Course summary

The MSc Medical Microbiology will equip students with the skills and in-depth knowledge required to have an impactful career in a range of sectors such. The programme will develop extensive theoretical and practical laboratory skills in graduates, building on the research expertise of the programme team, including techniques and theoretical skills such as: antimicrobial susceptibility testing, antibiotic resistance-gene analysis, microbial identification (16SrRNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry), parasite identification, next generation sequencing analysis, bacteriophage isolation and purification, antibiotic discovery and characterisation, and mammalian cell culture. With our excellent facilities, emphasis on practical work, and teaching underpinned by the latest research, you will be qualified for research and development positions in biopharmaceutical companies as well as a wide range of other non-laboratory roles in industry and academia. The course will make use of expert external speakers from the biopharmaceutical industry as well as academic experts from other universities and from University of Hertfordshire staff. What will I study? The MSc Medical Microbiology aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of clinically significant microorganisms by studying selected pathogens and how disease is spread, diagnosed, treated, and prevented. The programme comprises a series of taught modules covering topics such as: cell biology and immunology, genetics and protein biology, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostic techniques, emerging viruses and fungi, research design and analysis, microbiome studies, biotechnology, and a specialist research project aligned with the students’ research interests. A problem-based learning approach is used to develop advanced critical analysis and group working skills in students’ on the programme. You will undertake a practical project as part of your MSc enabling you to use our excellent facilities and to gain experience working alongside researchers in our Biosciences Research Group. Current research projects include studies in the following broad areas:

• Novel antimicrobial agent development

• Bacterial pathogen physiology and virulence, e.g. Clostridioides difficile, Mycobacterium spp., Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus

• Antimicrobial resistance studies

• Extracellular vesicles and links to infection processes

• Bacteriophage biology and resistance gene transfer

• MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for microbial identification and characterisation