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Summary

Course details

Course type:

Master’s Programme

Director of studies:

James La Course

Mode of study:

Duration:

1 Year

Home fee:

TBC

Overseas fee:

TBC

3 good reasons to study

Tropical diseases caused by pathogens blight the lives of over a billion people globally. You will develop a deep understanding of the biology of these pathogens, and the vectors that spread them.

The course is delivered in the main by the LSTM Departments of ‘Tropical Disease Biology’, and ‘Vector Biology’ using state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and with industrial collaborations. These are coupled to a strong research based that works in countries throughout resource-limited tropical regions of the world.

You will gain practical experience of essential techniques, and significant theoretical and practical knowledge in all important and topical areas of the field of tropical disease biology, all taught within an active and exciting scientific environment.

Programme Outline

The MSc programme ‘Tropical Disease Biology’ provides advanced and research-informed contemporary learning in parasitology, microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, and the study of disease vectors and the pathogens they transmit in tropical and/or resource-limited regions of the world.

Delivered by an internationally diverse team of research-active experts in their disciplines, the broad scope of the programme ranges across the biology, biochemistry, immunology, ecology, and population biology of the organisms of importance to public health in predominantly tropical regions of limited resource, and their associated epidemiology.

The programme will give students the opportunity to develop employer-relevant transferable skills, producing independent and collaborative team workers, critical thinkers, adaptable problem-solvers, and as confident communicators in a range of environments. Experience in essential laboratory, field, and computing-based research techniques, as well as significant theoretical and applied practical knowledge in all important and topical areas of the field is further provided within core taught elements. Participants further demonstrate and apply their comprehensive understanding and critical awareness through completion of a research-based dissertation with opportunities either overseas or in Liverpool.

Read about some of our alumni here

Chris White - completed MSc Applied Parasitology & Medical Entomology (previous name for this MSc)

Angus More O'Ferrall and Hamish Baxter (2018/19) - presented their work to the RSTMH Research in Progress conference

Angus More O'Ferrall (2018/19) - his blog written May 2021 reviewing intercalating at LSTM

Other Alumni News:

Alice Cousins (2017/18) - Alice’s was an intercalating medic whose dissertation (supervised by Prof Russ Stothard and Dr James LaCourse) contributed to the initial stages of a study to assess the feasibility of pathogen detection methods in moving towards enhancing co-surveillance of malaria & neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with non-invasive sampling. Alice’s work contributed to a peer-reviewed publication and was spotted by the ‘All Party Parliamentary Group’ for Malaria & NTDs who invited us to present the work at the House of Commons. LSTM Master's research projects are not only of the highest quality at all levels, but that MSc students can genuinely take part in the most important work we do and are recognised in these endeavours through names on publications.

Lottie Brown (2019/20) - Lottie is an intercalating medic whose project was involved in LSTM's COVID-10 response.

John Archer (2015/16) - John has published a review he built from his MSc critical review entitled "An update on non-invasive urine diagnostics for human-infecting parasitic helminths: what more could be done and how?". John also presented the review at the 2019 British Socieity for Parasitology (BSP) Autumn Symposium in Belfast. After spending the last few years working in research labs in Glasgow, Liverpool and London’s Natural History Museum, John is re-joining LSTM to start his MRC DTP PhD training programme studying schistosomiasis with Prof Russ Stothard and James LaCourse.

Entrance Requirements

Academic requirements:

Open to graduates with an Honours degree (2.ii or equivalent) in the biological sciences or a medical/veterinary degree. Overseas candidates with other qualifications may be accepted, particularly if they have the relevant experience through working in an appropriate field for a number of years. Medical or Veterinary students who have completed at least three years of study and wish to intercalate are also accepted onto the programme.

Recognition of prior learning:

All programmes of study will permit entry with credit attributed to previous certificated study up to a total of one third of the credits required to be awarded a MSc Degree, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Award.

Work experience:

Non-graduates with considerable satisfactory work experience and evidence of appropriate in-service training will also be considered.

English language requirements:

The programme is taught in English. Applicants whose first language is not English must normally provide evidence of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all learning components, or a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 88 for the Internet-based Test (iBT), with minimum scores of 21 for Listening and Writing, 22 for Reading and 23 for Speaking. Tests should be within their validity period of 2 years. Other English Language Tests and country specific English Language qualifications are also accepted – a full list with details of levels required can be found on the LSTM website (http://www.lstmed.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements). Applicants who have recently completed a degree level qualification taught in a majority English speaking country (as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) may also be accepted at the discretion of the Director of Studies.

Other requirements:

None

Aims

This course aims to:

Equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to develop a career in research, training or control of vector-borne diseases, pathogens, parasites, and organisms of importance to public health with particular emphasis on tropical and resource-poor regions of the world.

Provide practical experience of a range of specialised technical and analytical skills relevant to the study of disease vectors, pathogens, parasites, and organisms of importance to public health with particular emphasis on tropical and resource-poor regions of the world.

Enable students to conduct independent research in the laboratory and/or field.

Produce graduates who are experienced, committed, informed, proactive and effective professionals, capable of taking substantial and leading professional roles.

Facilitate high quality learning that is informed by critical analysis of current research.

Careers

With a wide choice of laboratory and disease related careers, our alumni can be found in: Research; Laboratories; Teaching; Industry; Health related Programme Management; Public Health; UN organisations; NGO’s; Health Ministries; Universities and Hospitals to name but a few. Our graduates are also competitively placed to begin PhD programmes.

Graduates of the MSc Tropical Disease Biology have undergone excellent general preparation for a career in laboratory and field research in biological sciences, and are particularly well placed for careers in research or training in areas related to organisms of importance to public health, pathogen, parasitic and vector-borne diseases globally, and particularly within tropical or resource-poor regions of the world.

Testimonials

Being part of the LSTM community and completing a Master's degree here has been one of the most valuable experiences to date! Unforgettable and Unique. (Joe Clarkson 2019/20)

Study at LSTM was a wonderful experience that I will treasure for life. I met so many amazing people and now have a job in my chosen profession. (Molly Cliff, 2019/20)

Demanding but enjoyable. My year there provided a vital foundation on which to build a career in global public health. (Chris White, alumni comment)

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Start date	End date	Home fee	Overseas fee
20 September 2021	6 September 2022	£9,950	£22,500	Apply

Start date:
20 September 2021

End date:
6 September 2022

Home fee:
£9,950

Overseas fee:
£22,500

Apply

Tropical Disease Biology

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Course details

3 good reasons to study

Programme Outline

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