Microbiology

Major research themes/clusters

Research activity in Microbiology is carried out in three broad topics:-

1. Energy and environment

Microbes are being exploited for sustainable energy generation from renewable biomass and waste, e.g., biofuel cells, anaerobic digestion. 

2. Marine

Marine microbiology underpins the study of climate change, marine productivity and diversity. NUI Galway researchers are studying the microbes that drive geochemical nutrient cycles. 

3. Infectious diseases

All infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms. Research foci are; infection mechanisms, food borne illnesses, antibiotic resistance and diagnostics.

Subjects in this course are:-

• Molecular diagnostics
• Host-pathogen studies
• Microbial glycobiology
• Microbial diversity in aquatic environment
• Recombinant protein production
• Deep ocean microbiology
• Stress responses in food borne pathogens
• Food borne pathogen epidemiology
• Antibiotic and disinfectant resistance
• Applied ecology and habitat management