Evaluation of natural plant based botanicals as alternative to therapeutic antibiotics

OVERVIEW

It has become widely recognised that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest health threats that mankind faces, encompassing huge health and economic burdens on governments and societies in every region of the globe. Widespread and extensive use of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine as well as agricultural livestock has been linked to the emergence and spread of AMR. The practice of using antibiotics in food animals to prevent infectious disease is likely to have risen under the modern intensive farming conditions. Such practice encourages potential pathogenic microorganisms to evolve and become resistant to many of the currently therapeutic antibiotics. In addition, AMR can be transmitted horizontally and vertically between animal species, and from animals to humans and the environment. Reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics and promoting the development of alternatives are among the key recommendations for immediate action by governments worldwide.

The purpose of the PhD project is to evaluate the antimicrobial property of various indigenous medicinal plants and traditional herbal medicines for their potential application in treatment and/or prevention of infectious diseases in humans and/or animals, as well as providing a safe alternative to antibiotics in agricultural food animals. Evidence-based scientific knowledge will be obtained through in vitro and in vivo experimentations with analytical evaluation of efficacy on several health and growth parameters. Research analysis techniques to be trained in include conventional and advanced laboratory and analytical techniques across different disciplines of life sciences from microbiology to biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, phytochemistry, analytical chemistry 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