MSc Medical Mycology

Program Overview

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The program covers fungal taxonomy, pathogenicity, diagnosis, treatment, and research methods, and offers pathways specializing in laboratory techniques or clinical applications. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in clinical, research, or industry settings where fungal infections are a growing global threat.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This online program offers qualifications at PGCert, PGDip, and full MSc levels, welcoming both clinical and non-clinical applicants. It is jointly taught by mycology experts from the British Society for Medical Mycology and the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, a world-leading research center tackling global threats posed by fungal diseases.

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Objectives:

The program aims to provide comprehensive knowledge in all aspects of medical mycology, including:

• Fungal Taxonomy and Nomenclature: Understanding the classification and naming of fungi.
• Physiology and Metabolism of Fungal Pathogens: Exploring the biological processes and functions of fungal pathogens.
• Fungal Cell Structure and Organization: Examining the structure and organization of fungal cells.
• Diagnosis of Fungal Infection: Learning methods for identifying and diagnosing fungal infections.
• Fungal Pathogenicity: Understanding how fungi cause disease.
• Medically Important Fungi: Studying the specific fungi that pose threats to human health.
• Fungal Diseases: Exploring the various diseases caused by fungi.
• Fungal Genetics and Evolutionary Pathways: Investigating the genetic makeup and evolutionary history of fungi.
• Fungal Diagnostic Tools: Learning about the tools and techniques used for diagnosing fungal infections.
• Molecular Methods for Diagnosis, Identification, Taxonomy, and Strain Typing (Laboratory Pathway Only): Focusing on molecular techniques for fungal analysis.
• Identification of Fungi, Microscopy, and Histology (Laboratory Pathway Only): Examining fungal identification through microscopy and histological methods.
• Epidemiology and Changing Spectrum of Fungal Disease: Understanding the prevalence and evolution of fungal diseases.
• Antifungal Therapy, Antifungal Resistance, and Antifungal Stewardship: Exploring the treatment of fungal infections, resistance to antifungal drugs, and responsible use of antifungals.
• Immunology of Fungal Diseases (Clinical Pathway Only): Focusing on the immune response to fungal infections.
• Fungal Diseases in Specific Patient Groups (Clinical Pathway Only): Examining fungal diseases in specific patient populations.

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Outline:

The program is structured into three stages:

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Stage 1 (PGCert):

• 60 credits of compulsory modules:
• BIOM700Z - The Principles of Medical Mycology (15 credits):
Covers the fundamental principles of medical mycology.
• BIOM701Z - Medically Important Fungi (15 credits): Focuses on the medically significant fungi.
• BIOM702Z - Fungal Diseases (15 credits): Explores the various diseases caused by fungi.
• BIOM703Z - Diagnosis and Antifungal Therapy (15 credits): Covers diagnostic methods and antifungal treatment.

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Stage 2 (PGDip):

• 30 credits of compulsory modules:
• BIOM704Z - Molecular Mycology (15 credits):
Focuses on the molecular aspects of mycology.
• BIOM709Z - Communicating Science (15 credits): Develops communication skills in science.
• 30 credits of optional modules:
• BIOM705Z - Immunology of Fungal Diseases (15 credits):
Explores the immune response to fungal infections.
• BIOM706Z - Fungal Diseases in Specific Patient Populations (15 credits): Examines fungal diseases in specific patient populations.
• BIOM707Z - Microscopy and Histology (15 credits): Focuses on microscopy and histological techniques for fungal analysis.
• BIOM708Z - Medical Mycology Diagnostic Aspects (15 credits): Covers diagnostic aspects of medical mycology.

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Stage 3 (MSc):

• 60 credits of compulsory modules:
• BIOM711Z - Research Project (45 credits):
Involves a significant research project.

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Teaching:

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How you'll learn:

• Online lectures: Delivered through a virtual platform.
• Interactive quizzes: Used to assess understanding and engage students.
• Online workshops: Provide interactive learning experiences.
• Virtual laboratory environments: Offer simulated laboratory experiences.
• Hands-on research projects: Provide practical research experience.

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Faculty:

• Professor Mark Ramsdale - Programme Director: A fungal cell biologist with expertise in host-pathogen interactions, cellular stress responses, antifungal drug discovery, fungal circadian rhythms, and fungal population genetics.
• Professor Adilia Warris - Deputy Programme Director: A paediatric infectious diseases specialist and co-director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, specializing in fungal infections in children, host-fungus interactions, antifungal resistance, and antifungal stewardship.

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Careers:

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Employer-valued skills:

Graduates will possess a comprehensive understanding of medical mycology, fungal immunology, infection, mycoses, antifungal therapy, and fungal diagnostics.

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Career paths:

• Clinical services in the NHS and other healthcare providers: Working in clinical settings to diagnose and treat fungal infections.
• Networking opportunities: The program fosters a community of students and faculty, enabling networking with colleagues worldwide.