Molecular Biology and Pathology of Viruses
Analyse the nature of viruses as cellular parasites and their importance in human, animal and plant diseases.
Analyse the nature of viruses as cellular parasites and their importance in human, animal and plant diseases
Engage with leading experts in virology and molecular biology and participate in a leading virology conference
Develop your research skills and methodology and carry out a laboratory-based research project
Course key facts
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Qualification
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MSc
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Duration
1 year
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Start date
October 2023
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£14,050 Home
£40,800 Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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St Mary's Campus, London
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Minimum entry standard
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2:2 degree in biological science, medicine or veterinary science
Course overview
Examine the fundamental nature of viruses as cellular parasites on this Master's course.
You'll consider their importance in human, animal and plant diseases and explore recent major advances in the understanding of the structure of viruses.
The programme also covers the molecular mechanisms of virus replication, virus disease pathogenesis, and the emergence of novel viruses.
You'll engage with experts from many areas of virology and molecular biology during the course. Through this collaborative work, you'll develop skills to embark on further study at PhD level or pursue a career in academic or industrial research.
Two research projects also provide an opportunity to apply techniques from the course to important research problems.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
You’ll take all of these core modules.
Core modules
Examine viruses at the molecular level including the structure of virus particles and virus genomes, and the interaction of viruses with cells.
Explore the pathogenesis of virus-induced diseases, the detection, treatment and prevention of virus infections, and aspects of virus evolution.
Build your research methods and expertise to safely perform laboratory based experimental work.
You'll also analyse and interpret your data to address the objectives of the project.
Develop your critical judgement and communication skills and learn techniques and strategies to study the structure of research publications.
You'll carry out an original research project investigating an important question on features of a particular virus.
During the six-month project, you'll work with a scientific research laboratory under supervision and will interact with researchers working in related areas.
You'll also attend the Annual Conference of the Microbiology Society.
Most projects are carried out at the St Mary's campus. However, some may be carried out at other Imperial campuses or with external research institutions and companies in the UK.
Your work will be assessed by a 10,000 word thesis and an oral presentation.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning methods
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Seminars
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Group tutorials
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Lectures
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Journal clubs
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Group work
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Independent study
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Data interpretation sessions
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Conference
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Virtual learning environment
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Laboratory skills sessions
Balance of assessment
Key
- Modules and mini-research project
- Research project
- 50% Modules and mini-research project
- 50% Research project
Assessment methods
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Scientific writing abstract or summary
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Written examinations
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Poster and oral poster presentation
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Individual written project report
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Literature review
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Research grant proposal
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Research project thesis
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Oral examination
Entry requirements
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course:
- £80 for all taught Master's applications excluding those to the Imperial College Business School
- £100 for all MSc applications to the Imperial College Business School
- £150 for MBA applications to the Imperial College Business School
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2023 entry
£14,050
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the College, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2023-24 entry, the maximum amount is £12,167. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Overseas fee
2023 entry
£40,800
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the College, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2023-24 entry, the maximum amount is £12,167. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Your future career
Be equipped with the skills to pursue PhD study, or if medically qualified, move into clinical practice or research.
With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.
These include finance, management and consultancy.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 5873
- Email: a.pastuszek@imperial.ac.uk
Course Director: Dr Michael McGarvey
Visit the Department of Infectious Disease website.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications