Medical Molecular Microbiology

Syllabus

The programme will cover the advanced study of molecular methods for the study of microorganisms (particularly bacteria, fungi) in the laboratory and in natural environments, the molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis, the molecular basis of growth and form in microorganisms and the manipulation of microorganisms for biotechnological purposes.

A full range of transferable skills will be developed over the programme, which places a strong emphasis on self-learning and IT-based approaches as well as cutting-edge practical techniques. Each student will receive an intensive training in laboratory skills and will be expected to pass a basic laboratory competency test before entering the research environment to undertake a 16-week project.

The programme will be based around five modules that will develop both knowledge and interpretation skills. Entry to the programme will begin with a short induction course. The University has excellent library facilities and strong support for IT, which will be exploited to the full in student-centered learning.

Assessment

Assessment will be primarily through course work (essays, oral presentations, laboratory performance and project thesis). Two examination papers will be based on understanding of research techniques and the analysis of original data.

Dedication

12 months, full-time.