BSc (Hons) Microbiology and Biotechnology

This course provides you with specialist skills in food, medical and environmental microbiology and biotechnology while also giving you a broad understanding of the biological sciences. You’ll learn, for example how the human immune system responds to invading bacteria and viruses, and how this knowledge is exploited by pharmaceutical industries in the development of drugs, vaccines and diagnostics. You'll also discover how an understanding of a microbe’s ability to exist in diverse environments leads to applications that benefit humans and the environment. This is a full-time course studied over four years and has a significant practical component. Most modules have laboratory classes giving you the opportunity to study with a hands-on approach. You’ll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, field trips and through independent study. There may also be some opportunities to study abroad. In the final year of the Honours degree, you will conduct your own project in one of our established and internationally recognised research teams. Throughout this course you’ll develop transferable skills which will help you compete in the workplace, including problem solving, communication, organisational and presentation skills. You will also gain specialist skills in food, environmental and medical microbiology and biotechnology, in addition to a broad understanding of the biological sciences. What you study Year 1 Life on Earth Introductory Physiology Molecules and Cells Practical Modules One optional module from: Plant Science Concepts in Forensic Biology Year 2 Microbiology Biochemistry Physiology and the Environment Microbes and Man Practical Module One optional module from: Biology of Disease Animal Behaviour Clinical Care of Exotic Species Valuing the Earth Year 3 Scientific Communication: Dissertation and Statistics Medical Microbiology Molecular Genetics Food Microbiology and Biotechnology Environmental Microbiology Immunology Year 4 Applications of Molecular Biology Biotechnology - Industry and Environment Cellular & Molecular Immunology Honours project Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study. You can view a list of all current modules in our module catalogue.