PhD in Microbiology

Introduction

The PhD programme in Microbiology is aimed at preparing researchers in the area of microbiology, with emphasis on the acquisition of critical thinking and, especially, the acquisition of the technical and intellectual skills necessary for a future PhD to plan and carry out complex research projects.

The PhD candidate must carry out an original experimental research project which culminates in the writing and public defence of doctoral thesis. The PhD programme in Microbiology proposes the consolidation of a range of focuses and approaches and a balance between basic and applied research that provide a rich and diverse intellectual atmosphere that is essential for quality research.

Candidate profile

The PhD programme in Microbiology is addressed to graduates in Microbiology or in a related area (Biology, Medicine, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics, Veterinary Medicine, Environmental Biology, Pharmacy, Food Science and Technology, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Science) who meet the legal access requirements for PhD programmes and who wish to acquired advanced competences in Microbiology research.

Professional opportunities

Microbiologists are able to carry out research work in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industry, developing new therapeutic and diagnostic tools.

In the food industry they play an important role both in developing new products and in implementing quality-control systems. In hospitals and clinics they are involved in the study of pathogenicity mechanisms and in the development and evaluation of new therapies for infectious diseases.

In the environmental industry PhD graduates in microbiology are able to conduct environmental diagnoses, assess and manage the quality of treated and non-treated water, study the impact of human activity on environmental microbiota, and develop and use bioremediation tools to mitigate the effects of human pollution.

Finally, in the area of university and public research institutions PhD graduates in microbiology can plan and direct basic and applied research projects, supervise research conducted by master's and PhD students, and teach on undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Objectives and justification

The PhD in Microbiology is aimed at the preparation of researchers in the area of microbiology. This is achieved through an original work of research culminating in the presentation and defence of a doctoral thesis, which should serve to give the PhD candidate the necessary capacity to carry out research independently within a research group.

At the end of the doctorate, the candidate should have acquired the technical and scientific abilities necessary for carrying out research that is successful and scientifically sound. This PhD programme is also concerned with questions of communication, given that it offers the knowledge and skills necessary for the interpretation and dissemination of results in specialist media.

The doctorate programme see to offer continuity in the training available in microbiology at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, which consists of the Degree in Microbiology and the Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology. The PhD programme is also offered to students from related disciplines who satisfy the entrance criteria as established in the prevailing legislation.
The quality of this programme is reflected in the receipt of the Quality Award and the Pathway to Excellence Award from the Ministry of Education.

Coordinator

Jordi Mas Gordi

Administration

Genetics and Microbiology Department
Building C - UAB Campus
Contact: Maria Josep Mas
Phone: +34 93 581 2724
Email: coordinacio.doctorat.microbiologia@uab.cat