FdSc Applied Microbiology

What will I study?

Year 1

The first year will introduce you to microbiology as an applied science. You will also explore principles within biochemistry and will be introduced to basic biochemical concepts. Through data analysis you will gain confidence in the use of general mathematical techniques. Through the biology of disease module you will explore the fundamental concepts of aetiology, pathology and epidemiology. You will also learn basic skills required to work in a microbiology laboratory. You will also study parasites in human diseases.

Year 2

The second year develops your knowledge further. You will be introduced to industrial microbiology enabling you to identify microbiological mediated industrial problems. You will also look at the theoretical and practical microbial physiology with particular reference to ecology, immunology and metabolism. You will also look at the methods, benefits and potential hazards of genetic engineering. You will gain insight into the diversity of pathogenic microorganisms. The work-based learning module will provide you with the opportunity to gain accreditation for work experience in your chosen field. You will also undertake your own special project allowing you to develop skills in independent study in an appropriate manner under the guidance of a tutor in the field of microbiology presenting findings in the form of a written report and an oral presentation.

Year 1 (Level 4)

BI4201 Principles of Microbiology (20 credits)

Principles of microbiology introduces students to microbiology as an applied science. It provides a foundation in good microbiology practice and allows a basic understanding in the principles of microbial morphology, nutrition, growth and the control of growth.

BI4202 Basic Biochemistry (20 credits)

Basic biochemistry provides a chemistry foundation for the study of biochemistry. It introduces students to the key principles within biochemistry and introduce them to basic biochemical concepts. It also provides practical experience of fundamental techniques in biochemistry.

BI4203 Data Analysis (20 credits)

Data analysis provides an essential background in the important aspects of data analysis and interpretation. It also allows confidence in the use of general mathematical techniques.

BI4204 Biology of Disease (20 credits)

Biology of disease develops understanding of fundamental concepts of aetiology, pathology and epidemiology. It will introduce students to the effects of disease and natural processes on to systems and organs of the body. Students will consider causes and symptoms of various types of disease e.g. cardiovascular, metabolic, autoimmune, degenerative, and neoplastic.

BI4205 Microbiological Laboratory Techniques (20 credits)

Microbiological laboratory techniques provides students with the basic skills required to work in a microbiology laboratory.

BI4206 Parasitology (20 credits)

Parasitology aims to provide the student with knowledge of important parasites of human disease.

Year 2 (Level 5)

BI5201 Food and Industrial Microbiology (20 credits)

Food and industrial microbiology introduces students to industrial microbiology. It enables students to identify microbiological mediated industrial problems. It provides students with a basic understanding of the processes importance of microorganisms in food production, food spoilage and food poisoning.

BI5202 Microbial Physiology (20 credits)

Microbial physiology gives you theoretical and practical microbial physiology with particular reference to ecology, immunology and metabolism.

BI5203 Microbial Genetics (20 credits)

Microbial genetics introduces students to fundamental principles, considering mechanisms of mutation and DNA repair. It introduces students to the methods, benefits and potential hazards of genetic engineering.

BI5204 Medical Microbiology (20 credits)

Medical microbiology introduces an insight into the diversity of pathogenic microorganisms.

BI5205 Work-based Learning (20 credits)

Work-based learning provides students with the opportunity to gain accreditation for work experience in their chosen field. Allowing the development of transferable employability skills.

While experiencing and contributing to the concepts of health and safety at work. Students will also evaluate the effectiveness of their work-based organisation in achieving at least one of its aims.

BI5206 Project (20 credits)

The project provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in independent study in an appropriate manner under the guidance of a tutor in the field of microbiology. It also allows students to present the finding in the form of a written report and an oral presentation.