MSc Molecular Microbiology

The MSc Molecular Microbiology program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the molecular biology of microorganisms and their interactions with the environment and human health.

Key Facts

• Start date: September
• Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time

Course Description

The course focuses on the molecular biology of important microbial pathogens and industrial microorganisms, studying the molecular mechanisms by which bacteria cause disease or can be exploited for the synthesis of biotechnologically important products. Students will develop knowledge and skills in areas such as genomics, molecular genetics, and synthetic biology, as well as gain transferable skills in statistics, communication, ethics, science writing, and critical analysis of data.

Course Content

• Semester 1:
  • Essential Skills and Employability for Masters Students (20 credits)
  • Postgraduate Studies in Microbiology (20 credits)
  • Entrepreneurship (10 credits)
  • Advanced Techniques in Biomedical Research 1 (10 credits)
  • In Vivo Biology (10 credits) or Drug Discovery (10 credits)
• Semester 2:
  • Advanced Techniques in Biomedical Research 2 (10 credits)
  • Advanced Topics in Biomedical Research (20 credits)
  • Postgraduate Studies in Clinical Microbiology (20 credits)
  • In Vivo Biology (10 credits) or Drug Discovery (10 credits)
• Summer Research Project:
  • 60 credits, with options for laboratory-based experimental projects, critical analysis, data analysis, or data-mining projects

Facilities

The course is taught in the Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, with state-of-the-art research facilities including a genome sequencer, protein purification facilities, mass spectrometers, and fluorescence microscopes.

Teaching Staff

The teaching staff includes experts in various fields of microbiology, such as membrane proteins, marine microorganisms, chromosome segregation, and antibiotic synthesis.

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements: Minimum second-class (2:2) Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a biological or chemical discipline.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 (with no component below 5.5)

Fees & Funding

• Scotland: £11,900
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £11,900
• Republic of Ireland: £11,900 (if meeting specific criteria)
• International: £31,250
• Available scholarships: Various options, including a Pre-Masters preparation course for international students

Careers

After graduating, students should be ideally qualified for positions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, as well as hospitals and universities. The course provides background training for a career in laboratory research posts, technical support, medical/pharmaceutical/life science sales, or academia, following a further PhD route.

Learning & Teaching

The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials, and hands-on practical sessions. Assessment of taught classes is through multiple choice tests, computer quizzes, problem-solving scenarios, poster and oral presentations, essays, and formal written exams. The laboratory project is assessed through a written thesis.

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Outline:

• Semester 1
• Essential Skills and Employability for Masters Students (20 credits)
• Postgraduate Studies in Microbiology (20 credits)
• Entrepreneurship (10 credits)
• Advanced Techniques in Biomedical Research 1 (10 credits)
• Elective Module (10 credits)
• In Vivo Biology (10 credits)
• Semester 2
• Advanced Techniques in Biomedical Research 2 (10 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Biomedical Research (20 credits)
• Postgraduate Studies in Clinical Microbiology (20 credits)
• Elective Module (10 credits)
• Drug Discovery (10 credits)
• Summer Research Project
• Choose from a selection of research project topics in areas such as genomics, molecular genetics, and synthetic biology.

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Assessment:

• Multiple choice tests
• Computer quizzes
• Problem-solving scenarios
• Poster and oral presentations
• Essays
• Formal written exams
• Written thesis for the laboratory project

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Teaching:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Hands-on practical sessions

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Careers:

• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
• Hospitals
• Universities
• Pharmaceutical & biotechnology industry laboratory research posts
• Laboratory technical support
• Medical/pharmaceutical/life science sales
• Academia

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Other:

• The course is taught in the Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences.
• State-of-the-art research facilities include:
• Genome sequencer
• Protein purification facilities
• Mass spectrometers
• Fluorescence microscopes

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| Tuition Fees (Annual) | Scotland - £10,800 |

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| | England, Wales & Northern Ireland - £10,800 |

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| | International - £27,500 |

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Overview:

• Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
• Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
• Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
• Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
• Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)

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Student Life:

• Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
• 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
• Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union

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Academics:

• Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
• Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
• Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
• Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
• Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
• Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
• Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
• Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
• Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center with a range of medical services
• Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
• Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
• Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
• Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation