MSc Microbiology
Lincoln, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
The MSc Microbiology aims to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills required to embark on further research or employment in industries striving to solve major global challenges such as antibiotic resistance, clean drinking water, and food security.
The program is designed to provide the theoretical knowledge, understanding, and practical skills needed for a solid grounding in core and applied microbiology, along with the transferable skills which are essential to enhance students’ employability options. It aims to prepare graduates for a broad range of careers within industrial, commercial, government, and environmental settings, or further postgraduate study.
During the course, students can investigate diverse areas of microbiology that are of concern to the healthcare, environmental, ecological, and biotechnological sectors. There is also the chance to undertake research in relation to medical, environmental, or industrial microbiology, which can further advance knowledge, skills, and career options.
The staff offers expertise in medical, industrial, and environmental microbiology, molecular, cell, and system biology, recombinant DNA technology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, fermentation, and bioengineering, among others. Students can hear from external guest speakers working in the industry and from other schools across the University.
Prioritising Face-to-Face Teaching
At the University of Lincoln, we strive to ensure our students’ experience is engaging, supportive, and academically challenging. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, we have adapted to Government guidance to keep our students, staff, and community safe. All remaining Covid-19 legal restrictions in England were lifted in February 2022 under the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid-19, and we have embraced a safe return to in-person teaching on campus. Where appropriate, face-to-face teaching is enhanced by the use of digital tools and technology and may be complemented by online opportunities where these support learning outcomes.
We are fully prepared to adapt our plans if changes in Government guidance make this necessary, and we will endeavor to keep current and prospective students informed.
Special Features
The School has links with NHS practitioners including consultant microbiologists and experts from other industries who regularly provide guest lectures as part of the taught modules.
Students can conduct practical work with industry-standard apparatus. Equipment and facilities available for students undertaking research projects include a cell culture suite, analytical chemistry instrumentation, protein purification equipment, a scanning electron microscope, and real-time polymerase chain reaction equipment for the amplification and quantification of DNA samples.
"This information was correct at the time of publishing (July 2023)"
Admissions
Curriculum
How You Study
The programme includes a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratory practicals, seminars, problem-based learning group sessions, independent learning, and research projects. The programme also has a major emphasis on the development of professional and research skills, which can enhance employability.
The first term features modules that have been designed to provide students with core theoretical knowledge on current microbiology topics and practical training on techniques used in modern microbiology.
Modules
- The Microbial World
- Molecular Virology
- Identification of Infectious Diseases
- Professional and Research Skills in the Biosciences (spans both terms)
The second term builds on the modules studied in the first and aims to enhance practical skills and provide specialist training in medical, industrial, and environmental microbiology.
Modules
- Infection and Control
- Industrial and Environmental Microbiology
- Fermentation Biotechnology
- Professional and Research Skills in the Biosciences
Students then progress to an independent research project within a microbiological discipline over the summer. Students choose from a broad range of topics for their research projects which vary from year to year. Typical projects are in the areas of medical, industrial, and environmental microbiology; molecular, cell, and system biology; recombinant DNA technology; protein biochemistry; structural biology; fermentation; and bioengineering.
Weekly contact hours on this program vary depending on the module being delivered and the stage of the study. The postgraduate-level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. For every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.
Please note that this course is only available in the full-time format.
Modules
- Fermentation Biotechnology (Core)
- Identification of Infectious Diseases (Core)
- Independent Research Project (Core)
- Industrial and Environmental Microbiology (Core)
- Infection and Control (Core)
- Molecular Virology (Core)
- Professional and Research Skills in the Biosciences (Core)
- The Microbial World (Core)
How You Are Assessed
Assessment is conducted through coursework and examination. Coursework includes literature reviews, oral presentations, poster presentations, laboratory reports, and short video assessments. The final assessments are the preparation of a research dissertation for your research project and an associated presentation.
Specific training on each form of assessment is included in the program, with the aim of improving your performance as a postgraduate student as you progress.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly – usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
Gallery
Program Outcome
How You Study
The Program includes a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratory practicals, seminars, problem-based-learning group sessions, independent learning, and research projects. The Program also has a major emphasis on the development of professional and research skills, which can enhance employability.
The first term features modules that have been designed to provide students with core theoretical knowledge on current microbiology topics and practical training on techniques used in modern microbiology. Topics include the microbial world, molecular virology, identification of infectious diseases, and professional and research skills in the biosciences.
The second term builds on the modules studied in the first and aims to enhance practical skills and provide specialist training in medical, industrial, and environmental microbiology. Topics include infection and control, industrial and environmental microbiology, fermentation biotechnology, and further development of professional and research skills.
Students then progress to an independent research project within a microbiological discipline over the summer. Students choose from a broad range of topics for their research projects which vary from year to year. Typical projects are in the areas of medical, industrial, and environmental microbiology; molecular, cell, and system biology; recombinant DNA technology; protein biochemistry; structural biology; fermentation; and bioengineering.
Weekly contact hours on this Program vary depending on the module being delivered and the stage of study. Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. For every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study.
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Career Opportunities
The overall aim of the MSc Microbiology degree is to provide students with the chance to develop knowledge and practical skills in the cross-disciplinary applications of microbiology that are relevant to science and society. This includes the healthcare sector which is particularly interested in the control, treatment, and prevention of infectious disease, as well as environmental and ecological sectors which are interested in microbial communities, interactions, and processes in the environment. These sectors also have relevant industrial applications with a diverse range of career options that may be accessible to graduates from the MSc Microbiology.
The programme also looks to provide students with experience of undertaking microbiology-related research, in particular in relation to medical, environmental, or industrial microbiology. Course content is research-engaged and, in particular, students have the chance to undertake a period of independent scientific research.
This is designed to equip graduates with the necessary theoretical understanding, practical, research, professional, and transferable skills to undertake further postgraduate training (PhD level) or employment within academic research and in industrial, commercial, government, and environmental settings.
Program Tuition Fee
Program Admission Requirements
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