International Summer School

1. Mesophiles and Thermophiles in the Urban Environment. 

Microbes are able to colonize natural environments in which wide ranges of temperature, pH or osmolarity are found. Modern domestic and urban environments can present equally challenging conditions and the ability of microbes to exist in these niches can pose potential health risks. The aim of this project  is to identify the specific types of microorganisms in various urban environments and their pathogenicity.  The project will use conventional microbiological techniques to sample from a range of urban environments that present thermal challenge and identify mesophilic and thermophilic organisms able to survive and grow in these conditions. The properties of these bacteria will be analysed and identification will be attempted by sequencing of the 16s rRNA gene. Students on the project will develop skills in microbiology and molecular biology.            

2. Bacteria in Freshwater  

Environmental issues with freshwater bacteria include the proliferation of disease-causing pathogens from human and animal waste, as well as the spread of antibiotic resistance genes into the environment, which poses a long-term public health threat. The aim of this project are to characterise the bacteria of faecal origin in a local watercourse, to establish which indicator organisms are present and determine if any are pathogenic to humans. The properties of these bacteria will be analysed using traditional microbiological methods, including growth on selective and differential media, followed by sequencing of the 16s rRNA gene. Students on the project will develop skills in environmental monitoring, microbiology and molecular biology.                                                                                                                

3. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model Organism for Genetic Screens.

The nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans has become one of the most widely used model organisms for nearly every aspect of biology.  Its fully mapped genome and conserved biological pathways allow for powerful genetic screening approaches. The aim of the project will be to screen populations of C. elegans to identify any phenotypic changes that may be biologically interesting and attempt to further characterise the mutants. This will be achieved using ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), a mutagen that induces direct mutations in DNA. In addition, C. elegans is an excellent model organism for the study of addiction to compounds such as alcohol and caffeine, and numerous others, areas that you can also develop and investigate during the project.                                                        

4. Genetic engineering for agriculture in a changing climate                

One significant outcome of current climate change models is that agriculturally important species will become more susceptible to devastating diseases, leading to impacts on food supply. The aim of this project will be to investigate the regulation of plasmodesmata which are involved in the spread of disease from cell to cell in plants. The student will investigate how different environmental conditions (temperature, light, water levels etc) affect the expression of genes which control cell to cell movement via the plasmodesmata. Students on the project will develop skills in experimental design, molecular biology, cell biology and fluorescence microscopy.                                                                                                         

NOTE: All the projects will offer substantial opportunity for independent investigation

The aims of the course are to provide experience in the planning and execution of a short research project, data analysis and interpretation, the production of a written report and presenting and discussing research findings to staff and peers. 

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

• Propose a preliminary list of goals to be achieved during the project in collaboration with the project supervisor.
• Critically appraise the literature related to the research project.
• Apply research skills appropriate to the area of specialisation. 
• Deliver a clear, well-constructed oral presentation describing your research to your peers. 
• Compose a cogent, clear and concise report summarising their findings and the state of research in your chosen field.

Full time for 6 weeks, lab-based. 

• GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent). 
• You should be currently enrolled at an international higher education institution.
• you should be majoring in a Biological Science. 

If your first language is not English, you must meet our minimum proficiency level:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) overall score of 6.0, with no sub test less than 5.5  (if English is not an applicant’s first language) and a GPA of not less than 3.0
• We also accept equivalent scores in other recognised qualifications such as ibTOEFL, CAE, CPE and more.

This is a guide, for further information email internationalsummerschools@glasgow.ac.uk.