MSC Molecular Microbiology at Sheffield Hallam University

• Explore the fundamental principles that underpin environmental, industrial and medical microbiology.
• Learn how microorganisms cause disease and interact with the immune system and what practical steps can be taken to prevent and treat these conditions.
• Consider how bacteria and fungi can be used as tools in a diverse range of industries.
• Develop and enhance your laboratory skills from experimental design, through utilisation of pertinent techniques, to interpretation of results.

This course has been designed to respond to the increasing need for highly skilled microbiologists across a range of industries. You'll undertake the critical task of translating basic laboratory medical research into clinical and commercial applications.

Live projects

Research skills and statistical analysis are developed throughout the programme and applied to relevant microbiological problems/case studies. New elements of genomics and proteomics have been introduced allowing students to apply basic science knowledge and skills to experimental study design, and management and data analysis. In the final trimester, students' apply their skills to a two month research project, working with an academic who is a specialist in the field, exploring a current microbiological application.

Field trips

Embedded in various modules are opportunities to visit organisations using microbiology practically in the healthcare, biotechnology and food and beverage industries. For example students studying microbial biotechnology have opportunities to visit a brewery and students enrolled on medical microbiology modules will get the chance to visit a clinical microbiology pathology laboratory.

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in

• academic research
• the industrial biotechnology sector
• the health biotechnology sector
• PhD study
• the pharmaceutical industry
• food and beverage industries