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Course description
Many of the world's greatest global health challenges arise from viral infections such as novel coronaviruses and the Ebola and Zika viruses. To tackle these major health threats, we need well-trained virologists with the knowledge and skills to diagnose, treat and prevent such disease.
Our MSc Medical and Molecular Virology course will provide education and training in medical virology to equip you with the molecular skills and knowledge to understand the increasingly important role molecular and bioinformatic analysis plays in modern virology.
You will acquire in-depth knowledge and understanding of viruses, the diseases they cause and how they cause them through the taught element of the course. You will also look at how to diagnose, control and prevent infections in individuals and communities.
Later in the course, you will choose a research project and carry it out under the supervision of an academic or clinical supervisor, depending on your interests. This is your opportunity to study a relevant and topical question in medical virology using state-of-the-art techniques and facilities.
By combining academic study with the practice of clinical virology in the health service, our MSc is highly relevant and at the cutting edge of medical and molecular virology.
Special features
Various study options
You can study either full-time or part-time on both the MSc and PGDip routes, enabling you to fit learning around your other commitments if needed.
Teaching and learning
You will learn through lectures, seminars, and extended case study-based practical laboratories, among other teaching methods. You will be encouraged to develop independent thinking and leadership skills.
You will also learn to plan and design a research project using a blended learning approach through online resources and discussion with an individually assigned supervisor.
Coursework and assessment
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Medical and Molecular Virology | BIOL65201 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Viruses and Disease 1 | BIOL65211 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Viruses and Disease 2 | BIOL65221 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Viruses and Disease 3 | BIOL65231 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Research skills in Practice (short version) | BIOL65242 | 30 | Mandatory |
| Research Project | BIOL65252 | 90 | Mandatory |
Facilities
Most of the teaching on this course takes place in Stopford Building on Oxford Road, on the main University campus, and is delivered in a newly refurbished and state-of-the-art teaching laboratory.
Our virology research labs are nearby, and interaction between our master¿s students and PhD students is facilitated and strongly encouraged.
We hold the regular Manchester Infection Seminar series with external speakers, and students are welcome to attend.
Stopford Building has a medical library and various social spaces, including a postgraduate hub available only to postgraduate students.
You will also have access to facilities across the wider University campus .