The course provides a foundation in the fundamental molecular microbiology that underlies the ongoing and increasing challenge of bacterial infectious disease in healthcare, diagnosis and treatment. The course will equip you to progress to employment in biomedical science, or to embark on a postgraduate research degree in a related field.

The course is set within the context of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection at the University of Birmingham which brings together experts in areas of microbiology from fundamental science of model organisms to translational research on key pathogens of medical and veterinary importance.

Continuing developments in infection including increasing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics and the emergence of ‘superbugs’ such as Clostridium difficile and E. coli O157, and the increasing problem of tuberculosis as a worldwide killer disease, emphasise the need for experts in this field now and into the future.

You will take six 20 credit taught modules and in addition will carry out a 12 week research project. The project will be conducted within a research group in the School of Biosciences or another part of the University. You will be working alongside research scientists on an original research topic integrated with the ongoing work of the group

1.  Core concepts and skills in Microbiology (20 credits)

This module acts as a refresher on the fundamentals of molecular and cellular microbiology. You will have the opportunity to develop key quantitative, analytical and critical analysis skills. It will also include important aspects of working in the laboratory and how to handle microorganisms safely.

2.  Medical microbiology practice and applications (20 credits)

You will study infectious disease; emerging infections; epidemiology and the impact of change; diagnosis; typing and clinical practice

3.  The role of the host in infection and immunity (20 credits)

You will study important aspects of the role of the host including inflammation and its role in disease and resistance; septic shock; apoptosis; immunity,  innate and acquired; vaccination; vaccine discovery, research and development and immunocompromise and opportunistic infection

4.  Bacterial surface structure and its significance. (20 credits)

The bacterial surface plays a key role in the interaction between host and pathogen. This module focuses on bacterial virulence factors and their underlying mechanisms. It will include: protein secretion systems and their importance in disease causation; extracellular toxins; extracellular structures and interactions; biofilm formation, quorum sensing; adhesion to host structures; cellular and systemic invasion and other factors such as iron acquisition and motility

5.  Antibiotics and antimicrobials (20 credits)

You will  learn about the diversity, modes of action and targets of antibiotics, their uses and abuses and resistance and its mechanisms. New approaches to tackling the emerging threat of antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial drug design and discovery will also be considered.

6.  Molecular Microbiology: ‘omics’ and knowledge-based applications in medical microbiology (20 credits)

Our understanding of Microbes has been revolutionised by our ability to sequence their genomes and by other ‘omics’ techniques. This module will cover sequencing technology, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metagenomics and explore how these have advanced our understanding of microbial pathogens. You will consider  issues which arise from the need to analyse large data sets and will gain hands on experience of bioinformatics tools.

Standard fees apply - This programme is in Fee Band Laboratory
Learn more about fees and funding 

Scholarships and studentships
International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government. 

Find out about scholarships for international students.

For further information contact the School directly or get in touch with the Student Funding Office via the online enquiries system.

International students:

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

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In-course assessments will be varied in format, to include written assignments such as essays, assessed laboratory notebooks and reports, group work; some modules will also include class tests or end of module examinations. Formative assessments are incorporated into the course so that you feel well prepared for the summative ones.

The project will be assessed by a combination of a substantial written report and assessment of your performance in the laboratory; you will also give an oral presentation at the end of the project.