Undergraduate Degree Programmes

Blue tongue virus in sheep, foot and mouth disease virus in cattle, avian influenza in birds: infectious diseases have been wreaking havoc with the agricultural economy. From the common cold to the "winter vomiting bug" (human norovirus), we too are still highly prone to microbial pathogens.
Throughout the developing world infectious agents take an extraordinary toll. Occasionally, pathogens such as "swine flu" cross species barriers and generate global pandemics. Throughout the tropics, malaria, tuberculosis and leprosy continue to inflict misery. But what are microbial pathogens? How do infectious agents cause disease? How are they transmitted between people or animals? How does our body respond to these unwelcome aliens and what can we do to intervene once infected? Better still, can we break the cycle of infection and eliminate these diseases?

Our bodies are in a constant state of war against microbial pathogens. Survival is only possible with a fully functional immune system that seeks out and destroys these microorganisms. It isn’t perfect, but we have learned how to boost its powers by vaccination, arguably the greatest medical achievement of the 20th century. Regrettably, protection against infection comes at a cost, and it is now clear that immune cells contribute to virtually all non-infectious diseases that are prevalent in our society, from asthma, allergy and arthritis, to heart disease and cancer. Can we understand the immune system with a view to enhancing immune responses against infection and blocking those immune components that contribute to disease?

The Institute of Infection and Immunity at the University of Glasgow offers a range of degrees to allow you to learn about all the exciting aspects of infection and immunity.

To find out more information about the different degree themes Click Here