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OVERVIEW
Escherichia coli is a genus of bacteria, encountered as an inhabitant of the human and animal gastrointestinal tract. Surveillance is reporting an increase in resistance to all major classes of antimicrobial agent used in the treatment of livestock and companion animals. An important factor contributing to this increase is the selective pressure imposed by the use/overuse of these valuable therapeutic compounds. Use of antimicrobial compounds in livestock production worldwide is estimated to be approximately double the amount used in human medicine. It is impossible to contain bacteria commensal, pathogenic or otherwise, within the boundary of their original source, whether in the health-care setting or a food-animal production system, which means there is a continuous exchange between bacteria in different niches. Drug-resistant E. coli are recognized as an important reservoir of antibiotic resistant determinants, being disseminated to bacteria of human and veterinary importance. In particular, increasing numbers of reports are describing ESbL-producing bacteria in animals and foods of animal origin. The emergence of resistance to critically important classes of antimicrobial compounds, such as extended spectrum b-lactams (ESbL) is of particular concern. Bacteria expressing an ESbL-resistance phenotype contain plasmids, with the corresponding genetic determinants. This phenotype is associated with a b-lactamase-encoding enzyme of either the TEM; SHV or the more recently described CTX-M families. ESbLs hydrolyse penicillins, lower-generation cephalosporins in addition to 3rd- and 4th-generation cephalosporins. These enzymes are inhibited by clavulanic acid, a feature that is used in their classification.
Following geneotype analysis to identify the ESbL-determinant, and using bioinformatic tools, comparisons have identified loci within the plasmids which appear to be conserved. As an example, one of these contains a blaCTX-M-1 gene, located on an IncI1 plasmid. The latter is conserved across several food-producing animal species. Interestingly, no evidence of a blaCTX-M-15 marker has been observed.
This research proposal will apply the conventional and molecular microbiological methods developed by the collaborators, to characterise antibiotic resistant E. coli cultured from the three foods of animal origin.
All applicants must meet the academic entry requirements: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/biological-sciences-phd.html#entry
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.
Want fewer missed deadlines?
Follow a channel you care about (Graduate → Post-PhD).