School of Molecular Medical Sciences

MSc in Molecular Medical Microbiology

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Photos by Ken Hammond and Scott Bauer, ARS.

Support: Each student is allocated a

personal tutor at the beginning of

the course, and regular meetings

are scheduled throughout the

year. The University provides

many other sources of support

including the Counselling Service,

Office for Disability Issues, Study

Support Centre, Student Advice

Centre, International Office plus

many more.

First-class facilities:The University library service

provides access to more than a

million books and journals, and

extensive IT facilities are available

across all campuses. Postgraduate

students have their own Graduate

Centre and social space within the

Medical School. This all helps to

maintain our reputation for

excellence.

Stimulating Environment:The School of Molecular Medical

Sciences is a lively and varied

school, carrying out research into a

variety of topics. The MSc is offered

in a Division that has a very sound

teaching and research base. The

course has continued to grow in

stature and reputation; notable

recognition of the excellence and

relevance of this innovative

postgraduate course.

What do we offer?

The CourseAims of the CourseOur understanding of micro-organisms, their involvement in disease pathogenesis, as well

as improved detection and diagnostic methods rely increasingly on molecular biological

techniques. This course has been designed specifically to enable students to meet the

demands of current and future diagnostic and research developments. The course will

give students the opportunity to learn about the role of bacteria and viruses in causing

human disease. This will include study of the methods available for their diagnosis,

treatment and prevention. Crucially, the MSc course will also provide students with

working knowledge of key molecular biological techniques, and highlight their increasing

importance in medical microbiology research and diagnostic work.

Course Accreditation

The course is chosen by the Scottish Office to provide the necessary post-graduate

training for their trainee Clinical Scientists in Microbiology. The course has recently been

awarded full accreditation by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences.

Aims and Objectives

• Acquire advanced knowledge of medical microbiology

• Understand the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis in key bacterial and viral

infections, and to appreciate the importance of molecular biological techniques in

elucidating these processes

• Become familiar with the role of molecular biology in the development of new

diagnostic and therapeutic strategies

• Develop skills appropriate for investigative research and diagnostic development by

conducting a five-month laboratory project

Why choose this course?

We are committed to providing quality and cutting edge training in medical microbiology.

Our course is one of only a few courses offering postgraduate medical microbiological

training that encompasses molecular biology. These technologies are becoming

increasingly important in current research and diagnostic areas and should, therefore, be

a primary consideration when choosing your course. Arguably, graduates with hands-on

experience of molecular biology will have a distinct advantage when seeking employment

or career progression within the medical microbiology field.

Entry RequirementsStudents should hold a good honours degree in a biological science, medical science or

related subject. Exceptionally students without a first degree but with at least a Higher

National Diploma plus Accredited Prior Experiential Learning in the form of a minimum of

2 years training in a statutory approved laboratory may be admitted.

Applicants whose first language is not English must normally achieve an overall score of

6.5 on the IELTS test (no less than 6 in any element), 573 on paper based TOEFL with 4.5

in written English, or 230 on the computer based TOEFL with 4.5 in the essay element.

Tests must have been taken within the last 2 years.

Course Structure

Fees for students who are British/EU citizens or have indefinite leave to remain in the UK, together with

three years residency in the UK/EU prior to the start of the course will be set at approximately £4480 per

year. Fees for International students will be around £14,260 per year. Costs are subject to increase each

academic year, so please check prices at the time of application.

Details of available studentships are available on our web site:

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/mol/msc_courses

The University estimates that a figure of approximately £7,200 will be required for a single student spending

twelve months at Nottingham. This figure includes accommodation, subsistence, purchase of clothing and

books, some entertainment and internal travel. It does not cover the international airfare or the University

fee.

What are the costs?

Introduction to Medical Microbiology (10 credits)This module will highlight the properties and host range of various micro-organisms involved in infection, and outline the development of appropriate immune responses. This

will give students the necessary foundations in medical microbiology.

Microbial and Molecular Techniques (10 credits)During the microbiology practicals students will gain experience in conventional techniques related to the characterisation and antibiotic susceptibility testing of some important pathogens. From this they will appreciate

the key features of bacterial identification and the spectrum of activity of commonly used antibiotics. During the Molecular Biology practical classes the student will gain hands-on experience of a number of molecular biological techniques used in the study of microbial and molecular biological techniques.

Applied Molecular Microbiology (20 credits)This module is aimed to give the students a thorough understanding of the theory and potential applications of modern molecular biological techniques in diagnostic and research microbiology. This will be achieved via a series of problem-based learning sessions.

Viral Pathogenesis and Infections (20 credits)

This module will illustrate how viruses interact with cells, what are the underlying molecular mechanisms of infection and replication, and how these interactions lead to clinical disease.

Bacterial Pathogenesis and Infections (20 credits)Initial lectures will highlight the different mechanisms

associated with disease pathogenesis for a selection of bacteria. Subsequent lectures and tutorials will give students an understanding of clinical syndromes - a systematic approach, including the microbiology of important diseases, diagnostic approaches and choice of antibiotic.

Prevention and Treatment of Infection (20 credits)

This module will facilitate an understanding of antimicrobial therapies for the control of infection and disease. This will encompass study of the action of specific antimicrobial compounds, mechanisms of resistance and the development of preventative and therapeutic vaccines.

Research Methods (10 credits)

This module will enable students to analyse scientific publications and appreciate appropriate experimental design.

Scientific Review of Writing (10 credits, Optional)In this optional module students will write a dissertation of approximately 4,000 words from a list of topics provided by academic staff. A thirty minute presentation with questions will be made on the dissertation subject. The primary aim of the module is the development of the students' ability to

research a subject in depth, and to produce written and oral presentations..

Science, Technology and Business (10 credits, Optional)This module will introduce students to the importance of, and the processes involved in the commercialisation of science and technology. The content of the course is highly relevant in the current climate where Government is

placing much evidence on the wealth creation process. The aims of the module are achieved by experiential learning.

Research Project (60 credits)This module enables students to experience contemporary research methods by engaging them to design a research programme and perform experiments, surveys, or other research activities aimed at solving a specific biomedical problem. Each student will be allocated an academic supervisor with whom they will discuss the research project

prior to commencement. Students will first collect, analyse data, read and collate previous results relevant to their project, then embark on a period of research before preparing, writing and submitting a scientific paper. They will write a clear and concise report and will discuss their work with academic members during an oral presentation. The form of project may vary and it will be based on

laboratory work, audit, patient studies or an extended literature review. The principal activities will be completion of the practical work and submission of a final report in the form of a dissertation. Full-time students will complete this module during the Spring and Summer semesters. Part-time students will complete the research project in their own time (normally during their second year) and will be supervised and based in their place of work.

The MSc is available as a one-year full-time course or a two-year part-time course for people in appropriate full-time

employment. Descriptions of course modules are shown below.

MSc Course Enquiries

School of Molecular Medical Sciences

A Floor, West Block

University Hospital

Nottingham

NG7 2UH

Tel: +44 (0)115 823 0775

Fax: +44 (0)115 823 0759

Email: mol-postgrad@nottingham.ac.uk

Web: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/mol

Applying for a place

The SchoolMolecular Medical Sciences is a lively and diverse school, with ongoing

research in Molecular and Cellular Bacteriology, Virology, Immunology,

Human Genetics and Translational Cancer Research.

We have around 40 members of academic staff and more than 60

research and support staff. This fosters an exciting and active

environment for all of our postgraduate students - there are

approximately 80 MSc students and 75 research students within our

school alone. The School attracts funding from many sources, including

the Research Councils, European Union, Medical Charities and Industry.

The MSc course is co-ordinated by academic staff within Microbiology.

Staff are based in the Centre for Biomolecular Science on University

Park, and also within the Queen’s Medical Centre, a modern teaching

hospital and associated Medical School located next to the University

Park campus.

International StudentsThe University of Nottingham is a popular choice for international

students, with over 6000 students coming from more than 130 different

countries. The International Office provides support and information

right through from the time of application to when you graduate. A

welcome week is provided prior to the start of the academic term.

They can be contacted at: International Office, University of

Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK. Tel: +44

(0)115 951 5247; Fax: +44 (0)115 951 5155;

Email: International-office@nottingham.ac.uk.

The UniversityThe University of Nottingham main campus is situated within 330 acres

of landscaped parkland, and is just a short bus ride away from

Nottingham city centre. The most recent research assessment exercise

(RAE) confirmed The University of Nottingham's position as a world

class research-led institution. Over 60% of the University's RAE scores

identified research as being of a level of international excellence.

With over 100,000 students at the city's universities and colleges,

Nottingham is a vibrant city with plenty to keep its youthful population

busy. Its compact city centre, only ten minutes away from the

Nottingham campuses by bus or bike, combines heritage and history

with contemporary culture.

Nottingham Life

If you would like to apply for this course, please

apply on-line at:

https://pgapps.nottingham.ac.uk/

The on-line application process is quick, and

allows you to track the progress of your

application at any time.