Prof David Whitworth BA (Oxon), PhD (Warwick), SFHEA, FIBMS

Dave is a Professor of Biochemistry at Aberystwyth and coordinates the Biochemistry degree scheme. He studied for a BA in Biochemistry at Balliol College, Oxford (1991-1995) before completing a PhD in bacterial genetics at the University of Warwick (1999). After two postdoctoral posts and a lectureship at Warwick, Dave moved to Aberystwyth in 2008. He has been a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy since 2016 and served a term as member of Council for the Microbiology Society. Dave's research interests include bacterial genome evolution and functional genomics (particularly of predatory myxobacteria), and the pedagogy of skills and creativity.

Module Coordinator

• BR16820 - Skills for Biologists
• BR22920 - Practical Skills for Biochemists

Coordinator

• BR16820 - Skills for Biologists
• BR22920 - Practical Skills for Biochemists

Tutor

• BRM6160 - MRes Dissertation (B)
• BRS0060 - Integrated Year in Industry
• BRM2860 - MBiol Research Project
• BR17320 - Biological chemistry
• BR27520 - Research Methods

Moderator

• BR35520 - Biotechnology
• BR20620 - Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics

Lecturer

• BRM4820 - Field and Laboratory Techniques
• BR26620 - Proteins and Enzymes
• BR17120 - Genetics, Evolution and Diversity
• BR17520 - Cell Biology
• BR36020 - Molecular Biology of Development
• BR14310 - Evolution and the Diversity of Life
• BG16820 - Sgiliau ar gyfer Biolegwyr

Grader

• BR36440 - Research Project

My research group focuses on predatory myxobacteria, such as Myxococcus xanthus, and how they have evolved to prey upon other microbes. We study natural myxobacteria isolates and their secreted vesicles/metabolites, using a variety of 'omic, biochemical and phenotypic techniques to identify genes conferring antimicrobial activity. We have recently become interested in applying myxobacteria as biological control agents in agriculture. Various projects are investigating how best to protect crop plants and edible insects from problematic fungal and bacterial pathogens using myxobacteria.