BSc Zoology & Microbiology

Biological subjects, rather like the people that study them, cannot always be set in discrete pigeonholes. An example of this is at the interface of zoology and microbiology, because so much of the behaviour of microbes impinges on human beings and the animals that are important to us in agriculture, sport, and as pets. Interactions between the two disciplines are seen most readily in medicine and veterinary science; indeed you only need to look at the media to see many examples of this, e.g. the recent controversies surrounding bird ‘flu, foot and mouth disease, Legionnaire's disease, and the development of antibiotic resistance in microbes. This is because the well-being of mankind and animals is constantly being threatened by microbial parasites, protistans, and fungi, and there is still much to be learned about the body's defences against them. There are also many examples of beneficial relationships between microbes and animals, such as in the rumen, coral reefs and termite colonies.

The Zoology and Microbiology degree at Aberystwyth is designed to provide you with an understanding of the key concepts and underlying principles of these two subjects and their interaction. For example, microbiology and molecular genetics are highly relevant to studies of animal cell culture, whilst immunology and serology provide microbiologists with powerful analytical tools to study microbial animal disease. Graduates are equipped to undertake research in either of these areas, especially where they interact. Your training will also open up a wide variety of other career choices.

The first year of this degree provides you with a firm grounding in biological sciences, including an understanding of the key concepts of animal and microbial life. In your second and third years you take core modules in both zoology and microbiology but are encouraged to develop your own interests through your choice of optional modules and final year project. For instance, you can study immunology, cell and animal development, vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, microbes and disease, aspects of mammalian biology, bacteriology and molecular biology. The final year project also gives you the opportunity to further develop practical and planning skills in a research area of your choice.