BA MicrobiologyAdd to shortlist

Programme profile

Although microbes have been studied for 300 years, mainly in the context of disease, only recently has it been fully realised that microbes are essential for the maintenance of many aspects of life on Earth. This includes recycling all nutrients and minerals, providing oxygen to our atmosphere, fuelling our digestive system and generating essential vitamins and nutrients for our survival. On the other hand, microbes cause a multitude of infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants. Diseases such as AIDS, malaria, cholera, avian influenza, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (‘mad cow disease’) and antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection are all caused by microbes. Despite this, we still know very little about microbes and some estimates suggest that over 95% of the microbial world is yet to be discovered!

Microbiology, as a science, investigates the structures and life processes of micro-organisms (such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi and viruses) together with their activities and effects, beneficial and detrimental, on plants, animals, man and the environment. It also studies the control of these effects and the harnessing of microbial processes for applications in biotechnology.

Programme content

Students who wish to study Microbiology for their degree apply to the Science degree (and may select Microbiology as their specialist subject for the 3rd and 4th years).

In the 3rd and 4th years, you will take a core course covering aspects of Microbial molecular and Cell biology, Microbial pathogenicity and Applied microbiology. As some of these topics are closely related to biochemistry, immunology and genetics, you will also take complementary courses from these disciplines.

Extensive laboratory and computer training cover the safe handling of pathogenic micro-organisms, separation of their components and products, genetic analysis, biotechnological techniques and research methods.

In the final year you will also choose from optional courses reviewing the leading edge of research and knowledge in topics such as:Gene regulation and expression in bacteria and eukaryotic microbes; Bacterial cell surfaces and their proteins; Molecular pathogenesis of bacterial and protozoal infections; Regulation, issues and standards in current microbiological practice; Clinical microbiology; Emerging pathogens

In the final year, you will also undertake a 9-week, full-time project under supervision in a research laboratory

Entry Requirements