Masters Degrees in Agricultural Microbiology, United Kingdom

Food security: a global concern

There has never been a more urgent need to train scientists in the area of food security, equipped with skills in agronomy; plant pathology, plant disease and plant genetics; and knowledge of modern agricultural systems and agricultural policy. The Royal Society report Reaping the Benefits: science and the sustainable intensification of global agriculture published in October 2009, provided the clearest evidence of the challenge of ensuring global food security during the next 50 years. Crop yields need to rise significantly, but in a manner that requires much lower dependency on chemical intervention and fertilisers.

Meeting the challenge of sustainable agriculture

This programme was developed in collaboration with the agricultural industry, government agencies including Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and The Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), and farmers and food manufacturers, to provide a multi-disciplinary training in sustainable agriculture and global food security. Research-led teaching in molecular plant pathology, plant sciences and microbiology is strongly supplemented by Rothamsted Research, North Wyke expertise in grassland management, soil science and sustainable farming systems. Leading social scientists also provide valuable input in rural land use and the rural economy. The combination of expertise in both arable and pastureland systems ensures a truly rounded learning experience.

The curriculum takes account of the key skills shortages in the UK to train highly skilled individuals who can enter government agencies, agriculture and food industries and fulfil very valuable roles in scientific research, advice, evaluation, policy development and implementation tackling the challenges of food security. The programme provides opportunities to gain industrial and practical experiences including field trips.

Expert teaching

Teaching is enriched by expert contributions from a broad cross-section of the industry. Scientific staff from Fera provide specialist lectures as part of the Crop Security module, members of the Plant Health Inspectorate cover field aspects of plant pathology, and a LEAF1 farmer addresses agricultural systems and the realities of food production using integrated farm management. In addition, teaching staff from the University and BBSRC Rothamsted-North Wyke will draw on material and experiences from their academic research and scientific links with industry.

Industrial and practical experience

All students will have opportunities to gain industrial and practical experiences. Teaching visits will be made to the Plant Health Inspectorate in Cornwall to see quarantine management of Phytophthora, and to a local LEAF farm to review the challenges and approaches to food production in integrated farm management systems. You will gain specialised experience in practical science or policy making through a dissertation or project placement with external agencies. Defra and Fera, for example, are offering five dissertation and/or project placements annually.

Programme structure

The programme is made up of modules. The list of modules may include the following; Professional Skills; Research Project; Sustainable Land Use in Grassland Agriculture; Crop Security; Sustainable Livestock and Fisheries; Political Economy of Food and Agriculture and Research and Knowledge Transfer for Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture

The modules listed here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Please see the website for an up to date list (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/biosciences/foodsecurity/#Programme-structure)

Addressing a skills shortage to tackle global food security

The MSc Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture curriculum has been designed in collaboration with the agricultural industry to tackle the skills shortage that exists in this vital interdisciplinary area. This programme will provide the highly skilled individuals required in government agencies, agriculture and food industries for critical roles in scientific research, advice, evaluation, policy development and implementation tackling the challenges of food security.

Global horizons

With food security and sustainable agriculture a global concern, opportunities for specialists in the areas of agronomy, plant pathology, plant disease and plant improvement will be worldwide. By combining expertise across the natural, social and political sciences, this programme provides valuable interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in both arable and pastureland systems. Graduates will be prepared to take on the global challenges of food security and sustainable agriculture, being able to adapt to farming systems across the world and identify cross-disciplinary solutions to local agricultural problems.

Learning enhanced by industry

The programme is enriched by expert contributions from a broad cross-section of the industry, with specialist lectures, teaching visits to observe the practical application of techniques, and industrial placement opportunities for project work or dissertations in practical science or policy making.

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This programme has been designed to provide students with knowledge and understanding of key steps in the development and launch of new ingredients and products to contribute to healthy living and lifestyles. It is based upon the strengths and expertise of staff working in the Faculty of Engineering and Science, e.g. human nutrition and public health; food chemistry and biochemistry, functional foods, marketing and economics; new product and process development; food packaging; food safety and quality management; food legislation; applied food microbiology, creative thinking, sustainability and entrepreneurship.

This programme is aimed at: graduates who want to develop a career path in the food industry in the area of product development, for students who have not followed an undergraduate programme in food science or technology, and for professionals working in the food industry who want to participate in the programme, either in a part-time mode or by following a continuing professional development (CPD) model. Students with backgrounds in Biology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Biotechnology and Hospitality are encouraged to join the programme.

This new programme is intended to prepare graduates from a life science or catering background for careers as professional Product Development Scientists, based upon a clear understanding and competency of science-based subjects.

Please note that as part of the compulsory courses below students will sit the Level 3 award in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) for Food Manufacturing course offered by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).

The aims of the programme are:

- To innovate and find practical solutions in value added activities

- To develop insight into the development of healthy and nutritious food

- To provide the ability to enhance creativity and sustainability within the food chain

- To enhance employability skills and tools required by the food chain.

Visit the website http://www.gre.ac.uk/pg/engsci/foodinnov

Food and Agricultural Sciences

The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) has an internationally-recognised academic reputation and provides taught postgraduate courses in a wonderful environment for students.

NRI provide research, consultancy, training and advisory services to underpin sustainable development, economic growth and poverty reduction. The majority of our activities focus on the harnessing of natural and human capital for the benefit of developing countries, though much of our expertise has proved to be of growing relevance to industrialised nations.

What you'll study

- Marketing, Innovation and Management (30 credits)
- New Product and Process Development 1 (30 credits)
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Planning for Professional and Personal Development (15 credits)
- Research Project (60 credits)
- One 30-credit option from: Innovations in Food Packaging; Human Nutrition and Public Health; Applied Food Microbiology; Applied Food Chemistry and Biochemistry (30 credits)

Fees and finance

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:
- Postgraduate finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/pg)
- International students' finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/international)

Assessment

Examinations and essays, class based tests, presentations and tutorials, reports of (tutor-led) laboratory and field-based activities, and reports of independent project work.

Career options

Our graduates often pursue a career path in the food industry in the area of product development.

Find out how to apply here - http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/apply

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Course Starts September, January or May

Course Description

This course, offered by a leading research institute in grass-microbe-animal interactions in relation to sustainable efficient farming, is aimed at professionals working within the agri-food sector. It provides students with an in-depth understanding of the components of ruminant production and mixed farming systems, focussing on the latest research into how these systems can be made more sustainable and efficient.

The aim of this Professional Doctorate programme is to produce a qualification which, whilst being equivalent in status and challenge to a PhD, is more appropriate for those pursuing professional rather than academic careers. Our DAg programme comprises taught modules and two work-based research projects, carried out through two-day workshops, distance learning and a mixture of live and virtual supervisory meetings. While the primary academic focus is on the completion of an advanced piece of research, the collaborative route provided by a work-based research project provides an ideal opportunity to embed new knowledge in the work place and ensure that research is relevant to industry. As such, it is crucial that a student’s employer is supportive of both their research aims and the time commitment that the proposed research will involve. Self-employed students should aim to undertake research which will be closely aligned to their business.

Modules

The ATP DAg is delivered in two parts:

Part I is undertaken for a minimum of two years and comprises two taught modules from the ATP menu*, a taught ‘Research Methodologies’ module; and a portfolio of work or a research thesis (approximately 20,000 words in length). Each taught module is worth 20 credits and takes 12-14 weeks to complete. The short Part 1 thesis should involve analysing existing data from the candidate’s workplace. For example: Reviewing historical mineral deficiency data by species and region; analysing and interpreting the findings. Students may exit here with an MRes.

Part II is undertaken for a minimum of three years and comprises a longer portfolio of work or a research thesis (up to 60,000 words). It will involve experimentation and must embody the methodology and results of original research. It should, ideally, be built upon the Part 1 thesis. Thus, from the example above, could be something like: Changing practices and introducing innovation to combat mineral deficiencies.

* Optional taught modules - some of which are delivered by Bangor University (BU) - may be chosen from:

• Genetics and Genomics
• Grassland Systems
• Home-Grown Feeds
• Organic and Low Input Ruminant Production
• Ruminant Gut Microbiology
• Ruminant Health & Welfare
• Ruminant Nutrition
• Global Ruminant Production
• Silage Science
• Farm Business Management
• Plant Breeding
• Agro Ecosystems Services (BU)
• Carbon Footprinting & Life Cycle Assessment (BU)
• Resource Efficient Farming (BU)
• Soil Management (BU)
• Upland Farming (BU)

Each module is worth 20 credits and takes 12-14 weeks to complete.

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Cranfield's Food Chain Systems MSc has been developed as a result of extensive industry-led research. It represents a unique offering within the UK and Europe in that it examines the whole of the food chain from pre-harvest to market through the integration of science, technology and management. The holistic approach of the MSc responds to the increasingly integrated food supply chain ('farm to fork') and will equip you with the relevant knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities in today's food industry.

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World-class microbiological research takes place in Newcastle in medical sciences, biological sciences, and civil engineering and geosciences. We welcome MPhil research proposals in all three of these fields. We are well funded and this creates a vibrant and dynamic environment for postgraduate study.

We offer MPhi supervision in:

Medical sciences

The Centre of Bacterial Cell Biology researches fundamental aspects of the cell biology and biochemistry of bacteria, providing scientific insights crucial for the discovery and development of new antibiotics, as well as providing solutions to a huge range of industrial and environmental problems. Other research interests include:
-Chromosome replication and segregation
-Transcription and translation
-Protein structure, function and engineering
-Cell envelope, growth and division
-Synthetic biology, development and gene regulation
-Bacterium-host interactions

Biological sciences

The Applied and Environmental Microbiology Group researches:
-Microbial biology in a range of habitats
-Discovery of natural products, eg antibiotics
-Reduction of food spoilage
-Production of biofuels, bioremediation of polluted environments
-Pathogens and host–pathogen interactions in a range of diseases including those in plants and coral reefs

Civil engineering and geosciences

The multidisciplinary research of Civil Engineering and Geosciences contributes fundamental advances in:
-Microbial ecology
-Environmental microbiology
-Environmental engineering and Earth systems
-Biogeochemistry
-Microbiological aspects of engineered and natural environments
-Anaerobic crude oil degradation in petroleum reservoirs
-Engineered biological treatment systems
-The microbial ecology of climatically significant processes such as methane cycling

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Course summary

Research degrees are ideal for those wishing to study for a PhD and/or those aiming to improve their laboratory and practical skills. Students wishing to study for a PhD must identify a project supervisor with whom they work to develop a project outline.

Key features

-Intensive period of independent laboratory based training

Career opportunities

Possible careers include: academic/research positions; pharmaceutical industry; biotech companies; environmental agencies; entrepreneurship; patent or science communication

The University welcomes research degree applications in the following areas:

-Biochemistry and cell biology
-Biosensors
-Cancer
-Computational biology
-Ecology, conservation and environmental policy
-Environmental biotechnology and sustainability
-Forensic science
-Immunology
-Kidney disease and diabetes
-Metabolic disease
-Microbiology
-Neuroscience
-Pharmacology

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MPhil supervision covers a number of research topics supported by research active academic staff. Our broad range of research areas relate to land use, natural resources and environmental change; rural planning, community governance and resilience; rural change, culture and wellbeing; and rural economy, enterprise and innovation.

Areas of research include:
-Impact and implications of ‘local-global’ processes and relationships for rural areas
-Characteristics and performance of rural businesses and households
-Rural governance
-Demographic ageing and social change
-Living with environmental change

Opportunities are available for postgraduate research in the following areas:

Land use, natural resources and environmental change

-Multifunctional land use and the evolving role of small farms
-Land use and food security
-The management and governance of natural resources
-Agri-environment policy
-Environmental valuation and choice modelling
-Access to land for outdoor recreation and leisure
-Protected areas management

Rural planning, community governance and resilience

-Relationship between rural development policy and communities in a changing political landscape
-Rural policies and the role of communities in policy development
-Neo-endogenous or networked rural development
-Rural housing and trends in counter-urbanisation
-Community asset management
-Rural partnerships and stakeholder relationships
-Community resilience

Rural change, culture and wellbeing

-Perceptions of rurality
-Rural social change
-The role of rural women
-The needs of a changing rural community
-Wellbeing and quality of life
-Rural social capital
-Social exclusion and rural poverty
-Changing perceptions of farming

Rural economy, enterprise and innovation

-Rural enterprise and its economic contribution
-Innovation and entrepreneurialism
-Networks and knowledge exchange
-The nature and needs of rural enterprise
-Technological adoption and innovation in agriculture
-Linkages between urban and rural economies
-Business collaboration and networking
-Expertise and knowledge exchange
-Social and community enterprise
-The green economy

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MPhil supervision covers a number of topics supported by research active academic staff. We conduct research in all areas of food and society, including subjects which require collaboration between the social and natural sciences, and translate research into policy recommendations.

Our research primarily involves food systems, food consumption and food marketing:
-Consumer studies in food, food provisioning and behaviour change
-Perceived risk associated with food and food production
-Food supply chains and territorial development
-International political economy of food and agriculture
-Risk-benefit communication
-Acceptance of novel food and technologies within the value chain

Opportunities are available for postgraduate research in the following areas.

Understanding and measuring societal and individual responses to risks and benefits
-Food, nutrition and healthy dietary choices
-Sustainable consumption and the reduction of food waste
-Food safety and authenticity throughout the supply chain
-Emerging food technologies

Developing new methodologies for assessing socio-economic impacts of food risks and communication strategies and other public health interventions related to food choice
-Systematic review
-Evidence synthesis
-Systems thinking
-Bayesian networks
-Rapid evidence assessment

Employing qualitative and quantitative methodologies to understand attitudes and behaviours related to food
-Microbiological food hazards
-Personalised nutrition
-Food authenticity
-Societal and consumer responses to emerging food production technologies
-Behaviour change in relation to food
-Food waste

Stakeholder analysis and effectiveness of public engagement
-Research agenda setting
-Policy and governance, in the area of emerging food technologies
-Food and agricultural policy issues

Integrating social and natural science into the development of predictive models of food security to provide evidence for policy translation in the agrifood sector.
-Bayesian networks
-Systems thinking

Delivery

We offer a number of different routes to a research degree qualification, including full-time and part-time supervised research projects. We attract postgraduates via non-traditional routes, including mature students and part-time postgraduates undertaking study as part of their continuing professional development. Off-campus (split) research is also offered, which enables you to conduct trials in conditions appropriate to your research programme.

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