Clinical and Molecular Microbiology MSc/PGDip

Program Overview

The Clinical and Molecular Microbiology MSc/PGDip program at the University of Nottingham provides advanced training in viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Students select from a clinical or molecular pathway and gain expertise through coursework, practical classes, and a research project. The program is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and offers full-time and part-time options.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Clinical and Molecular Microbiology MSc/PGDip program at the University of Nottingham provides advanced knowledge of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections, as well as their diagnosis and treatment. Students are taught state-of-the-art techniques by internationally recognized academics and receive guest lectures from industry leaders in the field of microbiology from the NHS and the UK Health Security Agency. Additionally, the program has a high success rate of students progressing to PhD degrees. With a strong focus on clinical methods of diagnosis, patient management, molecular biological techniques in both research and diagnostic laboratories, the innovative course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and aims to provide students with both the theoretical and practical aspects of clinical microbiology to further their career in this innovative discipline.

Outline:

The program offers two specialist pathways:

• Clinical Pathway: Focuses on infectious diseases and classical laboratory-based methods of diagnosis.
• Molecular Pathway: Ideal for those interested in molecular microbiology research and development.
In addition to 120 credits of taught modules, students also undertake a 60-credit Research Project conducted over four months in the laboratory of a member of research staff within the school or faculty. This module enables students to experience contemporary research methods by performing experiments, systematic reviews, or other research activities aimed at solving a specific biomedical problem or hypothesis. The Research Project is conducted during the spring semester and continues into the summer months. After successfully completing 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit research project, students will graduate with a Masters Degree (MSc). If studying a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), students will complete 120 credits of taught modules without a research project. In each course variation, the title of the award will be Clinical and Molecular Microbiology.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Examinations
• Coursework
• Practical exams
• Presentation
• Dissertation
• Presentations
• Viva voce

Teaching:

The program is taught through a combination of:

• Lectures
• Problem-based learning
• Practical classes
• Tutorials
The problem-based learning approach on the Applied Molecular Microbiology and Bacterial Pathogenesis and Infections modules allows students freedom for investigative research of a given topic. Students can work individually, in pairs, or collectively in groups to solve a problem. All modules and module resources, such as lecture PowerPoints, podcasts, and supporting literature, are uploaded and accessed through Moodle, the University's online virtual learning environment. The University has invested in the lecture capture software, Echo 360, which allows faithful recording of all lectures that are timetabled in University lecture rooms.

Careers:

Graduates have gone on to career paths as trainee Biomedical Scientists or Clinical Scientists with well-known public and private sector employers such as Severn Trent Water and NHS Trust laboratories.

Other:

• The course has received full accreditation by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
• Students can choose to study this course full-time for one year or part-time for two years.
• Part-time students must be affiliated with an NHS trust laboratory whereby they can attend academic lectures at the University of Nottingham on one day release per week from their place of work and conduct their research project in their employer's laboratory.

| Qualification | Home / UK | International | | ----------- | ----------- | ----------- | | MSc | £9,700 | £28,600 | | PGDip | £6,467 | £19,067 |