Course summary

Do you want to be at the forefront of research-based teaching and development in immunology and immunotherapeutics? What about advancing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for fighting disease? The course is a research-informed Programme taught by academics who are research-active and experts in their field. In the first semester, you will have an overview of the mechanisms and concepts of immunology and allergy to ensure that you have a sound immunology background for further modules. You will study core transferable research skills and molecular techniques and receive advanced teaching in the mechanisms of recent developments in the molecular basis of allergic inflammation and autoimmune processes. In the second semester, you will learn about the mechanisms and concepts underpinning innate immune recognition and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. You will gain experience in the application of tools of computational analysis using medically related research database interrogation with bioinformatics. In the third semester, you will amalgamate the scientific laboratory, writing, and communication skills in designing and executing a substantial research project, which may take the form of laboratory-based project work, bioinformatics analysis, or an extended literature review. You will gain technical and project management skills and develop the ability to write a scientific dissertation based on your research findings. These research projects give you an exciting opportunity to study as part of an active research laboratory and to access the excellent state-of-the-art research facilities at the University. Course alumni have progressed onto PhDs or into roles within industry or healthcare laboratories. Using a variety of teaching styles from lectures and tutorials to practical classes the school has excellent research facilities to support your training in topics such as: qPCR and imaging, flow cytometry, biochemistry and genomics, tissue culture, microbiology and molecular genetics techniques, biofilm interface with biotic and abiotic surfaces, microscopy suites Your learning will be assessed in a selection of ways including examinations, presentations, and dissertations. You will also be allocated a personal tutor at the beginning of the course who will meet you regularly throughout the year, to assist and guide your learning and student experience. This course may be of particular interest to graduates in life sciences, biomedical sciences, and associated subjects. It is also suitable for people who are already employed in related fields who wish to gain valuable research experience, as well as update their knowledge in immunology and immunotherapeutic technologies.