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MSc Molecular Parasitology and Vector Biology
Faculty of Science, Engineering & Environment
School of Environment & Life Sciences
Key Facts
Duration
MSc: one year, full-time
Please contact the Admissions Secretary for information on part-time study
Start month: September
Entry requirements
- Applicants should possess at least a UK lower second class honours degree (2.2) or equivalent in biology, biomedicine, medicine, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, or veterinary science.
- We welcome applications from students with alternative qualifications and/or significant relevant experience, subject to approval through a process of Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).
- We welcome international students with the appropriate levels of English language proficiency. IELTS 6.0 band score or a score of TOEFL 550 or above (213 computer based) with a TWE of 4.0 are proof of this.
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Mode of Attendance
Full-time / Part-time
Key benefits
- An innovative, collaborative MSc programme taught jointly by the Universities of Salford, Manchester and Keele.
- Complementary parasitological expertise and research experience of three leading universities in the field, together with use of facilities in all three institutions.
- Acquisition of conceptual parasitological knowledge and a diverse array of practical and transferable skills.
- Received top rating in Quality Assurance Agency audit.
Who is the programme for?
This programme is for UK and international graduates who wish to enter research, teaching, scientific laboratory management and careers in parasitology including diagnostic centres and overseas field centres.
Programme content
This MSc course explores in detail the biology of parasitic diseases and how such diseases are spread by vectors. Training in modern research techniques is provided. Semester 1 modules include:
- Immunology of Parasitic Infections
- Vector Biology & Control
- Molecular Biology of Parasites
- Core Parasitology & Vector Biology (also stretches into semester 2)
In semester one there is also a residential field trip to Malham Tarn field-centre, North Yorkshire where you will learn parasite diagnostic techniques through analyses of local wildlife.
Semester 2 consists of two Research Skills modules: Research Skills Applications, and Analytical Parasitology.
After Easter, students go on to undertake an individual research project based in one of the three institutions, choosing a topical aspect of parasitology. Students not wishing to continue onto the research project can be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Molecular Parasitology and Vector Biology if leaving the programme at this stage.
The MSc is taught jointly by academic staff of the universities of Keele, Manchester and Salford, which were respectively rated 22, 23 and 24 (out of 24 - the maximum possible) by the UK Quality Assurance Agency.
Assessment
The programme is assessed by modular exams, assignments, presentations, practical work, group/individual projects, and submission of the research project report.
Career progression
Many graduates from this MSc programme go on to do a PhD. Others have entered employment as research assistants or research laboratory technicians in pharmaceuticals, drug design and pesticide research. Other careers have included pollution microbiologists with water authorities, and work in hospital laboratories investigating the haematology, molecular biology and immunology of infectious diseases.
Funding opportunities
International students, scholarships available, please visit www.els.salford.ac.uk/scholarships
The award of PMI2 (Prime Minister's Initiative 2) funding may also enable students to carry out their research project at the Universiti Sains Malaysia, based in Penang, Malaysia.
For additional details of funding opportunities, please visit www.pg.salford.ac.uk/funding
Last updated 22 December 2009
Interested?
UK / EU students: register and log in to your commUNIty.
International / non-EU students: visit our international enquiries system.
For further information on how you can apply to courses, see our study at Salford section.