Microbiology MSc course

Program Overview

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Course overview

As such it focuses on applying techniques and methods related to molecular biology, microbial culture and classification and in the functional analysis of microbial genomes and microbiomes associated with disease, the biotechnology industry and the environment.

These subject areas are developed in great depth depending on your interest or desired career aspirations.

The course provides the theoretical knowledge, understanding and practical skills to ensure a solid grounding in core and applied microbiology, along with the transferable skills which are essential to enhance your employability options. This aims to prepare you for a broad range of careers within industrial, commercial, government and environmental settings and further postgraduate study.

You are introduced to some of the contemporary issues facing the industry and the course provides hands-on practical experience of both laboratory and bioinformatics techniques. Staff can offer expertise in medical, industrial and environmental microbiology, molecular, cell and system biology, recombinant DNA technology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, fermentation, bioengineering and many other areas. During the course, you have the opportunity to investigate diverse areas of microbiology which are of concern to the healthcare, environmental, ecological and biotechnological sectors. You also have the chance to undertake research in relation to medical, environmental or industrial microbiology, which can further enhance your knowledge, skills and career options.

This course is taught at our National Horizons Centre (NHC) at the University’s Darlington campus. This £22m purpose-built biosciences research, education and training facility is a focal point for the growing regional biosciences community.

Next to CPI’s National Biologics Manufacturing Centre, the NHC is at the heart of an ecosystem of life science excellence. Our extensive links with NHS and private laboratories, ensure course content is kept up to date and relevant to employers. The centre’s imaginative design includes a blend of teaching, learning and collaboration spaces, hi-tech laboratories and a state-of-the-art computing suite. Open innovation spaces provide students and businesses with the tools for project development using data analytics, modelling and simulation, visualisation and process improvement and control. The NHC also offers analytical and digital infrastructure supporting basic and applied research in the biosciences and across disciplinary boundaries, aligned to academic excellence and industry needs. The NHC will expose you to a significant internationally- competitive research and innovation capability that is responsive and engaged with industry needs in the bioscience sector. Facilities within the National Horizons Centre enable students to engage with a range of advance and innovative research themes including:

provision of a comprehensive genomic, proteomic, metabolomics data acquisition, processing and modelling capability with internationally competitive instrumentation, software and technical support

studies of disease pathways including biomarker discovery, treatment monitoring, development of diagnostics and screening. Supported by bioinformatics modelling and development of predictive models

biopharmaceutical research including product characterisation, metabolism and drug interaction studies

protein structure/function studies including aggregation, modification, activation and inhibition

use of advanced cellular imaging capabilities, including live cell imaging, using light, confocal and Raman microscopy.

This will enable the study of, among other topics;

molecular interactions

conformational changes

drug interactions with living cells

tissue characterisation.

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Program Outline

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Microbiology MSc at Teesside University

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Degree Overview:

The MSc Microbiology program at Teesside University aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of microbial science in the 21st century and its role in addressing global challenges. The program focuses on applying techniques and methods related to molecular biology, microbial culture and classification, and functional analysis of microbial genomes and microbiomes associated with disease, the biotechnology industry, and the environment. The program offers a solid grounding in core and applied microbiology, alongside transferable skills to enhance employability. This prepares graduates for diverse careers in industrial, commercial, government, and environmental settings, as well as further postgraduate study.

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Outline:

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Course Content:

• Molecular biology techniques
• Microbial culture and classification
• Functional analysis of microbial genomes and microbiomes
• Medical, industrial, and environmental microbiology
• Bioinformatics
• Protein biochemistry
• Structural biology
• Fermentation
• Bioengineering

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Structure:

• 120 credits of taught modules
• 60-credit master's research project
• Taught at the National Horizons Centre (NHC) at the University's Darlington campus

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Course Schedule:

• Semester dates and application deadlines can be found on the official program page.

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Modules:

• Analytical Techniques: Focuses on chromatographic, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopic instrumentation used in bioscience research applications.
• Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostic Techniques: Explores advanced topics in biochemistry with a focus on clinical applications and diagnostic techniques.
• Fermentation Microbiology: Explores the fundamentals of fermentation technology, including its role in food production, drug development, and other areas.
• Genomics and Bioinformatics: Provides in-depth understanding of genomic, proteomic, and bioinformatics knowledge and their applications in specific disease states.
• Life Science Research Project: Major independent research project in a chosen discipline, utilizing state-of-the-art analytical and digital infrastructure at the NHC.
• Microbial Diversity and Environmental Microbiology: Examines the scale, biogeography, and impact of microbial diversity on the environment.
• Pathobiology of Infectious Diseases: Explores infectious diseases and medically-important human pathogens, covering pathogen genomics, bioinformatics, and host-pathogen interactions.

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Assessment:

• Subject knowledge, independent thought, and skill acquisition are assessed through formative and summative assessments.
• Assessment methods include examinations, in-course assignments, oral presentations, technical reports, literature surveys, and evaluations.
• An assessment schedule with submission deadlines for summative assessments is provided.

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Teaching:

• Transition to postgraduate-level study is supported through dedicated modules.
• Real-world problem-solving projects and case studies are incorporated to blend theory and knowledge with practical application.
• Students gain experience working in state-of-the-art biomedical research facilities within the National Horizon Centre.
• Expertise in diverse disciplines allows for ground-breaking ideas in genetics, molecular biology, and protein science.

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Careers:

• The program equips graduates with skills for careers in research, academia, industry, and other areas.
• Many graduates pursue PhDs, research scientist positions, or roles in universities, industry, biotechnology companies, and hospital diagnostic labs.
• Opportunities also exist in education, science publishing, patent offices, science outreach, and public understanding of microbiology.

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Other:

• Short-term placement opportunities may be available during the project phase.
• International students have access to dedicated services and support resources.
• The program emphasizes ethical considerations and professional development.

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Conclusion

The MSc Microbiology program at Teesside University provides a comprehensive and in-depth education in the field of microbiology, preparing graduates for diverse careers and further academic pursuits. With its focus on cutting-edge research, real-world applications, and state-of-the-art facilities, the program offers a valuable learning experience for those interested in exploring the fascinating world of microbes.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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UK Applicants:

• £7,365 per year

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International Applicants:

• £17,000 per year

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Payment Information:

• More details are available about fees on the university website: [Link to Fees page](https://www.tees.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/msc_microbiology/2024/tuition_fees/).

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Additional Notes:

• The fees listed above are for the 2024/25 academic year.
Fees for future years may be subject to change.
• Part-time students pay fees on a per-module basis.
The cost for each 20 credit module is £820.

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Currency:

All fees mentioned are in British Pounds (£).