MSc Veterinary Microbiology

Applicants should normally possess at least a 2.2 honours degree in a relevant subject (biosciences) or a degree in medicine or veterinary medicine. However, relevant research experience may also be considered. Selection will be based upon the candidate’s application, references and an informal interview. In special circumstances, a student may be set work for assessment before being offered a place on the programme.

English language requirements

IELTS minimum overall: 7.0

IELTS minimum by component: 6.5

All fees are subject to increase or review for subsequent academic years. Please note that not all visa routes permit part-time study and overseas students entering the UK on a Tier 4 visa will not be permitted to study on a part-time basis.

Modules

• Microbiology and Veterinary Immunology
• Microbial Genetics
• Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
• Transmission and Control of Infectious Diseases of Animals (Non-Vector)
• Transmission and Control of Infectious Diseases of Animals (Vector)
• Infectious Diseases of Animals (Practical Session IAH/AHVLA/HPA)
• Diseases of Animal Systems: Gastro-intestinal Diseases of Animals
• Diseases of Animal Systems: Respiratory Diseases of Animals
• Diseases of Animal Systems: Multisystemic Diseases of Animals
• Diseases of Animal Systems: CNS and Skin Diseases of Animals
• Veterinary Microbiology Research Project

Module Overview

The programme consists of nine taught modules totalling 135 credits, two practical modules worth 15 credits, and a research project worth 30 credits.

Microbiology and Veterinary Immunology

This module introduces students to the major groups of veterinary pathogens and provides a basic understanding of how to culture and classify them. Coverage will be extensive in order to cover farmed, exotic and wild animals. In this module you will also learn how disease status may be determined and how to analyse data (such as research data or outbreak data) using statistical methods. Basic veterinary immunology and vaccine development will also be covered.

Microbial Genetics

This module first covers the basics of molecular biology and microbial genetics, with examples of the application of molecular biology to diagnosis. It will then progress to the detailed study of gene function and regulation particularly relevant to survival, transmission, host adaptation and pathogenesis. This will be underpinned by discussing how new approaches such as next-generation sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics and systems biology provide new insights into the disease process and aid in the diagnosis and advancement of veterinary microbiology research.

Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases

This module will provide you with a deep understanding of the molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases of animals, with a particular focus on food-borne pathogens and veterinary public health.

The following modules will include aspects of the diagnosis, epidemiology, immune response and mechanisms of pathogenesis.

Transmission and Control of Infectious Diseases of Animals (Non-Vector)

This module will provide an in-depth coverage of the important non-vector transmitted pathogens that infect animals, such as FMDV and Mycoplasma.

Transmission and Control of Infectious Diseases of Animals (Vector)

This module will provide an in-depth coverage of the important vector-transmitted pathogens that infect animals, such as BTV and Leishmania.

Diseases of Animal Systems: Gastro-intestinal Diseases of Animals

This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of important pathogens of the gastrointestinal tract of animals (mainly livestock), such as E. coli, Clostridia, Brachyspira, Parvovirus, BVDV, nematodes and others

Diseases of Animal Systems: Respiratory Diseases of Animals

This module will consider a number of important pathogens of the respiratory tract of animals (mainly livestock), such as Pasteurella, Streptococcus, Actinobacillus, influenza, corona virus and others. Lectures and self-directed learning will result in you gaining expertise in all aspects of disease mechanisms, diagnosis and control.

Diseases of Animal Systems: Multisystemic Diseases of Animals

This module will provide you with a deep understanding of important pathogens implicated in multisystemic and reproductive diseases of animals (mainly livestock), such as Leptospira, Contagious Equine Metritis, Brucella, Schmallenberg, PMWS and CSF.

Diseases of Animal Systems: CNS and Skin Diseases of Animals

This module will provide you with a deep understanding of important pathogens implicated in CNS and skin diseases of animals, such as Listeria, Staphylococcus, Echinococcus, West Nile and others. Bee and fish diseases will also be covered.

Infectious Diseases of Animals (Practical Training)

Our programme provides you with the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the diagnosis of important veterinary diseases within the world reference laboratories of the AHVLA and IAH. These two 1-week placements will familiarise you with a range of diagnostic techniques, including culture, ELISA-based assays, PCR and molecular/forensic microbiology methods for outbreak studies (for example, next-generation sequencing, PFGE and DGGE). Furthermore, these study visits will provide you with detailed knowledge of the role of reference laboratories in the context of global animal health. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to gain a detailed knowledge of how zoonotic diseases outbreaks are investigated.