MSc Medical Parasitology

This course aims to provide core training in the theoretical and practical aspects of medical parasitology, covering the protozoan and metazoan parasites of humans and the vectors which transmit them, and equip students with specialised skills to enable them to pursue a career in research, control or teaching related to medical parasitology. Specialised study modules are chosen from a list of diverse topics.

Graduates enter a range of global health fields ranging from diagnostics through to applied basic research and operational control to higher degree studies and academic/teaching-related positions.

The Patrick Buxton Memorial Medal and Prize is awarded to the best student of the year. Founded by relatives of Patrick Alfred Buxton, Professor in Entomology, who died in 1955.

Objectives

By the end of this course students should be able to demonstrate: detailed knowledge and understanding of the biology, life cycles, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of parasitic infections in humans and their relevance for human health and control; detailed knowledge and understanding of the biology and strategies for control of the vectors and intermediate hosts of human parasites; carry out practical laboratory identification of parasite stages both free and in tissues and diagnose infections; specialised skills in: advanced diagnostic, molecular, immunological, genetic, chemotherapeutic, ecological and/or control aspects of the subject; the ability to design a laboratory or field-based research project, and apply relevant research skills; prepare a written report including a critical literature review of relevant scientific publications, and show competence in communicating scientific findings.

Programme specifications - showing which of the various elements of the Course support and achieve each of these specific Objectives.

Term 1

There is an initial two-week orientation period that includes an introduction to studying at the School, sessions on key computing and study skills and an introduction to major groups of pathogens. This is followed by a ten-week Core teaching module: Parasitology & Entomology. Sessions on basic computing, molecular biology and statistics are run throughout the term for all students.

Terms 2 and 3

Students take a total of six modules, one from each timetable slot. A typical selection of modules is given below; not all modules will be available in any one year. Some modules can be taken only after consultation with the Course Director.

C1: Molecular Biology & Recombinant DNA Techniques; Vector Sampling, Identification & Incrimination; Advanced Immunology.

C2: Advanced Diagnostic Parasitology; Vector Biology and Vector-Parasite Interactions; Statistical Methods in Epidemiology.

D1: Molecular Cell Biology & Infection; Designing Disease Control Programmes in Developing Countries; Predicting Disease in Time & Space.

D2: Genetics of Pathogens & Vectors; Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases; Epidemiology & Control of Communicable Diseases.

E1: Immunology of Parasitic Infection; Methods of Vector Control; AIDS; Genetic Epidemiology.

E2: Control & Epidemiology of Malaria; Antimicrobial Chemotherapy; Tropical Environmental Health.

Further details for the course modules can be found here.

Residential Field Trip

There is a compulsory one week field course, between Term 2 and 3, on vector and parasite sampling and identification methods.

Project Report

Students complete a research project. This may be based on a critical review of an approved topic, analysis of a collection of results or a laboratory study. Students undertaking projects overseas will require additional funding of up to £1,500 to cover costs involved.

The majority of students who undertake projects abroad receive financial support for flights from the School's trust funds set up for this purpose.

Titles of some of the recent summer projects completed by students on this MSc

Course Duration

Full-time for one year or split study over two years. Students taking the course by split study over two years attend full-time for part of Year 1, and then undertake the remainder of their course in Year 2. The split can occur anytime between the Christmas break and the end of the formal teaching in May, by prior arrangement with the Course Director. Paper 1 may be taken at the end of Year 1 or at the end of Year 2. Paper 2 must be taken at the end of Year 2. Interested applicants should indicate their choice on the application form.

Entrance Requirements

Either a Second-class Honours degree of a recognised university in science, or a related subject, or a degree in medicine. Applicants with an appropriate technical qualification and work experience, or equivalent qualifications, are also welcomed.