Parasitology and Pathogen Biology MSc drafted

Program Overview

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The MSc programme in Parasitology and Pathogen Biology is designed for students seeking training in parasite-borne infectious diseases that severely undermine: human health in the developing world and tropics; agri-food production systems globally (including plant health and animal health and welfare).

Students taking the course will develop expertise directly applicable to human, plant and animal health and welfare, food security and the future sustainability of food production, particularly within livestock and plant/crop production systems.

The course will be run entirely by research active and will offer students the opportunity to gain experience in internationally competitive laboratories.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2023 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

Please note a deposit may be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details.

Parasitology and Pathogen Biology highlights

The School of Biological Sciences was the first school of Biological Sciences in the UK to achieve a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award;we retained the award again in 2016.

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Career Development

The MSc programme embraces the One Health approach to these infectious diseases, with strong recognition of the interplay between health and disease at the dynamic interface between humans, animals and the environment. In addition to embedded generic skills training, students will have the opportunity to acquire subject-specific skills training, e.g. molecular biology techniques, diagnostics, epidemiology (human, animal and plant diseases), drug/vaccine development, pathogen management/control, host-parasite interaction, immunobiology, drug resistance and the potential impact of climate change on parasites and their vectors. The transferable skill set and knowledge base acquired from the programme will equip students with a highly desirable qualification that is suited to those wishing to pursue careers in human health/infectious disease, animal health, veterinary medicine, animal/plant biology, pharmaceutical sciences and food security.

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Student Experience

In addition to the taught elements of the course, MSc students will undertake a research project working in research active laboratories (academic or industrial), or in the field, e.g. the impact of helminth infections on animal welfare, the economic impact of parasites on agriculture, the role of vectors in emerging diseases, the ecology of zoonotic diseases, the molecular basis of anthelmintic resistance, emerging technologies for drug discovery, the pathology of infection, parasite immunomodulation of the host.

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Course content

Program Outline

Course Structure

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Introduction

The MSc programme in Parasitology and Pathogen Biology is designed for students seeking training in parasite-borne infectious diseases that severely undermine: human health in the developing world and tropics; agri-food production systems globally (including plant health and animal health and welfare). Students taking the course will develop expertise directly applicable to human, plant and animal health and welfare, food security and the future sustainability of food production, particularly within livestock and plant/crop production systems. Students undertaking this MSc course will study the following modules: Core Modules: Key Skills in Parasitology (40 CATS) Parasitology 1 (Foundations in Parasitology and Pathogens) (30 CATS) Parasitology II (Advanced Parasitology) (30 CATS) Research Project (60 CATS) Optional Module (student choose one of the following three): Literature Review (20 CATS) Bioinformatics (20 CATS) Mass Spectrometry (20 CATS)

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People teaching you

Professor Nikki Marks

Professor

School of Biological Sciences

n.marks@qub.ac.uk

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Teaching Times

Teaching times will be across morning and afternoon, at various times throughout the week.

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Career Prospects

Introduction

The skills set and knowledge acquired will equip you with a comprehensive academic and methodological repertoire to undertake careers in agriculture, plant science, animal and human health, pharmaceutica, academia and food security.

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Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

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At Queen’s, we deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential.

In addition to laboratory teaching it is envisaged that participants will also acquire field experience in vector and parasite sampling and control methodologies.

Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course include; lectures, practical experiences, E-Learning technologies, self-directed study and added value qualifications to enhance employability.

Teaching times will be across morning and afternoon, at various times throughout the week.

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Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

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The award of the MSc in Parasitology and Pathogen Biology is based on continuous assessment of coursework, examinations and assessment of modules based on submitted work related to private, individual study.

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Overview

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Modules

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Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2022/23). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

Year 1

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Core Modules

Research Project (Parasitology)

(60 credits)

Key Skills in Parasitology

(40 credits)

Parasitology II (Advanced Parasitology)

(30 credits)

Parasitology 1 (Foundations in Parasitology and Pathogens)

(30 credits)

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Optional Modules

Bioinformatics and Systems Biology

(20 credits)

Literature Review (Parasitology)

(20 credits)

Biological Mass Spectrometry: Methods and Applications

(20 credits)

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Course content

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Entry Requirements

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Career Prospects

Introduction

The skills set and knowledge acquired will equip you with a comprehensive academic and methodological repertoire to undertake careers in agriculture, plant science, animal and human health, pharmaceutica, academia and food security.

Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

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Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

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Entry requirements

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Fees and Funding