Description

This course aims to provide a comprehensive theoretical knowledge of medical microbiology including the spread of micro-organisms, disease causation, diagnosis and/or treatment of pathogens of major significance to public health and advanced practical training in this diverse field. The increasing incidence of microbial infections worldwide is being compounded by the rapid evolution of drug-resistant variants and opportunistic infections by other organisms.

Students wishing to be awarded the MSc degree in Medical Microbiology may take any of the courses shown below. In response to a high level of student interest in viral infections, LSHTM has decided to offer the opportunity for students who focus on viruses in their course choices to be awarded an MSc degree in Medical Microbiology (Virology). This choice will depend on the study unit selection of the individual student in Terms 2 and 3.

Graduates from this course move into global health careers related to medical microbiology in research or medical establishments and the pharmaceutical industry.

The Bo Drasar Prize is awarded annually for outstanding performance by a Medical Microbiology student. This prize is named after Professor Bohumil Drasar, the founder of the MSc Medical Microbiology course.

The Tsiquaye Prize will be awarded annually for the best virology-based project.

Objective

By the end of the course students should be able to: demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the nature of viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi and basic criteria used in the classification/taxonomy of these micro-organisms; explain the modes of transmission and the growth cycles of pathogenic micro-organisms; explain the modes of transmission and the growth cycles of pathogenic micro-organisms; demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and the outcomes of infections; distinguish between and critically assess the classical and modern approaches to the development of therapeutic agents and vaccines for the prevention of human microbial diseases; demonstrate knowledge of the laboratory diagnosis of microbial diseases and practical skills; carry out a range of advanced skills and laboratory techniques, including the purification of isolated microbial pathogens, study of microbial growth cycles and analyses of their proteins and nucleic acids for downstream applications, and demonstrate research skills.

Course Accreditation

The Royal College of Pathologists accepts the course as part of the professional experience of both medical and non-medical candidates applying for membership. The course places particular emphasis on practical aspects of the subjects most relevant to current clinical laboratory practice and research.

Course Duration

Full-time for one year or split study over two years. Students taking the course by split study over two years attend full-time for part of Year 1, and then undertake the remainder of their course in Year 2. The split can occur anytime between the Christmas break and the end of the formal teaching in May, by prior arrangement with the Course Director. Paper 1 may be taken at the end of Year 1 or at the end of Year 2. Paper 2 must be taken at the end of Year 2. Interested applicants should indicate their choice on the application form.

Entrance Requirements

Either a Second-class Honours degree of a recognised university in science, or a related subject or a degree in medicine. Applicants with an appropriate technical qualification and work experience, or equivalent qualifications, are also considered for admission to the course.

Minimum Education

Bachelor of Science

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

6-8 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine's Mission Statement

To contribute to the improvement of health worldwide through the pursuit of excellence in research, postgraduate teaching and advanced training in national and international public health and tropical medicine, and through informing policy and practice in these areas.

Year Founded

1899