Microbiology with Professional Studies

Bachelor's degree

In Belfast City

£ 9,250 + VAT

Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    Belfast city (Northern Ireland)

  • Duration

    4 Years

  • Start date

    Different dates available

Overview Microbiology is the study of bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses, and is of immense importance in relation to the environment, agriculture and food, biomedical sciences and biotechnology. Graduates in Microbiology are therefore highly sought after in these fields. Viruses, bacteria and fungi play major roles in the diseases of man, animals and plants. Microbiologists have been central to their diagnosis and in combating such diseases through the discovery of effective therapies. Microorganisms also play a central role in the biosphere, through environmental processing or recycling of elements and waste products. They are also crucial in the manufacture of fermented foods and beverages. Why Queen's?Accreditation: the degrees follow the National Subject Profile for Higher Education Programmes in Microbiology as published by the Centre for Bioscience (Higher Education Academy). The degrees also adhere to the core curriculum in Microbiology as described by the American Society of Microbiology. The combination of modules provided in part fulfils many of the requirements for accreditation by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences in the UK. Accreditation may be achieved through some additional postgraduate training. Placement: students can complete an optional 16-week work placement period as a component of Stage 2. Microbiology with Professional Studies students, on completion of Stage 2, are required to undertake a compulsory 46-week period of work experience, including a project agreed between the student, the School and the employer. Past students have gained work placement with organisations such as Northern Ireland Water Ltd, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the Forensic Service, the NHS, Norbrook Laboratories, Randox Laboratories, the Almac Group, and Moy Park.

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Facilities

Location

Start date

Belfast City (County Antrim)
See map
University Road, BT7 1NN

Start date

Different dates availableEnrolment now open

About this course

Entry Requirements   Selection Criteria In addition to the entrance requirements below, it is essential that you read the How We Choose Our Students pdf prior to submitting your UCAS application. Entrance Requirements A-level:
BBB including Biology and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade B or GCSE Double Award Science grades BB + GCSE Mathematics grade C
OR
BBB including Double Award Applied Science + GCSE Biology grade C and Chemistry grade B or GCSE Double Award Science grades...

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Subjects

  • Microbiology
  • Project
  • Biology
  • Teaching
  • Quality Training
  • Biomedical
  • Play
  • Quality
  • Biotechnology

Course programme

Course Content (including module information)

The syllabus offers a unique opportunity for students to study Microbiology in the context of medicine, environmental protection and biotechnology. For those wishing to pursue a science career, the course will develop both their practical skills and knowledge base. Microbiology also provides a good fundamental training in data analysis, problem solving, teamwork and communication. Microbiologists can use these skills in a wide range of careers in research, medicine, industry, education, business and communications, or as a route to further study.

Stage 1

  • Molecular Basis of Life
  • Basic Chemistry 1
  • Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry
  • The World of Microorganisms
  • Biodiversity

Stage 2

The science behind the roles of viruses and bacteria in the diseases of animals and plants and the ecological, environmental and industrial aspects of microbiology is studied. Required modules are:

  • Experimental Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology 2
  • Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
  • Microbes in Action
  • Work Placement

Stage 3

  • Research Project
  • Industrial Microbiology
  • Immunology and Virology
  • Parasitology and Zoonoses
  • Bacterial Genetics and Genetic Manipulation

Assessment & Feedback

Assessment (general): The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback (general): As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

  • Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
  • Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
  • Placement employer comments or references.
  • Online or emailed comment.
  • General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
  • Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
  • Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
  • Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential. On the BSc (Hons) in Microbiology we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

  • Lectures:introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
  • Practicals: Microbiology is a laboratory based discipline and as such Queen’s puts a significant emphasis on technical training. Within practical sessions you will have opportunities to develop laboratory skills in a range of microbiological, biochemical and molecular biology techniques, and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts.
  • E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example; IT and statistics modules; interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project- based work etc
  • Seminars/tutorials: Small group teaching (typically involving 10-20 students) provides significant opportunities to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess your own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.
  • Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
  • Work placements: Students taking Microbiology with Professional Studies undertake a work-placement after Level 2. This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity.
  • Supervised projects: In final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology that you have chosen. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you during the write up stage.
  • Personal Tutor: Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development. Further details are shown in the section on the Student Guidance Centre.

Additional information

Career Prospects Microbiology is an interdisciplinary subject with key links to the other Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering and Medicine. Graduates are qualified to take up both scientific and nonscientific careers. Many job opportunities are available in biomedical, industrial and government organisations, and in universities and colleges of higher education. These jobs cover innovative research, the development of new products, advisory and consultancy work or teaching. All are aimed at improving the health,...

Microbiology with Professional Studies

£ 9,250 + VAT