PhD in Microbes and Pathogen Biology
Queen's University of Belfast - Medical Faculty
Key Information
Campus location
Belfast, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
Request info
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
Introduction
These include overlapping themes in Biochemistry, Food Safety and Nutrition, Microbiology, Parasitology and Plant/Soil Science, with a broad research ethos that encompasses research in molecular biosciences from molecules to ecosystems.
Biochemistry explores basic facets of cell signalling, molecular interactions, and enzymology in healthy and diseased organisms.
Food Safety concentrates on the detection of toxins, drug residues, endocrine disruptors and pathogenic micro-organisms in foods with a view to the improvement of food safety and integrity using diverse systems biology approaches
Nutrition research aims to improve life quality through the reduction of oxidative stress.
Microbiology explores fundamental microbial processes related to the functions of micro-organisms in the environment and their use in biotechnology.
Parasitology aims to improve parasite control and agricultural sustainability through the exploration of drug resistance, the development of drug target discovery and validation methods, and the development of vaccines to control parasite infections.
Plant & Soil Science focuses on improved quality (more nutrients, fewer toxicants) and efficiency of growing (reducing fertilizer inputs, novel field management) of grains/vegetables/fruits, by integrating soil chemistry and microbiology with plant physiology.
Research strengths
- Bio-imaging
- Bio-screening for beneficial natural compounds
- Emerging microbiological and chemical threats to food and water
- Human dietary intervention studies, especially related to satiety and obesity
- Identification of cellular and systemic receptors and targets for novel therapeutic drug design related to diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease
- Microbial biochemistry, genomics, stress metabolism and bioremediation
- Molecular biology, cell biology, cell signalling and regulation
- New sensor-based methods and sample preparation techniques to deliver rapid and effective monitoring of harmful food and environmental contaminants
- Parasite biology, gene silencing, physiology and therapeutics
- Protein biochemistry, structure, expression, and engineering
- Relationship between heat-processed diets and vascular health
Special features
The diverse array of research interests - ranging from biochemistry, food safety, microbiology and parasite control to plant and soil sciences - are linked by common approaches within the molecular biosciences that are aimed at exploiting the ongoing genomic, transcriptomic/proteomic revolution.
Additional linkages are common: The molecular microbiology and parasitology components are heavily involved with industry and stakeholders to develop new biotechnologies and/or new therapies for disease control. Via the Institute for Global Food Security, the food safety and nutritional research elements have links throughout the agri-food industry which aim to exploit cutting-edge technologies to drive a competitive and sustainable agricultural sector. The interdisciplinary ASSET Centre (Assured Safe and Traceable Food) aims to secure food chain safety through state-of-the-art food forensics. Additionally, the group has a wide range of strong international links across Europe, Asia, North and South America.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
There is a range of funding and scholarship options available to those considering study at Queen's.
Ph.D. Funded Studentships
We offer fully-funded studentships to outstanding postgraduate researchers across our three faculties and five Doctoral Training Centres.
Career Opportunities
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.