Infectious Diseases

How do we effectively develop both understanding and practical skills in the evolving field of molecular biology? How do we assess the impact of CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing on current biological research and its broader applications? 

In this module, you will embark on a journey to deepen your understanding and enhance your practical skills in molecular biology. Through interactive workshops, hands-on practical sessions, and collaborative group work, you'll be actively engaged in learning key practical and transferable skills vital for any field of biology.  You will take part in an extended mini-project that places you at the forefront of biological innovation, utilising CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing. This cutting-edge technology, complemented by modern genome sequencing technologies, opens a wide array of applications in the biological sciences. By mastering these skills, you'll be equipped to contribute to ground-breaking research and advancements in fields ranging from agriculture to medicine. This module not only prepares you for a career in molecular biological research by giving you a competitive edge in technology but also empowers you to contribute to future scientific breakthroughs.

Why are some microbes pathogenic and others not? How do pathogens cause infection, and how evolutionary conserved are these mechanisms of pathogenesis among different microbes? In this module you will delve into the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis for a broad range of clinically relevant microbes including examples from virus, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. You will combine immunology and microbiology to discover how pathogens evade the actions of the human immune system and draw on links between pathogens to understand how different pathogens have evolved similar infection processes.

What are the limits of scientific research? Are scientists allowed to do whatever they like? Which risks (for individuals and/ or society) are acceptable for research? Which responsibility have researchers for how their research findings will be used (for the benefit of humankind or for malevolent causes)? What responsibility do scientists have for the subjects of their research (humans or animals)? Do scientists have to ensure the validity of their research findings (and, if yes, to which extent)? How should scientists communicate their research findings? Are scientists responsible for the (mis)interpretation of their findings? Can scientists also be activists in their field of research (without affecting their scientific credibility)? Do research ethics differ between different settings (e.g. between academia and industry or between basic and applied research)? These are just some questions that you will consider to think about implications of research beyond the immediate scientific content. By doing this, you will acquire core skills on the ethics conduct in the biosciences and beyond. This module will help you to develop into a mature, responsible scientist who does not only know how to tackle a research question but who is also able to consider and judge the ethical and societal implications of their research.

The threat posed by new pandemics and the possibility of entering a post-antimicrobial era highlights the urgent need to improve our understanding of disease outbreaks and how microorganisms cause human disease. In this module you will cover epidemiology, clinical microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, and the host:pathogen interactions that influence pathogenesis. Through application of this knowledge and understanding you will gain critical insights into how globally-important pathogens can infect populations, cause disease, and evade toxicity imposed by antimicrobial drugs.

Understanding infectious diseases is fundamental to safeguarding public health, promoting social well-being, and ensuring economic and global health security. In this module you will develop your skills to become a  well-rounded and professional scientist who is capable of conducting high-quality and original research. You will discuss how to identify and articulate research questions and hypotheses that are relevant to the current challenges and opportunities within the field of biomedicine. You will focus on how to critically evaluate the scientific literature, discerning the quality and relevance of research articles, reviews, and reports in the field of biomedicine, so that you remain up-to-date with the latest research developments to ground your own original research on a solid theoretical framework.  With the help of advanced statistical software you will further develop your skills in critical analysis of scientific data, including training in data management, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results, ensuring that you can draw valid conclusions from your research findings. Finally, you will be shown how to effectively design and communicate an original research proposal to the wider scientific and non-scientific community. Upon completion of this module you will be a confident research professional, able to lead your own research project independently. 

Which pathogens pose a threat to us? What can we do to protect ourselves and to treat infectious diseases?

These questions have been brought into the centre of public attention by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, including an additional one: Are we well-prepared for future pandemics? You will understand how we can diagnose and treat diseases caused by different pathogens and also why we do not have appropriate therapies for others. You will also establish a profound understanding of how we can protect ourselves from infectious diseases by vaccination. Hence, you will develop a profound understanding of why we can or cannot successfully treat certain infectious diseases and of the challenges and threats that new pathogens pose to us.

Careers in science and technology involve critical thinking, problem solving, communication and creativity. In this module, you will undertake an independent research project to develop these skills. You will work together with an academic supervisor to address specific scientific questions and design a research project. 

You will be trained in key techniques relating to the project, and work independently under the supervisor's guidance to design and execute experiments to address your research questions. You will learn how to effectively communicate your project and findings in style with scientific conferences and journals.