Masters Degrees (Vaccines)

Radboud University’s Master’s specialisation in Microbiology deals with the interface between fundamental biological and medical sciences. It focuses on molecular, medical and environmental microbiology to improve our health and environment and provides in-depth insight into present-day microbial research in general and clinical microbiology.

The major topics of the Microbiology specialisation are:

Environmental microbiology and Biotechnology

Microorganisms can be used to break down environmental pollutants and toxic chemicals. Therefore microbiology has the potential to replace common energy-intensive chemical processes with more sustainable solutions. Radboud University collaborates closely with environmental scientists and industrial partners to create energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for societal waste problems.

Immunology

Unfortunately some microorganisms make us ill. A better understanding of battle between our immune system and these microorganisms will lead to the development of improved vaccines.

Molecular Microbiology

The genome of a microorganism is a key factor in research, because it determines how the organisms interact with the host cell and how they cause diseases. Molecular Microbiology acts on the interface between microbiology, molecular biology and genetics and is fundamental for the development of novel antibiotics and improvement of vaccines against microorganisms.

Top research

The department of Microbiology at Radboud University has been bestowed with the most prestigious science prizes, including two ERC Advanced Grants, a Spinoza Prize, and two Gravitation Grants. Additionally, many of out students have been awarded prizes for best thesis, poster and paper. The department works at the forefront of environmental microbiology and is specialised in the discovery of ‘impossible’, new anaerobic micro-organisms. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art bioreactors, electron microscopy, GC-MS, metagenomics, and metaproteomics facilities to grow and study micro-organisms that contribute to a better environment by consuming greenhouse gasses and nitrogenous pollutants.

Our approach to this field

- Research themes
The Master's specialisation Microbiology is mainly focused on research. You can choose one of the following themes as the subject of your research internship:

- Environmental Microbiology & Biotechnology
For students who are intrigued by questions like: How does life without oxygen work? How do global biogeochemical (nutrient) cycles govern the functioning of the Earth? Can we use microorganisms to create a more sustainable wastewater industry? How do microorganisms break down environmental pollutants and toxic chemicals?
You will do research at the interface between Microbiology, environmental sciences and biochemistry. The research questions cover several levels, from gaining fundamental understanding of energy metabolism of bacteria to their applications in wastewater treatment.
Societal relevance: Microbiology has the potential to replace common energy-intensive chemical processes by more sustainable solutions. Radboud University collaborates closely with environmental scientists, animal ecologists and industrial partners to create energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for societal waste problems.

- Immunology
For students who are intrigued by questions like: Why do some bacteria make us ill whereas others do not? How do bacteria outsmart our immune system? What are the mechanisms of human defence against microorganisms?
You will do research at the interface between Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, and can, for example, work on how microorganisms are recognised by the host defence system
Societal relevance: A better understanding of host defence will lead to the development of improved vaccines against microorganisms.

- Molecular Microbiology
For students who are intrigued by questions like: How are microorganisms able to persist inside the human body and how do they cause diseases? What does gene regulation tell us about their pathogenic capabilities? Can microbial genomes help us determine how microorganisms interact with human host cells?
You will do research at the interface between Microbiology, molecular biology and genetics, and can, for example, work on functional gene analyses by mutagenesis studies and on the interaction between epithelial cells and pathogenic bacteria.
Societal relevance: Understanding host-pathogen interactions is fundamental for the development of novel antibiotics and improvement of vaccines. Radboudumc collaborates with public health institutes – such as the RIVM (National Institute of Public Health) – and with industrial partners.

- Personal tutor
Our top scientists are looking forward to guiding you during a challenging and inspiring scientific journey. This programme offers you many opportunities to follow your own interests under the excellent supervision of a personal tutor. This allows you to specialise in a field of personal interest.

- The Nijmegen approach
The first thing you will notice as you enter our Faculty of Science is the open atmosphere. This is reflected by the light and transparent building and the open minded spirit of the people working, exploring and studying there. It is no wonder students from all over the world have been attracted to Nijmegen. You study in small groups, with direct and open contact with members of the staff. In addition, Nijmegen has excellent student facilities, such as high-tech laboratories, libraries and study ‘landscapes'.

Studying by the ‘Nijmegen approach' is a way of living. We will equip you with tools which are valuable for the rest of your life. You will be challenged to become aware of your intrinsic motivation. In other words, what is your passion in life? With this question in mind we will guide you to translate your passion into a personalised Master's in Biology.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/microbiology

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The area of cancer immunotherapy considers how to use conventional therapies including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Whilst these treatment have served well and new drugs will continue to be designed, clinical trials over the last five years have shown that boosting the body’s immune system, whose main task is to deal with invading pathogens, can help our immune system to destroy tumour cells. Many of the new immunotherapies may be tested in combination with more conventional treatments or tested alone, but investigators and oncologists now believe immunotherapy, initially combined with pharmacological treatments, will soon provide curative therapies and certainly give many patients a new lease of life.

More about this course

Worldwide the incidence of cancer is increasing, and is expected to reach 22 million new cases per year by 2030. In addition to treatments such as radiotherapy and surgery, chemotherapy has a vital role to play in prolonging the lives of patients.

The aims of the Cancer Immunotherapy MSc are to:
-Provide an in-depth understanding of the molecular targets at which the different classes of anticancer drugs are aimed, and of how drug therapies are evolving
-Review the biology of cancer with respect to genetics, pathological considerations, and the molecular changes within cells which are associated with the progression of the disease
-Enhance intellectual and practical skills necessary for the collection, analysis, interpretation and understanding of scientific data
-Deliver a programme of advanced study to equip students for a future career in anti-cancer drug and immunotherapy development
-Cover new areas in immunotherapy (some of which may enhance existing pharmacological therapies including: History of immunotherapy and review of immune system; Monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy and prevention; DNA vaccines against cancer; Adoptive T cell therapy; Dendritic cell vaccines; Antibodies that stimulate immunity; Adjuvant development for vaccines; Epigenetics and cancer: improving immunotherapy; Immuno-chemotherapy: integration of therapies; Exosomes and Microvesicles (EMVs) in cancer therapy and diagnosis; Dendritic cell vaccine development and Pox virus cancer vaccine vectors; Microbial causes of cancer and vaccination

Students will have access to highly qualified researchers and teachers in pharmacology and immunology, including those at the Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Centre. Skills gained from research projects are therefore likely to be highly marketable in industry, academia and in the NHS. Students will be encouraged to join the British Society of Immunology and the International Society of Extracellular Vesicles.

Assessment is a combination of coursework, which includes tests and essays, the research project and its oral defence and examination.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2016/17 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:
-Advanced Immunology (core, 20 credits)
-Cancer Immunotherapy (core, 20 credits)
-Cancer Pharmacology (core, 20 credits)
-Cancer: Diagnosis and Therapy (core, 20 credits)
-Molecular Oncology (core, 20 credits)
-Research Project (core, 60 credits)
-Scientific Frameworks for Research (core, 20 credits)

After the course

Students will have many opportunities to work in industry. There are established industries working hard to develop cancer immunotherapies including Bristol-Myers Squibbs, MERCK, AstraZeneca and Roche. There are also an innumerate number of start-up companies appearing including Omnis Pharma, UNUM Therapeutics and Alpine Immune Sciences.

Students will also have ample opportunity for future postgraduate study either within the School of Human Sciences and the Cellular and Molecular Immunology Centre at the MPhil/PhD level or beyond, even with some of our research partners within the UK, Europe and beyond.

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MSc Biotechnology

Biotechnology is defined as the industrial exploitation of living organisms or the exploitation of components derived from these organisms.

Programme summary

During the master Biotechnology you learn more about the practical applications of biotechnology, including age-old techniques such as brewing and fermentation, which are still important today. In recent decades, gene modification has revolutionized the biotechnology industry, spawning countless new products and improving established processes. Modern biotechnology has become an applied area of science with a multidisciplinary approach embracing recombinant DNA technology, cellular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, as well as process design and engineering.

Specialisations

Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology
This specialisation focuses on the practical application of cellular and molecular knowledge with the aim of enhancing or improving production in micro-organisms or cell cultures. Possible majors: molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, virology, enzymology and cell biology. The knowledge and skills gained can be applied in food biotechnology, medicine and vaccine development, environmental and bio-based technology.

Process Technology
This specialisation focuses on engineering strategies for developing, enhancing or improving production in fermentation, bioconversion and enzymatic synthesis. Possible majors: bioprocess engineering, food or environmental engineering, applied biotechnology and system and control techniques. The knowledge and skills gained can be applied in food biotechnology, medicine and vaccine development, environmental and bio-based technology.

Marine Biotechnology
This specialisation focuses on the use of newly- discovered organisms from the sea in industrial processes. Applications include production of new medicines, fine chemicals, bio-based products and renewable energy.

Medical Biotechnology
This specialisation focuses on the use of modern biotechnology in the development and production of new vaccines and medicines. Advanced molecular and cellular techniques are used to study diagnostic and production methods for vaccines and medicines. Possible majors: molecular biology, microbiology, virology and cell biology.

Food Biotechnology
This specialisation focuses on the application from biotechnology to food processing. The approach includes microbial and biochemical aspects integrated with process engineering and chemistry. Possible majors: food microbiology, food chemistry and process engineering.

Environmental and Biobased Technology
This specialisation focuses on the design and development of biotechnological processes for solving environmental problems by removing waste products or by producing renewable energy. Possible majors: environmental technology, bioprocess engineering, microbiology and biobased chemical technology.

Your future career

Graduates in biotechnology have excellent career prospects. More than 60 percent begin their careers in research and development. Many of these Master graduates go on to earn their PhD degrees and often achieve management positions within a few years. Approximately 30 percent of our graduates start working for biotechnology companies immediately. Relatively few begin their careers outside the private sector or in a field not directly related to biotechnology. In the Netherlands, some graduates work for multinational companies such as Merck Schering Plough, DSM, Heineken, Unilever and Shell, while others find positions at smaller companies and various universities or research centres such as NKI and TNO.

Alumnus Sina Salim.
In America and Brazil, production of maize and sugar cane for bio ethanol takes up enormous swathes of arable land that could otherwise be used for food production. This leads to the well-known food versus fuel dilemma. An alternative method for producing biodiesel is the use of algae. Currently, too much energy is consumed during the growth and harvesting of algae, but huge efforts are being made to reduce these energy requirements. Sina Salim is trying to develop a cheap and energy efficient harvesting method to ultimately produce biodiesel from algae, a competitor of fossil fuel. Now he is operational scientist at Bioprocess Pilot Facility B.V.

Related programmes:
MSc Molecular Life Sciences
MSc Food Technology
MSc Bioinformatics
MSc Plant Biotechnology
MSc Environmental Sciences.

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Programme description

Changing demographics and growing demand for food, fuel and agricultural and environmental sustainability are among the key challenges the world faces today.

In this MSc you will learn research and development skills to enable the creation of new products and services. You will investigate the economic basis for current biotechnology structures and areas of future demand, including the global pharmaceutical industry and carbon sequestration.

You will learn how technology can be applied to solve pressing real-world biological problems and gain the skills and expertise needed for future developments in biotechnology.

Programme structure

This programme consists of two semesters of taught courses followed by a research project or industrial placement, leading to a dissertation.

Compulsory courses:

• Economics and Innovation in the Biotechnology Industry
• Intelligent Agriculture
• Principles of Industrial Biotechnology
• Research Project Proposal
• MSc Dissertation (Biotechnology).

Option courses:

• Biobusiness
• Biochemistry A & B
• Bioinformatics
• Bioinformatics Programming & System Management
• Drug Discovery
• Commercial Aspects of Drug Discovery
• Environmental Gene-Mining and Metagenomics
• Enzymology and Biological Production
• Gene Expression and Microbial Regulation
• Industry & Entrepreneurship in Biotechnology
• Molecular Modelling and Database Mining
• Practical Skills in Biochemistry A & B
• Programming for the Life Sciences
• Social Dimensions of Systems and Synthetic Biology
• Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
• Vaccines and Molecular Therapies

Research and laboratory work

There will be a considerable practical element to the programme. You will work in a biotechnology laboratory and learn how experimental technology is designed and operated.

Industrial placement

Your dissertation can be based on a laboratory-based project or an industrial placement. You can work with employers in the thriving Scottish biotechnology sector in areas such as multiple sclerosis research (Aquila BioMedical), vaccines research (BigDNA) or biorecovery and bioregeneration (Recyclatec).

Career opportunities

The programme will open up a wide variety of career opportunities, ranging from sales and marketing, to research and development, to manufacturing and quality control and assurance.

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The main aim of the pathway is to introduce students to the challenges of research conducted during design and development of vaccines against human infectious diseases.
This pathway takes advantage of the established core modules of the MRes programme, however, the opportunity for students to streamline their focus within the area of Human Vaccinology is provided through specialist teaching during the pathway module and in particular within the research element (project). The project will provide an opportunity to gain basic laboratory experience in research methods, or epidemiology / statistical techniques as applied to vaccines.

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This course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical training in the spread of microorganisms (predominantly bacterial and viral pathogens), disease causation and diagnosis and treatment of pathogens significant to public health. The increasing incidence of microbial infections worldwide is being compounded by the rapid evolution of drug-resistant variants and opportunistic infections by other organisms. The course content reflects the increasing importance of genomics and molecular techniques in both diagnostics and the study of pathogenesis.

In response to a high level of student interest in viral infections, the School has decided to offer the opportunity for students who focus on viruses in their module and project choices to be awarded a Master's degree in Medical Microbiology (Virology). This choice will depend on the module selection of the individual student in Terms 2 and 3 and choice of project.

Graduates from this course move into global health careers related to medical microbiology in research or medical establishments and the pharmaceutical industry.

The Bo Drasar Prize is awarded annually for outstanding performance by a Medical Microbiology student. This prize is named after Professor Bohumil Drasar, the founder of the MSc Medical Microbiology course.

The Tsiquaye Prize is awarded annually for the best virology-based project report.

- Full programme specification (pdf) (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/edu/qualityassurance/mm_progspec.pdf)
- Intercalating this course (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/intercalate)

Visit the website http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msmm.html

Objectives

By the end of the course students should be able to:

- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the nature of viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi and basic criteria used in the classification/taxonomy of these micro-organisms

- explain the modes of transmission and the growth cycles of pathogenic micro-organisms

- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and the outcomes of infections

- distinguish between and critically assess the classical and modern approaches to the development of therapeutic agents and vaccines for the prevention of human microbial diseases

- demonstrate knowledge of the laboratory diagnosis of microbial diseases and practical skills

- carry out a range of advanced skills and laboratory techniques, including the purification of isolated microbial pathogens, study of microbial growth cycles and analyses of their proteins and nucleic acids for downstream applications

- demonstrate research skills

Structure

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 course-specific sessions, followed by two compulsory modules:

- Bacteriology & Virology
- Analysis & Design of Research Studies

Recommended module: Molecular Biology

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 modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.). The list below shows recommended modules. There are other modules that can be taken only after consultation with the Course Director.

- Slot 1:
Clinical Virology
Molecular Biology & Recombinant DNA Techniques

- Slot 2:
Clinical Bacteriology 1
Molecular Virology

- Slot 3:
Advanced Training in Molecular Biology
Basic Parasitology

- Slot 4:
Clincal Bacteriology 2
Molecular Biology Research Progress & Applications

- Slot 5:
Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
Molecular Cell Biology & Infection
Mycology
Pathogen Genomics

Further details for the course modules - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section2_coursedescriptions/tmmi.html

Project Report

During the summer months (July - August), students complete a laboratory-based original research project on an aspect of a relevant organism, for submission by early September. Projects may take place within the School or with collaborating scientists in other colleges or institutes in the UK or overseas.

The majority of students who undertake projects abroad receive financial support for flights from the School's trust funds set up for this purpose

Course Accreditation

The Royal College of Pathologists accepts the course as part of the professional experience of both medical and non-medical candidates applying for membership. The course places particular emphasis on practical aspects of the subjects most relevant to current clinical laboratory practice and research.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msmm.html#sixth

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This course offers advanced training for biological, chemical and physical scientists (pure and applied) for careers in the pharmaceutical, food/nutrition, health-care, biomedical, oil and other important industries or as a basis for entry to MRes or PhD.

Biomolecular Technology underpins the production of drug delivery systems, the making of healthier food products, the design of health-care products, the making of antisera and vaccines - and even the efficient extraction of oil from the harsh environment of a deep well: these are among the biotechnology processes which depend in fundamental terms on our ability to handle giant molecular complexes of living origin. Furthermore, molecular biologists and chemists are now increasingly able to ‘engineer’ new types of proteins and complexes over and beyond those which 3 billion years of evolution have provided.

Industry needs skilled personnel capable of understanding how these molecules may be used in an industrial context and the processes of gene cloning and protein engineering.

It is taught by the School of Biosciences in conjunction with the University's Schools of Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Sciences and The School of Biosciences at the University of Leicester. Experts from local and national industry also contribute, ensuring access to the latest developments in the field.

A 3 month industrial placement module offers an exciting opportunity to discover first hand the needs of modern industry and provides advanced training for employment and further academic studies.
By suitable arrangement non-UK students can do this in their normal country of residence.

Applicants should hold first degrees at honours level in any Biological, Chemical or Physical Science subject (e.g. Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Genetics, Food Sciences, Plant Sciences, Physics). Suitably motivated candidates with Engineering or Mathematics degrees will also be considered.

A number of scholarships and European bursaries may be available.

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Biochemical Engineering concerns the use of biological organisms or processes by manufacturing industries. It is a multidisciplinary subject, requiring the integration of engineering and bioscience knowledge to design and implement processes used to manufacture a wide range of products; from novel therapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies for treating cancer, vaccines and hormones, to new environmentally-friendly biofuels. It is also essential in many other fields, such as the safe manufacture of food and drink and the removal of toxic compounds from the environment..

This course will provide you with the skills you need to start an exciting career in the bioprocess industries, or continue research in the area of bioprocessing or industrial biotechnology.

Industry involvement

As this is a highly industrially-led subject area, we have secured guest lectures from Cobra Biologics (contract manufacturing), Biocats Ltd (Enzyme manufacture) and the Centre for Process Innovation Ltd (biological process development) and are currently seeking additional industrial lectures.

Academics working at Birmingham have strong links with industry, through collaborative projects, so allow students to make contact with companies. Graduates from the MSc programme have gone on to careers in biochemical engineering world-wide, in large and small companies working in diverse areas.

There are also guest lectures from academics working at other institutions.

Practical experience

You will gain practical experience of working with industrially applicable systems, from fermentation at laboratory scale to 100 litre pilot scale, in the Biochemical Engineering laboratories. Theory learned in lectures will be applied in practical terms. In addition, theoretical aspects will be applied in design case studies in a number of modules, including the Design Project.

All MSc students complete a summer research project, working on a piece of individual, novel research within one of the research groups in the school. These projects provide an ideal experience of life as a researcher, from design of experimental work, practical generation of data, analysis and communication of findings. Many students find this experience very useful in choosing the next steps in their career.

Special Features

The lecture courses are supplemented with tutorials, seminars and experimental work. Industrial visits and talks by speakers from industrial and service organisations are also included in the course programme.

Pilot Plant

The Biochemical Engineering building houses a pilot plant with large-scale fermentation and downstream processing equipment. The newly-refurbished facility includes state-of-the-art computer-controlled bioreactors, downstream processing equipment and analytical instruments.

Course structure

The MSc is a 12-month full-time advanced course, comprising lectures, laboratory work, short experimental projects and a research project. You will take an introductory module, four core modules, and then choose 50 credits of optional themed modules. The course can also be taken on a part-time basis. The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) lasts for 8 months from the end of September until June.

For the first eight months you have lectures, tutorials and laboratory work. Core module topics include:

Fermentation and cell culture
Bioseparations
Process monitoring and control
Systems and synthetic biology approaches
Optional module include:

Biopharmaceutical development and manufacture
Food processing
Business skills for the process industries
The programme is strongly design-orientatedand you complete a full process plant design exercise. You also have practical experience of working in the newly-refurbished pilot plant of the Biochemical Engineering building.

From June to September you gain research training on your own project attached to one of the teams working in the bioprocessing research section.

About the School of Chemical Engineering

Birmingham has one of the largest concentrations of Chemical Engineering expertise in the UK, with an excellent reputation in learning, teaching and research.
Investment totalling over £3.5 million in our buildings has resulted in some of the best teaching, computing and laboratory facilities anywhere in the UK.
We have achieved an excellent performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) – the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. 87% of the research in the School was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. It was ranked joint fourth overall in the UK for its research prowess and first nationally for research impact.
The enthusiasm that the academic staff have for their research comes through in their teaching and ensures that they and you are at the cutting edge of chemical engineering.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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DRUG INNOVATION: A UNIQUE PROGRAMME

This programme focuses on interdisciplinary research in the field of innovation and usage of drugs, for example vaccines, gene therapeutics, medical nutrition and antibodies.

Typical research questions addressed in the field of Drug Innovation include:
* How do we make new drugs against resistant microorganisms?
* Which proteins can we target for personalized cancer medicine?
* Can we differentiate stem cells by means of proteomics?
* How can we imprint the immune system to become tolerant?
* What is the connection between gut microbes and brains disease?
* Can we deliver proteins and gens to diseased cells, by learning from viruses and bacteria?
* How can we innovate and speed up the regulatory process of weighing benefit and risk?
* Which biomarkers predict for quality adjusted life years?

As a graduate you will be eligible for many PhD programmes and be able to contribute to drug innovation within research institutes, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies or health care organisations.

Our programme offers a diverse suite of elective courses. This means you can concentrate on the topics of most interest to you.

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Overview

The objectives of this course are to equip those intending to pursue a career in academic or industrial research with the required knowledge and skills, and to provide a solid foundation for those who aim to go on to study at PhD level.

During the course you will develop an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of viruses and the processes of viral infection and viral diseases at the molecular level.

The course also provides training in laboratory and research skills in a supportive learning environment.

Two parts of the course:

The course is comprised of two parts, a taught component, which is given over the first two terms (approximately 5 months) and a full-time laboratory based research project (7 months) which is carried out over the remainder of the session. The taught component is comprised of lectures, laboratory practical’s, tutorials and student presentations and covers the most important aspects of viruses and viral diseases under the 6 topic headings.

Testing of the knowledge acquired is through a combination of written examinations, assessed coursework in the form of laboratory write-ups and essays (Element 2), and the individual research project dissertation and viva (Element 2).

Course content

Introductory Core Lecture Programme

Virus Architecture and Virus Interactions with Cells

Virus Genomes, Gene Expression and Replication

Host Responses to Virus Infection

Diagnosis, Vaccines and Therapies

Epidemiology, Transmission and Evolution of Viruses

You can apply online

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/how-to-apply/

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Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent threat to healthcare globally and St George’s is one of the first universities to offer a unique specialist pathway to support important research in this area.

Highlights

-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

Antimicrobial Resistance Module

The 30 credit specialist module will give you the opportunity to study antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with a particular focus on healthcare impact, genetic technologies and interventions to reduce AMR. You will explore the major AMR problems, and the strategies needed to reduce the current and future AMR burden.

You will gain insight into how different interventions may be more effective in reducing different AMR pathogens and will take advantage of active research taking place at St George’s to work on specific topics including AMR in tuberculosis, MRSA, sexually transmitted infections and HIV.

There will be an opportunity to learn bioinformatics techniques, new sequencing technologies and ‘omics’ methodologies and the enormous impact that genetics is having on understanding the epidemiology, selection and evolution of AMR pathogens. There will be a series of sessions focusing on strategies to reduce AMR such as rapid diagnostics, antibiotic stewardship, dosing, new drugs, vaccines and phage applications.

Careers

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.

Application

Apply at https://sgul.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-degrees-postgraduate/biomedical-science-mres-antimicrobial-resistance/apply

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Are you a recent graduate, scientist, engineer or manager looking to develop your professional skills in multidisciplinary biotechnology and eager for a future in related sectors? The MSc in Biotechnology,
Bioprocessing and Business Management opens the door to these opportunities.

The course is delivered in partnership with our industry partners and Warwick Business School. During your studies you’ll develop a new sense of business acumen and gain in-depth knowledge of the underlying science and processing technologies. You’ll have access to specialised language classes, as well as a personal mentor who will help to improve your academic writing.

When you graduate, you’ll be ready to enter managerial and academic roles in several sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry, whether in large multinational companies or small to medium-sized enterprises.

Course structure

The course is a full time, twelve month taught programme with modular content, based around three strands:-
-Business Management
-Biotechnology & Molecular Biology
-Bioprocessing

The course programme focuses on:
-Manufacture of biochemicals, pharmaceuticals, devices and materials
-Genetic engineering and the fundamentals of biotechnology
-Business management, economics and finance
-Marketing management
-Commercialisation of products, IP
-Food, biotechnology and microbiological processing
-Fuels and energy
-Industries based on renewable and sustainable resources
-Production technologies
-Plant design and economic analysis

Students will be required to complete nine core modules. They must also select a further three elective modules. Teaching will be by interactive lectures, short question & answer sessions and small group interactive workshops/tutorials. Individual and team learning will be used for case study analysis.

All students will be required to undertake a project dissertation. Students will be encouraged to propose their own project title (selection subject to availability of an appropriate supervisor) although a range of potential titles will be offered. Projects will be non-laboratory based and generally undertaken at the University of Warwick under the supervision of an approved tutor.

Core Modules

-The fundamentals of biotechnology
-Molecular biology and genetic engineering
-Biochemical engineering
-Bioproduct plant design and economic analysis
-Business strategy
-Accounting and financial management
-Marketing management
-Entrepreneurship & commercialisation
-Biopharmaceutical product & clinical development
-Project

Elective Modules

(Availability dependent on demand)
-Microbiomics & metagenomics
-Environmental protection, risk assessment and safety
-Impact of biotechnology on the use of natural resources
-Fundamental principles of drug discovery
-E-business: Technology and management
-Chemotherapy of infectious disease
-Vaccines and gene therapy
-Laboratory Skills

Assessment

One third of the final mark will be derived from the project dissertation.

Two thirds of the final mark will be derived from assessments of the 9 core and 3 elective modules. Modules will be assessed by means of a combination of written course work, individual/group seminar presentations and a multi-choice or short answer examination. These assessments will take place during or shortly after completion of each module.

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Whether you are a new graduate or already employed and seeking to further your career prospects, this course offers a solid career development path. You can also choose this course if you wish to pursue research in biotechnology at PhD level.

Biotechnology is the application of biological processes and is underpinned by • cell biology • molecular biology • bioinformatics • structural biology. It encompasses a wide range of technologies for modifying living organisms or their products according to human needs.

Applications of biotechnology span medicine, technology and engineering.

Important biotechnological advances including

• the production of therapeutic proteins using cloned DNA, for example insulin and clotting factors
• the application of stem cells to treat human disease
• the enhancement of crop yields and plants with increased nutritional value
• herbicide and insect resistant plants
• production of recombinant antibodies for the treatment of disease
• edible vaccines, in the form of modified plants
• development of biosensors for the detection of biological and inorganic analytes

You gain

• up-to-date knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of biological processes
• an advanced understanding of DNA technology and molecular biotechnology
• knowledge of developing and applying biotechnology to diagnosis and treatment of human diseases
• practical skills applicable in a range of bioscience laboratories
• the transferable and research skills to enable you to continue developing your knowledge and improving your employment potential

The course is led by academics who are actively involved in biotechnology research and its application to the manipulation of proteins, DNA, mammalian cells and plants. Staff also have expertise in the use of nanoparticles in drug delivery and the manipulation of microbes in industrial and environmental biotechnology.

You are supported throughout your studies by an academic advisor who will help you develop your study and personal skills.

What is biotechnology

Biotechnology is the basis for the production of current leading biopharmaceuticals and has already provided us with the 'clot-busting' drug, tissue plasminogen activator for the treatment of thrombosis and myocardial infarction. It also holds the promise of new treatments for neurodegeneration and cancer through recombinant antibodies.

Genetically modified plants have improved crop yields and are able to grow in a changing environment. Manipulation of cellular organisms through gene editing methods have also yielded a greater understanding of many disease states and have allowed us to understand how life itself functions.

Course structure

You begin your studies focusing on the fundamentals of advanced cell biology and molecular biology before specialising in both molecular and plant biotechnology. Practical skills are developed throughout the course and you gain experience in molecular biology techniques such as PCR and sub cloning alongside tissue culture.

Core to the program is the practical module where you gain experience in a range of techniques used in the determination of transcription and translational levels, for example.

All practicals are supported by experienced academic staff, skilled in the latest biotechnological techniques.

Research and statistical skills are developed throughout the program. Towards the end of the program you apply your skills on a two month research project into a current biotechnological application. Employability skills are developed throughout the course in two modules.

The masters (MSc) award is achieved by successfully completing 180 credits.

The postgraduate certificate (PgCert) is achieved by successfully completing 60 credits.

The postgraduate diploma (PgDip) is achieved by successfully completing 120 credits. 

Core modules:

• Cell biology (15 credits)
• Biotechnology (15 credits)
• Plant biotechnology (15 credits)
• Molecular biology (15 credits)
• Applied biomedical techniques (15 credits)
• Professional development (15 credits)
• Research methods and statistics (15 credits)
• Research project (60 credits)

Optional modules :

• Human genomics and proteomics (15 credits)
• Cellular and molecular basis of disease (15 credits)
• Cellular and molecular basis of cancer (15 credits)

Assessment

As students progress through the course they are exposed to a wide range of teaching and learning activities. The assessment strategy of the postgraduate course considers diverse assessment methods. Some modules offer dedicated formative feedback to aid skills development with assessments going through several rounds of formative tutor and peer feedback. Summative assessment methods are diverse, with examinations present in theory-based modules to test independent knowledge and data analysis. Several modules are entirely coursework-based, with a portfolio of skills such laboratory practical's and research proposals generated throughout the course forming the summative tasks. In all cases, the assessment criteria for all assessed assignments are made available to student prior to submission. 

Employability

The course is suitable for people wishing to develop their knowledge of molecular and cell biotechnology and its application to solving health and industrial problems.

You can find career opportunities in areas such as

• biotechnology research
• medical research in universities and hospitals
• government research agencies
• biotechnology industry
• pharmaceutical industry.

Students on this course have gone on to roles including experimental officers in contract research, research and development in scientists, diagnostics specialists and applications specialists. Many of our graduates also go on to study for PhDs and continue as academic lecturers.

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With the discovery of new pathogens & increases in resistance to antimicrobials, challenges facing microbiologists have never been greater. The programme provides a firm understanding of the impact of infectious disease on populations worldwide.

This programme has several different available start dates - for more information, please view the relevant web-page:
JANUARY 2017 - http://www.gcu.ac.uk/hls/study/courses/details/index.php/P02247-1FTAB-1617/Clinical_Microbiology_(Jan)?utm_source=XXXX&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=courselisting

JANUARY 2018 - http://www.gcu.ac.uk/hls/study/courses/details/index.php/P02247-1FTAB-1718/Clinical_Microbiology?utm_source=XXXX&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=courselisting

Programme Description

Tuberculosis and cholera are well-established diseases that continue to devastate populations around the world, previously unrecognised infectious human pathogens such as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and new strains of influenza emerge. For almost a century mankind has relied heavily on vaccines and antimicrobial drugs to either prevent or treat infectious diseases. This approach has largely been successful, but with the discovery of new pathogens and increases in resistance to antimicrobials, the challenges facing microbiologists have never been greater.

The programme provides a firm understanding of the impact of infectious disease on human populations worldwide. It takes a scientific approach to the field of clinical microbiology, emphasising the importance of research and development in the area, and exposes you to the latest advances in both the theory and practice of microbiology.

The programme provides you with comprehensive theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience of clinical microbiology. This will include the principles and practice of bacteriology, virology, parasitology and mycology; focusing on the transmission of pathogens, the disease process, diagnosis, treatment and the prevention of infectious disease.

Learning and Teaching Methods

A combination of lectures, seminars and practical laboratory classes, culminating in a laboratory based research project, develops the key skills required of an independent researcher.

Employment Opportunities

In addition to attaining a firm foundation of theoretical knowledge and an extensive range of practical skills, employment opportunities are enhanced through the development of a series of transferable skills necessary for success in a highly competitive market.

Career opportunities can be found in the areas of health and medicine, the life sciences sector and in university and industry research departments, as well as further study towards a PhD.

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This programme is intended for those who wish to enhance their understanding of the role of microorganisms in animal health and disease, and provides an excellent grounding in molecular biology, immunology, epidemiology and microbiology.

This grounding leads into the study of the complex mechanisms of host/microbe interactions that are involved in the pathogenesis of specific animal diseases, and provides insights into diagnosis and interventions, such as vaccines, essential for disease control.

You will enhance your critical and analytical skills and gain hands-on experience in the diagnosis of veterinary diseases, such that you may identify problems, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, acquire and interpret data, and draw conclusions.

Programme structure

This programme is studied full-time over one academic year.

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.

• Microbiology and Veterinary Immunology 
• Microbial Genetics 
• Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
• Transmission and Control of Infectious Diseases of Animals (Non-vector)
• Transmission and Control of Infectious Diseases of Animals (Vector)
• Infectious Diseases of Animals - Practical sessions (APHA, Pirbright ^ PHE/VMD)
• Diseases of Animal Systems: Gastro-intestinal Diseases of Animals
• Diseases of Animal Systems: Respiratory Diseases of Animals
• Diseases of Animal Systems: Multi-system Diseases of Animals
• Diseases of Animal Systems: CNS/Skin Diseases of Animals
• Research Project 

Who is the programme for?

This is a full or part-time programme, intended mainly for graduates, those already working in veterinary diagnostic/research laboratories and staff from other laboratories who want to enhance their understanding of the role of microorganisms in animal health and disease.

Pharmaceutical research personnel, policymakers, veterinarians, public health personnel and environmental biologists will also benefit.

Part-time and short course study

Most modules are offered as standalone short courses. The fee structure for short courses is different to that for registered students, and details may be obtained via admissions enquiries, please refer to the contact details on this page.

The option to study the MSc on a part-time basis is only available following successful completion of three modules as stand-alone/CPD. Please contact the [email protected] for further information.

Programme partners

This Masters programme is delivered by a consortium comprising the University of Surrey and two world class veterinary microbiology institutions: the BBSRC funded Pirbright Institute (PI), and the Government sponsored Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA).

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and Public Health England (PHE) also contribute to the programme.

Visits

You will have the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the diagnosis of important veterinary diseases within the world reference laboratories of the APHA and Pirbright Institute (PI).

There will also be an opportunity to visit Public Health England (PHE) to gain a detailed knowledge of how zoonotic diseases outbreaks are investigated, and to visit the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), a livestock abattoir and an intensive livestock farm.

Colleagues from the CEFAS laboratory will also contribute to the programme, and further research training will be provided during your practical research project.

Educational aims of the programme

This is a one year full-time programme aimed at preparing graduates to work in a range of fields in which a detailed understanding of veterinary microbiology is a valuable asset.

These fields include research, commerce, government and policy, reference laboratory and diagnostic work, epidemiology and disease mapping, veterinary science, farming especially animal production, wild and zoo animal conservation and education.

As such, it is intended that graduates will achieve the highest levels of professional understanding of veterinary microbiology within a range of contexts.

The programme combines the study of the theoretical foundations of, and scholarly approaches to, understanding the application and various practices of veterinary microbiology within the contexts described above along with the development of practical and research skills.

The main aims are to enable students to:

• Acquire sound knowledge of the major principles of veterinary microbiology
• Develop the skills to perform relevant interpretation and evaluation of data
• Apply those acquired skills in practice through research
• To utilise acquired knowledge and evaluative skills to communicate successfully with stakeholders

Programme learning outcomes

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas.

The learning outcomes have been aligned with the descriptor for qualification at level 7 given in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) produced by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education.

Knowledge and understanding

Following completion of the programme, students should display knowledge of:

• The main principles of current veterinary microbiology
• The methods and approaches used for the molecular characterisation, and diagnosis of disease agents
• The main principles of infectious diseases epidemiology
• The analysis of disease and disease carriage that impact on the development and application of control measures to combat diseases
• Modes of control of infectious diseases
• Modes of transmission
• The various aspects of host pathology and immune responses to disease agents
• Analytical skills to allow interpretation of data and formulation of conclusions

Intellectual/cognitive skills

Following completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• Critically appraise scholarly and professional writing on a wide range of subjects pertaining to the various aspects of veterinary microbiology
• Critically analyse experimental data to enable the formulation of hypotheses
• Design relevant experiments to test formulated hypotheses
• Efficiently analyse new developments in technology and critically assess their utilisation to answer existing and new problems

Professional practical skills

Following completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• Plan and execute an experiment/investigation, act autonomously and demonstrate originality
• Analyse numerical data using appropriate computer tools including specialist computer packages
• Communicate experiments at a project level, including report writing
• Perform specific specialised experimental skills

Global opportunities

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.

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