infectious disease through attending taught units. Students can also undertake an extended research project within groups led by experienced team leaders. Such projects can involve basic investigations of immune mechanisms or applied field based studies.
Graduates from this course go into research positions in academia and industry, and further training such as PhD study.
- Full programme specification (pdf) (https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/files/iid_progspec.pdf)
- Intercalating this course (https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/ways-study/intercalating-study-masters-degree)
Visit the website https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/immunology-infectious-diseases
By the end of this course students should be able to:
- demonstrate specialist knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of host immunity to infection against the diverse range of pathogens which confront human populations
- apply this specialist knowledge to a range of practical skills and techniques, in particular modern molecular and cellular techniques for assessing immune responses to pathogens
- critically assess, select and apply appropriate research methods to investigate basic immunological mechanisms and applied issues in the immunology of infection
- critically evaluate primary scientific data and the published scientific literature
- integrate and present key immunological concepts at an advanced level, both verbally and in written form
Term 1:
There is a one-week orientation period that includes an introduction to studying at the School, sessions on key computing and study skills and an introduction to major groups of pathogens, followed by two compulsory modules:
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases
- Analysis & Design of Research Studies
Sessions on basic computing, molecular biology and statistics are run throughout the term for all students.
Terms 2 and 3:
Students take a total of five study modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.). The list below shows recommended modules. There are other modules which may be taken only after consultation with the Course Directors.
*Recommended modules
- Slot 1:
Advanced Immunology 1 (compulsory)
- Slot 2:
Advanced Immunology 2 (compulsory)
- Slot 3:
Advanced Training in Molecular Biology*
Clinical Immunology*
Extended Project*
Basic Parasitology
Clinical Infectious Diseases 3: Bacterial & Viral Diseases & Community Health in Developing Countries
- Slot 4:
Extended Project*
Immunology of Parasitic Infection: Principles*
Molecular Biology Research Progress & Applications*
Clinical Infectious Diseases 4: Parasitic Diseases & Clinical Medicine
Epidemiology & Control of Communicable Diseases
Ethics, Public Health & Human Rights
Genetic Epidemiology
- Slot 5:
AIDS*
Antimicrobial Chemotherapy*
Extended Project*
Molecular Cell Biology & Infection*
Mycology*
Further details for the course modules - https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/immunology-infectious-diseases#structure
Towards the end of Term 1, students get the opportunity to hear about the latest, most exciting aspects of immunological research at the British Society of Immunology Congress. The cost is included in the £500 field trip fee.
During the summer months (July - August), students complete a research project on an immunological subject, for submission by early September. Some of these projects may take place with collaborating scientists overseas or in other colleges or institutes in the UK. Students undertaking projects overseas will require additional funding of up to £1,500 to cover costs involved.
The majority of students who undertake projects abroad receive financial support for flights from the School's trust funds set up for this purpose.
Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msiid.html#sixth
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.
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
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.
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.
