Course Structure
Introduction
Foundation for Research in the Biosciences
This module introduces students to the process of designing and planning a research project including all associated aspects such as: formulating hypothesis; designing experiments; budgeting; and potential impact of research.
Fundamental Parasitology & Advanced Skills
A range of key techniques in infection biology, including the rationale behind the use of both currently employed and emerging technologies is covered alongside a variety of methods used to treat, monitor and identify parasite and pathogen infections. Overviews and practical experience of technologies such as ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi), immunocytochemistry (ICC), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the McMaster technique, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), bioinformatics and endoparasite egg and vector identification will be covered
Advanced Parasitology I
This module covers a range of diverse internationally relevant diseases/infections and their impact on human, plant and animal health will be discussed as will the current challenges faced in terms of their control in light of abiotic and biotic factors.
Advanced Parasitology II
This module covers key facets of parasite biology including: drug action and resistance; drug discovery and drug target validation; vaccine development; host-parasite interactions; parasite induced pathology; parasite genomics/transcriptomics/proteomics; parasite functional genomics; parasite behaviour and neurobiology.
Bio-Entrepreneurship & Advanced Skills
Covers the fundamentals of bio-entrepreneurship; business and financial planning; routes to market: the role of R&D in the Biotech industry; intellectual property; literature critiquing and solving quantitative problems in the molecular biosciences.
Literature Review
A review of the literature in the field of parasitology using primary scientific literature with skills such as literature searching; referencing of literature; scientific writing; presenting an argument and independent learning skills.
Comment
Parasitology and Pathogen Biology highlights
Biological Sciences was the first school of Bio Sciences in the UK to achieve a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award in recognition of its outstanding progress in promoting gender equality and addressing the unequal representation of women in science.
Industry Links
•This programme embraces the One Health approach to these infectious diseases, with strong recognition of the interplay between health and disease at the dynamic interface between humans, animals and the environment. In addition to embedded generic skills training, students will have the opportunity to acquire subject-specific skills training, e.g. molecular biology techniques, diagnostics, epidemiology (human, animal and plant diseases), drug/vaccine development, pathogen management/control, host-parasite interaction, immunobiology, drug resistance and the potential impact of climate change on parasites and their vectors.
Career Development
•The transferrable skill set and knowledge base acquired from the programme will equip students with a highly desirable qualification that is suited to those wishing to pursue careers in human health/infectious disease, animal health, veterinary medicine, animal/plant biology, pharmaceutical sciences and food security.
World Class Facilities
•In addition to the taught elements of the course, students will undertake a research project working in research active laboratories (academic or industrial), or in the field, e.g. the impact of helminth infections on animal welfare, the economic impact of parasites on agriculture, the role of vectors in emerging diseases, the ecology of zoonotic diseases, the molecular basis of anthelmintic resistance, emerging technologies for drug discovery, the pathology of infection, parasite immunomodulation of the host.
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
At Queen's, we deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential.
In addition to laboratory teaching it is envisaged that participants will also acquire field experience in vector and parasite sampling and control methodologies.
Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course include; lectures, practical experiences, E-Learning technologies, self-directed study and added value qualifications to enhance employability.