Masters Degrees in Medical Microbiology, United Kingdom

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.

Programme structure

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.

• Bacterial, Protozoal and Fungal Infections Part 1: Diseases
• Bacterial, Protozoal and Fungal Diseases Part 2: Treatment
• Introduction to Immunology
• Pathogenesis of Infectious Diseases 2
• Viral Infections
• Epidemiology, Disease Control and Public Health
• Management of Scientific Research
• Microbial Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Research Project

Short courses

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.

Who is the programme for?

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:

• Diagnostic microbiology staff
• Pharmaceutical research personnel
• Veterinary laboratory staff
• Food and water laboratory personnel

Other applicants seeking an understanding of the advances in modern medical microbiology and its associated disciplines will also be considered. This includes:

• Clinicians
• Public health personnel
• Nurses

Educational aims of the programme

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.

Programme learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

• Medical Microbiology and its underlying scientific basis
• Analytical skills to allow interpretation of data and formulation of conclusions
• Managerial and research skills required for further professional development as scientists

Intellectual / cognitive skills

• Appraise scientific literature
• Critically analyse new developments in technology
• Formulate hypothesis
• Critically analyse experimental data
• Design experiments

Professional practical skills

• Analyse numerical data using appropriate statistical packages and computer packages
• Articulate experimental data effectively through oral and written work
• Apply key Medical Microbiology laboratory skills to academic research
• Compose an original experiment independently

Key / transferable skills

• Critically analyse literature and data
• Solve problems
• Evaluate and exploit new technology
• Reason effectively
• Time management whilst working independently and as a team member
• Interrogate data using statistical and numerical skills
• Prepare high quality assignments using Information Technology including specialist packages

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.

Learn more about opportunities that might be available for this particular programme by using our student exchanges search tool.

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This programme combines taught modules with extensive research training, increasing your scientific understanding of Medical Microbiology whilst developing your critical and analytical skills.

You will study theoretical aspects of Medical Microbiology which encompass: 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.

The extensive research experience you receive differentiates this Euromasters programme from all other UK MSc Medical Microbiology programmes, and allows us to produce graduates highly sought-after by employers.

Programme structure

This programme is studied full-time over two academic years. It consists of twelve 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.

• Viral Infections 
• Managing Research 
• Epidemiology, Disease control and Public Health
• Microbial Genetics and Molecular Biology 
• Bacterial, Protozoal and Fungal Diseases: Diseases
• Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
• Introduction to Immunology 
• Pathogenesis of Infectious Diseases 
• Research Methods 1 
• Research Methods 2 
• Critical Review of the Scientific Literature
• Journal Club
• Research project

Short courses

Most of 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).

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.

Career prospects

Medical Microbiology (Euromasters) graduates are working in senior research positions in industry, academia or the public sector in the UK and around the world. Others have gone on to apply the extensive research experience obtained during the programme to study for a PhD.

Many part-time students already working in the public or private sector receive a promotion as a result of their qualification, having significantly improved their practice during the course.

Educational aims of the programme

This full-time two year programme is intended primarily for those who already have some practicalexperience in medical microbiology or a closely related field. Those who undertake this MSc will aspire to become leaders in their profession.

The programme therefore aims to provide a strong scientific and intellectual platform on which further development can be built, including the ability to evaluate and exploit new technology.

The programme will develop students’ ability to conceive, execute and manage full-time research projects with the aim of equipping students for careers in microbiology research.

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:

Knowledge and understanding

• Medical Microbiology and its underlying scientific basis
• Analytical skills to allow interpretation of data and formulation of conclusions
• Managerial and research skills required for further professional development as scientists

Intellectual / cognitive skills

• Appraise scientific literature
• Critically analyse new developments in technology
• Formulate hypothesis
• Critically analyse experimental data
• Design experiments

Professional practical skills

• Analyse numerical data using appropriate statistical packages and computer packages
• Articulate experimental data effectively through oral and written work
• Apply key Medical Microbiology laboratory skills to academic research
• Compose an original experiment independently

Key / transferable skills

• Critically analyse literature and data
• Solve problems
• Evaluate and exploit new technology
• Reason effectively
• Time management whilst working independently and as a team member
• Interrogate data using statistical and numerical skills
• Prepare high quality assignments using Information Technology including specialist packages

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.

Learn more about opportunities that might be available for this particular programme by using our student exchanges search tool.

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Our course is ideal if you are a graduate looking to develop your skills as a microbiologist.

The MSc and postgraduate diploma in Medical Microbiology are intensive full-time or part-time postgraduate taught courses encompassing the medical and molecular aspects of bacteriology, virology, mycology and immunity to infection.

Our microbiology course is unique because you will spend much of your time actually in the laboratory, learning how to be a microbiologist.

We aim to give you a significant level of theoretical and practical understanding of the subject, which will be important if you want to follow a career in clinical sciences or academic and industrial research.

The course runs in parallel with the MSc in Medical Virology and the MSc in Medical Mycology.

The MSc Medical Microbiology course has its roots in a prestigious qualification developed in the early 1920s by Professor WWC Topley.
As such, it can be considered to be the oldest taught postgraduate microbiology qualification in the country, and probably in the world.

Aims

We aim to provide you with an understanding of the scientific basis of traditional and modern microbiological concepts.
In addition, you will develop the knowledge, specialist practical skills and critical awareness needed to pursue a career in medical microbiology.

Special features

This course has a significant component of practical-based teaching, ensuring that you gain maximum exposure to the practical and theoretical aspects of a wide range of clinically relevant pathogens. You will gain practical skills that are valued by potential employers.

Teaching and learning

Teaching is delivered using lectures, seminars, tutorials and comprehensive practical classes.

Other teaching includes the use of face-to-face sessions and blended learning methods with some material delivered and assessed online.

Coursework and assessment

You will be assessed via continual assessment and formal theory and practical examinations. The course is delivered by academics from the University and NHS specialists in infectious disease and medical microbiology.

Career opportunities

Our graduates typically find employment in the NHS and related organisations, or as medical microbiologists in industrial and pharmaceutical settings.

In addition, many graduates progress to PhD study and a research or academic career.

Accrediting organisations

The MSc is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Scientists (IBMS).

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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 is designed to give you the opportunity to study and analyse the theoretical and practical basis of medical microbiology and many of the specialist areas within it. You will gain greater insight into the importance and role of medical microbiology, with an emphasis on cutting edge areas such as molecular diagnostics and genomics, emerging pathogens and antibiotic resistance.

You will study a range of core and option modules that will allow you to tailor studies to your own requirements. You will expand your knowledge of the basic science and analytical techniques relating to medical microbiology and gain an up-to-date understanding of the application of medical microbiology in bioscience/pharmaceutical research, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic medicine. There will be an emphasis in the course on development of critical analysis skills in assessment of scientific literature and laboratory data. In addition you will have the opportunity to design and execute your own research project. The course team is supported by visiting lecturers who are practising scientists in the field, which helps to ensure that taught material is current and relevant.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Core modules
-CLINICAL ASPECTS OF MICROBIAL PHYSIOLOGY AND CHEMOTHERAPY
-INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
-MOLECULAR SCIENCE AND DIAGNOSTICS
-POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH METHODS
-POSTGRADUATE PROJECT

Option modules
-AUTOMATION IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
-COMMUNICATING SCIENCE
-EXTENDED POSTGRADUATE PROJECT
-IMMUNOPATHOLOGY
-MOLECULAR BIOINFORMATICS
-PRINCIPLES OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE
-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY

Professional recognition

The course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Associated careers

As well as gaining knowledge and skills in medical microbiology and other associated subject areas you will develop numerous other skills that are designed to make you competitive in the jobs market. Some students will already be working in healthcare and public health laboratories in the UK and overseas while others will be gaining the skills they need to work as a Biomedical or Clinical Scientist.

The course will also allow you to work in industry including the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors as well as regulatory affairs. You will also be well prepared for a career in research including further study at PhD level.

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This programme is designed to give graduates specialist knowledge (both theoretical and practical) of the strategies and techniques of medical microbiology as practised in research and clinical contexts. Graduates will gain up-to-date, relevant and applied experience of medical microbiology, acquire in-depth knowledge together with a broad knowledge of the subject base and acquire skills for practice at Higher Specialist level. The completion of a research project enables the graduate to understand the process and communication of scientific enquiry.

This degree is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.

Non means-tested loans of up to a maximum of £10,000 will be available to postgraduate master’s students.

Features and benefits of the course

-Our postgraduate Biomedical Science, Medical Microbiology, Cellular Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry and Haematology & Transfusion degree programmes are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
-Our biomedical research group is amongst the top 12 in the UK. In the 2014 national Research Excellence Framework, biomedical science research was rated highly with some of our research rated as world leading.
-Our Centre for Biomedicine represent one of the highest concentrations of health research excellence in the UK. We have an international reputation for research into the characteristics, limitations and adaptability of the human motor system in health and disease through an integrative approach that ranges from molecular biology to whole body studies of human movement.
-The School offers excellent facilities including specialist laboratories for blood biochemistry, biomechanics, motor control, exercise performance, cell & molecular biology and tissue culture.
-We collaborate extensively with hospitals in Greater Manchester and can offer opportunities for research projects in clinically relevant areas.
-The programme includes opportunities for flexible learning supported by tutorials.
-You will acquire an in-depth knowledge of a biomedical science specialism together with a broad knowledge of the subject base.
-We have strong links with the Institute of Biomedical Science, the Health and Care Professions Council, the NHS trusts and hospitals in Manchester and the North West region, which keep our biomedical science curriculum up-to-date.
-The programme includes opportunities for flexible learning supported by tutorials.
-You will acquire an in-depth knowledge of a biomedical science specialism together with a broad knowledge of the subject base.

About the Course

All of our postgraduate degree programmes in Healthcare Science are built on the core values of the NHS to develop professional, dedicated and compassionate healthcare science professionals and they are underpinned by the latest research within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

We collaborate extensively with hospitals in the Greater Manchester area and can offer opportunities for research projects in clinically relevant areas. Re-accreditation by the Institute of Biomedical Science is in progress.

You will be assessed by critical reviews, presentations, self-managed study, extended essays and examinations. Evidence based practice and a major research project complete the MSc.

Assessment details

You will be assessed by critical reviews, presentations, self-managed study, extended essays and examinations. Evidence based practice and a major research complete the MSc.

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This MSc programme is built on the combined expertise in microbiology and infection that has been assembled through the establishment of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection at Birmingham.

It draws on the internationally recognized expertise of members of both the College of Life and Environmental Sciences and College of Medical and Dental Sciences to provide a course that will be attractive to aspiring biomedical scientists and clinical microbiologists worldwide.

Students graduating from this course can look forward to gaining a thorough grounding in this important area, with job opportunities throughout the public and private sector, as well as in research settings.

This course will provide graduates in the Biosciences with a sound theoretical background and hands-on laboratory experience in leading-edge microbiology. Students will gain specialist knowledge and insight in key aspects of bacterial infection.

The Institute of Microbiology and Infection at Birmingham brings together a group of researchers and lecturers from the College of Life and Environmental Sciences and the College of Medical and Dental Sciences with expertise in a wide range of aspects of microbiology in infectious disease. The MSc Microbiology and Infection draws on this expertise to highlight the impact of recent advances in understanding of microbes in infection.

The course will enable students to develop basic abilities and skills on which to build professional capability in a healthcare or related microbiology or biomedical research setting.

About the School of Biosciences

As one of the top biosciences departments in the UK, our research covers the entire spectrum of cutting-edge biosciences. We are home to the Institute of Microbiology and Infection and part of the University’s Systems Science for Health initiative.
Our research focuses on a number of important themes that run through modern biological and biochemical research: Biosystems and Environmental Change; Microbiology and Infection; Molecules, Cells, Signalling and Health; and Plant Science.
Our postgraduate students join a diverse international community of staff and students. For students on research degrees, the annual Biosciences Graduate Research Symposium, organised by PhD students, is an example of an event where the whole School comes together to talk about science.
We have extensive high-technology facilities in areas such as functional genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, including a world-class Advanced Mass Spectrometry Facility. Our cutting-edge facilities extend to protein structure determination and analysis, confocal microscopy, drug discovery, horticulture, structural biology and optical imaging. The £8 million Phenome Centre Birmingham is a large metabolic phenotyping facility led by internationally recognised metabolomics and clinical experts at the University of Birmingham, in collaboration with Birmingham Health Partners.

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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Why choose this course?

This course is delivered by specialists, who are engaged in cutting-edge research, and a variety of visiting specialist lecturers, ranging from Hospital Consultants to Senior Biomedical Scientists. These sessions, which specifically focus on developing areas of biomedical science common to all associated disciplines, include recent advances in genetics and immunology, which will equip you with the skills necessary to either complement your clinical laboratory responsibilities if you are currently employed, or to provide you with essential skills needed for seeking future employment or starting a research career. The course is also a suitable stepping-stone for those considering a career in biomedical research.

The course we provide leads to an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited MSc Award. As an Institution we have held accredited status for this award for over 25 years, and this is borne out by its continued accreditation by our professional body.

Please note: although this MSc is accredited by the IBMS, completion of this course does not allow you to practice as a registered Biomedical Scientist. To do that, you would need to have studied out Accredited Undergraduate Award and completed your registration portfolio. If you are interested in our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science award please click here

Find out more about how you will study Biomedical Science & Physiology

What happens on the course?

Typical modules may include

· Molecular Genetics & Genomics

· Principles of Integrated Biomedical Science

· Clinical Immunology

· Medical Microbiology

· Independent Study Module 1 or 2

· Research Methods in Biomedical Science

Why Wolverhampton?

IBMS accredited for 30 years

• extensive local hospital links
• cutting edge lectures from hospital consultants and senior biomedical scientists
• Innovative teaching methods

· Highly research-focused environment: you can take projects in the workplace or in our state-of-the-art new laboratories

· Biomedical Science Research Project

Career Path

The full-time MSc Biomedical Science route is attractive if you are seeking an academic research career and/or wish to make yourself highly employable in a research laboratory, University Laboratory or in the pharmaceutical industry. You may also wish to continue with a research career, and study towards a PhD.

The part-time route (also available as specialist routes in Medical Microbiology, Clinical Biochemistry, Cellular Pathology or Haematology) is designed for students in full-time employment in biomedical laboratories who are allowed day-release by their employers to improve their professional knowledge.

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The Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) Masters at Middlesex in London is designed to provide you with advanced knowledge and skills required for a career working in a diagnostic or research laboratory.

It covers the fundamental aspects of molecular and cellular biology and modern bio-analytical techniques used for studying cells and microbes. In addition, the course includes a study of pathogenic microbes, epidemiology, infection control, laboratory investigation of infectious diseases, vaccination and immunisation.

We also cover legal and ethical issues related to biomedical research. Our specialist staff, who include microbiologists, cellular pathologists, molecular biologists and biochemists, will provide you with a sound basis in order to pursue research to PhD level.

Course highlights:

Specialist staff include microbiologists, cellular pathologist, molecular biologist and biochemists
Emphasis on the development of laboratory skills
Focus on contemporary issues in medical microbiology

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This course, accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, provides an in-depth understanding of disease processes. It links academic knowledge to the practical applications of biomedical science, particularly in relation to modern diagnostic methods. You can choose to study one of two pathways – haematology or medical microbiology. Taught by researchers and expert practitioners, the course content is kept up to date through extensive links with leading healthcare and research laboratories such as GlaxoSmithKline, the Institute of Cancer Research and local hospitals.

-Employability is embedded within the curriculum to maximise job opportunities in a wide variety of biomedical-science-related careers including hospital and commercial laboratories, research, teaching and sales.
-Research-led and research-informed teaching with increased opportunities for postgraduate research and 'capstone' projects.
-Research projects possible within one of our research groups or as part of an industrial placement.
-Single modules may be taken as part of a continuing professional development (CPD) programme.

What will you study?

Core modules will familiarise you with the theoretical and practical aspects of molecular medicine used in research and hospital laboratories; the molecular basis of immunological mechanisms; and cellular mechanisms of disease, the physiological manifestations and implications to public health. You will learn about the principles and practice of laboratory management in biomedical science, and you will acquire the skills required for researching and communicating in biomedical science. You will also study modules in your elected specialist route. In addition to subject-specific knowledge, the course aims to develop your communication and other skills.

Assessment

Essays, practical reports, critical analysis, poster presentations, written exam, research project.

Work placement scheme

Kingston University has set up a scheme that allows postgraduate students in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing to include a work placement element in their course starting from September 2017. The placement scheme is available for both international and home/EU students.

-The work placement, up to 12 months; is optional.
-The work placement takes place after postgraduate students have successfully completed the taught portion of their degree.
-The responsibility for finding the placement is with the student. We cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it.
-As the work placement is an assessed part of the course for international students, this is covered by a student's tier 4 visa.

Details on how to apply will be confirmed shortly.

Course structure

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Core modules
-Research Techniques and Scientific Communication
-Immunology and the Biology of Disease
-Research Project

Haematology modules
-Anaemia, Haemostasis and Blood Transfusion
-Haematological Malignancy

Medical Microbiology modules
-Taxonomy of Microorganisms and Diagnosis of Infectious Disease
-Microbial Pathogenesis and Control of Infectious Disease

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The programme will provide the underpinning academic learning for the continuing professional development of biomedical scientists. Teaching will be delivered by day release (part time students) or full time study and distance learning methods. The programme includes input by specialism experts in NHS service roles and delivers research-informed teaching from within a research-rich environment.

Throughout the programme inter-professional learning is strongly encouraged as the students study with other healthcare science professionals and clinicians who are following the MSc in Clinical microbiology or the MSc Clinical Science(Infection Science).

Compulsory modules:

- Introduction to clinical microbiology
- Molecular biology and pathogenesis
- Professional and research skills
- Public health and communicable disease control
- Antimicrobials
- Clinical microbiology and infection control
- Laboratory management
- Research Project and Dissertation

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Your programme of study

If Biology is your passion Microbiology at Aberdeen allows you to understand advances in microbiology, adaptation, host-pathogen interactions and infection and disease processes. You learn with established and renowned international researchers and there are opportunities to learn and apply knowledge in practical situations. You also learn about applied statistics methods, bioinformatics and immunology plus regulation and genome enabled medicines.

This programme is designed to provide advanced training in molecular microbiology. You will investigate molecular microbiology, host-pathogen interactions and immune system interactions by pathogens, environmental microbiology, and the core physiology and biochemistry of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Bioinformatics and biotechnology areas are currently in high growth within innovation markets due to major advances in the discipline areas, IOT and Photonics advances and customised methods of treating disease at source within advanced stratified medicine for example. Careers upon graduation can include hospital diagnostics, pathology laboratories and microbiology research. There is a lot of scope to develop innovation in this subject area if you continue to apply innovative research towards new solutions within biological patents.  Scottish innovation centres http://www.innovationcentres.scot/innovation-centres/ you may be interested in finding out about if you want to continue within research and innovation at SMS-IC, IBioIC, DHI and CENSIS or if you live within England the CPI. All of these innovation centres allow for exciting new research and upstream testing towards new spin out companies or product lines. You may also be interested in continuing your studies to PhD in order to teach.

Courses listed for the programme

Semester 1

Basic Skills - Induction

Introduction to Microbiology

Applied Statistics

Bioinformatics

Generic Skills

Semester 2

Regulation in Microbial Biochemistry

Genome -Enabled Medicine

Research Tutorials

Host-Pathogen Reactions

Semester 3

Masters Research Project

Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/184/microbiology/

Why study at Aberdeen?

• Aberdeen is a top 10 university to study MSc Microbiology at one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe
• You are taught by world renowned researchers from Aberdeen Fungal Group to MRC Centre for Medical Mycology status
• The University if ranked 9th in the world and 5th in Europe for international research collaboration in Biomedical and Health Sciences (Leiden 2015)

Where you study

• University of Aberdeen
• Full Time or Part Time
• 12 months or 24 months
• September start

International Student Fees 2017/2018

Find out about fees:

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/tuition-fees-and-living-costs-287.php

*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.

Scholarships

View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/finance-funding-1599.php

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/funding/

Living in Aberdeen

Find out more about:

• Your Accommodation
• Campus Facilities
• Aberdeen City
• Student Support
• Clubs and Societies

Find out more about living in Aberdeen:

https://abdn.ac.uk/study/student-life

Living costs

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/finance.php

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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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This MRes Molecular Microbiology course will provide you with a strong grounding in microbial genetics and molecular biology, through the exploration of microbial structure, physiology, and behaviour at the molecular level. The course includes optional modules for you to select depending upon your aspirations and interests.

The MRes courses are divided into a taught element (60 credit points) and a laboratory-based research project (120 credit points). You will complete the extended research project in one of our highly rated research teams.

This exciting MSc Molecular Microbiology course is designed to provide you with a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the molecular biology of micro-organisms. You'll study the key concepts associated with molecular microbiology and use these when considering their role in health, disease and in the natural environment.

Practical work forms a large proportion of your learning to ensure that you have extensive skills for employment or research and there is an emphasis on developing knowledge and understanding such that you acquire the skills, qualities and attributes expected by employers or for postgraduate research.

The MSc is divided into 60 credit point taught modules and the research project is worth 60 credit points.

Modules

• Research methods and bioethics
• Research project
• Molecular microbiology
• Microbial diagnostics
• Medical microbiology
• Business and enterprise
• Techniques in macromolecular analysis

COME VISIT US ON OUR NEXT OPEN DAY!

Visit us on campus throughout the year, find and register for our next open event on http://www.ntu.ac.uk/pgevents.

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This is a research-based degree, providing you with essential training in scientific research methodology and data analysis, as well as specific scientific techniques appropriate to the research microbiologist.

The course draws from the Department of Biological Sciences research strengths and expertise in cell biology of infectious diseases, host-parasite relationships and drug discovery across a wide range of infectious pathogens/bacteriology, mycology and parasitology. You will undertake a research project in the laboratories of internationally recognised researchers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Designed for people who want to learn about the nature of microbes - and how to work with them.
• Also suitable for microbiologists who want to update and expand their knowledge.
• Department awarded the highest grading for quality of teaching and learning in the latest Quality Assurance Agency assessment.
• In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK, with a research environment supporting world-leading and internationally excellent research.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The programme consists of lectures and practicals, with a research project in the second year. All modules are compulsory.

Topics include:

• bacterial pathogenicity
• antimicrobials
• medical bacteriology
• molecular microbiology
• statistics
• parasitology
• medicinal chemistry
• research skills in microbiology.

COMPULSORY MODULES

• Antimicrobials
• Bacterial Pathogenicity
• Immune Responses to Disease
• Medical Bacteriology
• Medical Mycology
• Medicinal Chemistry of Natural Products
• Molecular Microbiology
• Parasitology
• Research in Microbiology
• Research Project MSc Microbiology

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