Medical Microbiology MD

Medical and Veterinary Microbiology are the study of the agents responsible for causing human or animal infections: bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. This includes the study of underlying mechanisms of pathogen virulence, diagnostics and identification of pathogens, pathogen epidemiology, and antimicrobial resistance. Research in Medical Microbiology is based in new laboratories at three sites, the Ronald Ross Building, IC2 and Leahurst. It encompasses studies of the pathogenicity, diagnostics, identification, epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of a range of bacterial pathogens including: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. We have strong groups working on zoonotic pathogens, such as Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella. Techniques used include: pathogen culture and diagnostic identification methods, PCR and transcriptomic and genomic technologies, including metagenomics, resequencing and genotyping cell separation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, proteomics and infection models. The aims of the research are to investigate the transmission routes and behaviour of pathogens during infections and use this knowledge to design better therapeutic strategies or vaccines in order to improve the health of humans and animals. The Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a doctoral degree open to medical practitioners (technically, anyone holding a medical qualification registrable with the General Medical Council). It is equivalent in requirements and format to the PhD.