This programme has been designed specifically to provide theoretical background knowledge and practical skills training in the application of modern molecular techniques to the study of microbial pathogenesis. The focus is on selected pathogens that cause infections in humans and domesticated animals.
Content
The programme comprises a 12-week taught course entitled Molecular & practical aspects of bacterial pathogenicity, and two 18-week research projects.
The taught component comprises:
• 25 lectures on molecular pathogenesis of bacterial infection
• 4 laboratory classes from the above course
• Additional lectures in veterinary bacteriology
• 12 lectures on molecular methods plus additional laboratory classes
• Lectures and seminars from the Honours option course: Molecular approaches to bacterial pathogenicity.
Students also participate in the graduate school’s research skills training programme which includes sessions on:
• Experimental design
• Library skills (literature searching & review)
• Presentation skills
• Scientific writing
• Statistics
• Radiation protection
• Research ethics
• Laboratory safety
• IT skills.
The 18-week research projects are the main focus of the programme, they give real experience of cutting-edge research and allow significant scientific progress to be made. Project titles are chosen to reflect students’ interests and the skills that they wish to acquire. At the end of each project, students produce a scientific report and present their findings to the class.
Microbiologists involved are located in state-of-the-art buildings, which have outstanding facilities and equipment for research.
Research in the Division of Infection & Immunity was given the top score of 5* in the last UK Research Assessment Exercise.