Antibacterial activity and mode of action of phytochemicals against resistant bacteria of health and economic importance

OVERVIEW

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been declared by WHO as one of the top global public health threats facing humanity. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens. This project aims to evaluate phytochemicals as safe, effective and sustainable antibiotic alternatives to combat AMR.

The widespread use and heavy reliance on antimicrobials across human and veterinary medicine as well as agricultural food production have inevitably resulted in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which is now one of the biggest threats to the One-Health system, i.e. human, animal, food security and environmental health. The pace at which bacteria develop their resistance has been alarming compared to the development of new antibiotics. This limits treatments of infections with fewer and less sensitive antibiotics. Reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics to preserve effectiveness of existing antimicrobials, and utilising antibiotic alternatives are among the current global actions to combat AMR. The urgent need for antibiotic alternatives sparks a revival of interest in exploiting the ancient knowledge of medicinal plants to tackle the modern challenge of AMR. The continual use of traditional medicines to date in many parts of the world supports the anecdotal effectiveness of phytochemicals against human and animal infections. This project seeks to provide scientific evidence of the efficacy of plant substances (phytochemicals) against resistant bacteria in humans and animals, and to elucidate their underlying antibacterial mechanisms using contemporary scientific tools and advanced technological platforms interlinking different disciplines of microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology.

Research Information

PhD Supervisors
Information on the research interests and activities of academics in Biological Sciences can be accessed via the School website and the Find a Supervisor facility.

Career Prospects

Introduction
Queen’s postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as the DegreePlus/Future Ready Award, bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. Career prospects in the biological sciences are exceptionally good. To some extent it depends on the specific topic, of course, but laboratory-based and especially quantitative skills and the proven innovation of a PhD or MPhil are highly sought after. Degrees are very much in demand, both in commercial science and public sector research and development (e.g. drug discovery and development, crop and animal improvements and welfare, sustainable agriculture and resource use, human nutrition and health, animal health, ecological management, food safety and technology, scientific communications, regulation, and many more fields).

Employment after the Course
Graduates have gone on to be professional research scientists, consultants, or hold technical and junior executive positions in commerce and government.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant subject from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen’s University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Find a supervisor

If you’re interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.

To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.

You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.