Course summary

The MSc programme ‘Tropical Disease Biology’ provides advanced and research-informed contemporary learning in parasitology, microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, and the study of disease vectors and the pathogens they transmit in tropical and/or resource-limited regions of the world. Delivered by an internationally diverse team of research-active experts in their disciplines, the broad scope of the programme ranges across the biology, biochemistry, immunology, ecology, and population biology of the organisms of importance to public health in predominantly tropical regions of limited resource, and their associated epidemiology. The programme will give students the opportunity to develop employer-relevant transferable skills, producing independent and collaborative team workers, critical thinkers, adaptable problem-solvers, and as confident communicators in a range of environments. Experience in essential laboratory, field, and computing-based research techniques, as well as significant theoretical and applied practical knowledge in all important and topical areas of the field is further provided within core taught elements. Participants further demonstrate and apply their comprehensive understanding and critical awareness through completion of a research-based dissertation either overseas or in Liverpool, with opportunities to engage with professional and industrial bodies in global health as part of this process. Programme Structure The programme is offered within a dynamic research-led environment and its content is informed by the cutting-edge research activities of the academic staff. It is designed to enable the professional development of the student, to be relevant to students from both the UK and overseas and to promote approaches to study that will enable graduates to continue their learning into the future. The programme comprises an introductory induction period including a residential field course element at the start of the programme, taught modules totalling 120 credits and a 60 credit dissertation. A 20 credit module (5 ECTS credits) represents 200 hours of student learning activity including assessment and self-directed study. Many students carry out a laboratory or data/literature-based dissertation project in LSTM but students can opt to conduct a fieldwork-based project overseas. All types of project have the key aims of developing the students’ skills in formulating a research question, designing and implementing a research project and critically interpreting and presenting the findings. The timing of modules across the academic year recognises the financial and time constraints faced by LSTM students, some of whom are from overseas. To allow students to access LSTM programmes in an economical and time-efficient manner, there are only 2 weeks holiday scheduled over Christmas and 1 week during the Easter period. The modules available to students following the programme are shown in the programme specification. Required modules are necessary to achieve the programme learning outcomes and must be taken by all students following the programme. The optional modules listed have been identified as most suitable for contributing to the attainment of the programme learning outcomes. However, depending on their background or interests, students may opt to replace a recommended optional module with one offered as part of another LSTM MSc programme (Section 27c in specification), subject to the agreement of the Director of Studies and any restrictions on class size.