Microbiology and Immunology degrees
Microbiology is offered as a major for a three- year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. We also offer the Infection and Immunity major for a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc) degree. The BSc will train you in all aspects of microbiology, immunology and virology whereas the BBiomedSc emphasises biomedical subjects. Both can also be taken at honours level, which is an additional one-year programme that includes a significant research project.
The Department also contributes to the teaching of microbiology, immunology, genetics, medicine, and medical laboratory science degrees.
What will I learn?
In your first year, which covers general biology and chemistry subjects, you will learn about the diversity of microorganisms, microbial virulence and diseases and gain basic knowledge of the immune system and how it functions.
In your second year, specialist microbiology and immunology papers will introduce you to microbes in health and disease, immunology, applied and environmental microbiology, microbial plant and animal interactions, biotechnology, ecology, environmental microbiology, molecular genetics and microbial genetics.
In your third year, the papers offered build on your knowledge from second year. Topics cover food production and safety, microbial disease and antibiotic resistance, the body's response
to diseases, microbial ecology, molecular microbiology and virology.
How will I study?
First-year papers are taught through lectures and laboratory sessions and self-directed tutorials. Second- and third-year classes are also taught through lectures and laboratories but encourage more independent thinking and initiative.
In your third year, you will collaborate with other students and improve your oral communication and research skills. Laboratory classes are exciting and hands-on, with modern state-of-the- art facilities. Assessment is by a combination of written examination and internal assessment.
What about further study?
Fourth-year honours or PGDipSci students undertake an original research project and can continue to further postgraduate study, such as an MSc or a PhD. The department has a reputation for a collegial and constructive environment that enables students to achieve to the best of their ability.
Background required
There are no first-year papers labelled microbiology or infection and immunity. Instead, you take papers relating to the biology of cells and human health that include significant coverage of these subjects.
You will also take a paper in biological chemistry, so it is helpful to have studied Year 13 Biology and Chemistry.
