MSc Medical Microbiology: University of Westminster

Introduction

The course is designed to offer you the opportunity to study the scientific basis of medical microbiology and some of the specialist areas within it. You will be encouraged to be aware of the importance and role of medical microbiology within biomedical sciences and of theoretical and safety issues relevant to working in the field of medical microbiology.

Course Content

Core modules

• Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
• Current Topics in Medical Microbiology
• Immunology and Pathogenicity
• Medical Microbial Physiology
• Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology
• Project A (Critical Review and Design Study)
• Project B (Research Project and Report)
• Recombinant DNA Technology

Students undertake the research project at their own place of work.

Teaching and Assessment

A variety of teaching methods and approaches are used including formal lectures and practicals, including computer sessions, tutorials (student-centred learning activities), essays, peer-assessed structured debates, poster presentations, oral presentations, and a report in the form of a short scientific communication. These combined approaches will improve your knowledge of medical microbiology, and will help develop your critical faculties through a hands-on approach. In addition, you will develop the key communication skills required by all professional scientists.

Associated Careers

Some students joining the MSc Medical Microbiology course are already working within medical microbiology laboratories. However, successful completion of the medical microbiology course could open further opportunities in pathology, research laboratories and pharmaceutical industries.

Entry Requirements

You must normally have at least one of the following:

• BSc Honours degree in biomedical sciences or in a closely related subject
• a professional qualification of equivalent status and associated work experience
• a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in biomedical sciences with a medical microbiology specialism
• or an equivalent qualification deemed suitable by the course team

You will be interviewed and should normally be in full-time employment in a relevant laboratory.

If your first language is not English you should normally have attained the equivalent of an IELTS score of

• at least 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each of the four components; or
• TOEFL (paper) score of at least 600 plus TOEFL written test at Grade 4.5 or above
• TOEFL (computer based test) of at least 250; or
• Cambridge Proficiency, Grade B