Gain a detailed understanding of contemporary microbiology – researching the industrial, commercial and medical aspects of the discipline.
Explore the fundamental principles that underpin environmental, industrial and medical microbiology.
Learn how microorganisms cause disease and interact with the immune system and what practical steps can be taken to prevent and treat these conditions.
Consider how bacteria and fungi can be used as tools in a diverse range of industries.
Develop and enhance your laboratory skills from experimental design, through utilisation of pertinent techniques, to interpretation of results.

This course has been designed to respond to the increasing need for highly skilled microbiologists across a range of industries. You'll undertake the critical task of translating basic laboratory medical research into clinical and commercial applications.

Live projects

Research skills and statistical analysis are developed throughout the programme and applied to relevant microbiological problems/case studies. New elements of genomics and proteomics have been introduced allowing students to apply basic science knowledge and skills to experimental study design, and management and data analysis. In the final trimester, students' apply their skills to a two month research project, working with an academic who is a specialist in the field, exploring a current microbiological application.

Field trips

Embedded in various modules are opportunities to visit organisations using microbiology practically in the healthcare, biotechnology and food and beverage industries. For example students studying microbial biotechnology have opportunities to visit a brewery and students enrolled on medical microbiology modules will get the chance to visit a clinical microbiology pathology laboratory.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

You experience a vibrant, challenging and supportive range of learning activities as you progress through the course. The overall aim of the programme is to give you sound preparation for a career in microbiology.

This course covers subjects such as diagnosis, understanding, treatment, and prognosis of disease, and biotechnology applications such as the production of drugs, environmental bioremediation.

Practical skills are developed throughout the course and you gain experience in molecular microbiology and other related techniques]\. All practical classes are led by academic staff whose research incorporates the latest microbiological and biotechnological techniques.

You learn through

• lectures and seminars
• workshops and tutorials
• laboratory classes
• a research project
• experience days

This course prepares you for a career in

• academic research
• the industrial biotechnology sector
• the health biotechnology sector
• PhD study
• the pharmaceutical industry
• food and beverage industries

 

A 2:1 in a relevant Honours degree is normally accepted as the entry requirement for the course. Applicants with a 2:2 are also actively encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants with alternative qualifications with academic attainment or skills in subjects which are directly relevant to the course will also be considered.

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Laboratory And Research Practice	30	Coursework
Applied Laboratory Practice	15	Coursework
Fundamentals Of Microbial Biotechnology	15	Coursework Exam
Fundamentals Of Molecular Microbiology	15	Coursework Exam
Microbial Pathogenesis	15	Coursework
Research Project	60	Coursework

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Applications In Microbial Biotechnology	15	Coursework
Case Studies In Infectious Disease	15	Coursework Exam
Genomics And Proteomics	15	Coursework