Clinical Microbiology MSc

Program Overview

The Clinical Microbiology MSc program at Queen Mary University of London is designed for medical professionals seeking advanced knowledge and skills in clinical microbiology. It combines theoretical and practical training in molecular biology, immunology, and infectious disease pathogenesis, preparing graduates for leadership roles in research, development, and infection control. The program features a research project, guest lectures from industry experts, and strong connections with the NHS and UKHSA.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Clinical Microbiology MSc

This program is specifically designed for those who already have a medical background and are seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in clinical microbiology. It imparts interdisciplinary skills and knowledge, including the application of advanced laboratory techniques, the interpretation of results, and the principles of infection control. This fosters a deeper understanding of infectious diseases and equips graduates to become leaders in the field.

• Objectives:
• Equip graduates with a comprehensive understanding of infectious diseases and their pathogenesis.
• Develop advanced laboratory and problem-solving skills in clinical microbiology.
• Enable graduates to critically evaluate methodologies and propose new hypotheses.
• Prepare graduates for careers in research, development, and innovation in clinical microbiology.
• Help graduates become leaders in infection control and prevention.
• Description:
• The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience through a balance of lectures, workshops, and hands-on laboratory work.
• It covers a wide range of topics relevant to clinical microbiology, including molecular biology, immunology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, and clinical diagnosis.
• The program also includes a research project, which allows students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to a real-world research problem.

Outline:

• Content:
• The program covers a wide range of topics relevant to clinical microbiology, including:
• Molecular biology
• Immunology
• Virology
• Bacteriology
• Parasitology
• Clinical diagnosis
• Antimicrobial therapy
• Infection control and prevention
• Public health microbiology
• Medical mycology
• The program also includes a research project, allowing students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to a real-world research problem.
• Structure:
• The program is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course.
• It is divided into four modules:
It also covers the principles of antimicrobial therapy and infection control.
• Module 3: Research Methods in Clinical Microbiology: This module introduces students to the principles of research methodology and provides them with the skills necessary to conduct a research project.
• Module 4: Research Project: This module allows students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to a research project.
• Each module is assessed through a combination of written exams, coursework assignments, and presentations.
• Course Schedule:
• Individual Module Descriptions:
• Module 1: Foundations of Clinical Microbiology:
• This module introduces the basic principles of clinical microbiology and covers the major groups of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that cause human disease.
• Topics covered include:
• The history of clinical microbiology
• The principles of infection and immunity
• The classification and identification of microorganisms
• The pathogenesis of infectious diseases
• This module is assessed through a written exam and coursework assignments.
• Module 2: Advanced Clinical Microbiology:
• This module delves deeper into the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases.
It also covers the principles of antimicrobial therapy and infection control.
• Topics covered include:
• The molecular basis of infectious diseases
• The diagnosis of infectious diseases
• The treatment of infectious diseases
• The principles of antimicrobial therapy
• The principles of infection control
• This module is assessed through a written exam, coursework assignments, and a presentation.
• Module 3: Research Methods in Clinical Microbiology:
• This module introduces students to the principles of research methodology and provides them with the skills necessary to conduct a research project.
• Topics covered include:
• The scientific method
• Experimental design
• Data analysis
• Scientific writing
• This module is assessed through a coursework assignment and a presentation.
• Module 4: Research Project:
• This module allows students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to a research project.
Students will choose a research topic in consultation with their supervisor and will conduct a research project over the course of the year.
• This module is assessed through a written thesis and an oral presentation.

Assessment:

• Modules are assessed using a combination of final written examinations and a series of in-course assessments.
• The in-course assessments consist of literature reviews, oral and poster presentations, and practical and written exams.
• Assessment Criteria:
Assessment criteria vary depending on the specific module. However, generally, assessments are graded on the following criteria:
• Accuracy of knowledge and understanding
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Research skills
• Practical skills

Teaching:

• The course aims to promote teaching and learning enriched by original scholarship and scientific research, encouraging students to become independent learners.
• Formal teaching comprises lectures, workshops, and practical classes and demonstrations.
• Many of the lectures are delivered by guest speakers who are acknowledged experts in their field from within the NHS, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), or are highly respected researchers.
• This ensures the course remains up-to-date and relevant to your future career and also enables you to develop a strong network of contacts.
• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Workshops
• Practical classes and demonstrations
• Problem-based learning (PBL) sessions
• Tutorials
• Additional formative studies
• Faculty:
• The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified academics and researchers.
Many of the faculty members are also practicing clinicians, which ensures that the program is relevant to the real world of clinical microbiology.
• Some of the key faculty members include:
• Dr. Olivier Marchès, Non-Clinical Lecturer in Microbiology
• Dr. Michele Branscombe, Senior Lecturer in Infection Science
• Jamie Roberts, Teaching Laboratory Technician
• Guest speakers from the NHS and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
• Unique Approaches:
• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles.
• The program also uses a problem-based learning (PBL) approach, which allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• The program has strong links with the NHS and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which provides students with opportunities to gain practical experience.
It sets you up to work in research-focused positions such as consultant clinical microbiologists.
• Examples of a graduate's career path include becoming the Head of the Microbiology Unit in the Pathology and Microbiology Department at the University Teaching Hospital in Zambia.
• Students can also pursue careers in the NHS, Health Services Laboratories, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

Home: £14,850 Overseas: £28,900 EU/EEA/Swiss studentsThe course fee is charged per annum for 2 years.