Microbiology

Description

Microbiology is the study of microoganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, and embraces numerous disciplines including immunology, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology. Microbiology affects almost all aspects of medicine and is essential for the environmental cycles that regenerate the planet.

Why study Microbiology?

From the microbes that caused the foot and mouth epidemic to the photosynthetic microoganisms in the oceans that help alleviate global warming, microbiology offers the chance to study the organisms that affect so many aspects of our lives.

By choosing to study this course not only are you choosing to develop a wide range of technical and transferable skills, but you will also gain an understanding of the how microbes interact, alter and influence the world around us.

Our degrees are delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and practicals. The first and second year will see a focus these three teaching methods, building your skill, understanding and knowledge for your final year research project, which will see independent research and learning complemented with the guidance of leading experts.

Typical timetable (3 year BSc)

• A typical week in year one includes nine to twelve hours of lectures, a three hour practical session in the lab, additional tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus use of computer-based learning exercises and private study.
• Year two consists of (typically) eight lectures per week, a tutorial, laboratory classes lasting between three and six hours, plus use of computer-based learning exercises and private study time.
• In year three you will do project work, which takes about two and a half days (mainly in Semester 1). You will also attend lectures, seminars, small-group teaching exercises (mostly in Semester 2) and occasional workshops, together with private study time.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 17500 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

On our microbiology course you will develop an understanding of the importance of microorganisms to all aspects of our lives, whilst developing the key skills and knowledge that puts microbiologists in such high demand.

Programme modules

• Introduction to microbiology
• Molecules of life
• Introduction to genetics
• Introduction to immunology
• Tissues, organs and body processes
• Introduction to cell biology
• Practical skills for microbiologists
• Theoretical and core skills for
  microbiologists

Choice of elective modules

Modules selected from

• Practical skills for microbiologists
• Theoretical and core skills for microbiologists
• Cell biology of disease
• Molecular virology
• Genetic engineering
• The power of bacterial genomics
• Medical immunology
• Medical virology
• Medical bacteriology
• Chemotherapy as an elective

Programme modules

• Advanced topics
• Microbiology research project
• Skills in microbiology

Course changes may occur given the fast-moving nature of the field and above is an indicative list only.

BSc year one

As well as familiarising you with core practical and theoretical skills within microbiology, year one will also introduce you to broader themes within the biological sciences including genetics and immunology. Through practicals, tutorials and lectures you will develop the key foundations needed for success at degree level.

BSc year two

In second year you will begin to specialise in your preferred topics whilst building on your practical and research skills from first year. With a selection of modules from ‘Cell Biology of Disease’ to ‘Medical Virology’ you will continue to develop a broad understanding of key themes within biosciences, whilst also focusing on the areas that interest you most.

BSc year three

Year three will offer specialist topics such as the study of emerging viruses or an in depth study of the hepatitis viruses. Alongside this, a considerable part of your final year will involve an in-depth research project in which you will take all the skills you have developed in your degree and apply them to your own independent research whilst under the supervision of a leading academic. The culmination of your third year will be a portfolio of skills, knowledge, and experiences that will allow you to pursue your graduate career aspirations.

MBiol year three and four

Year three of the MBiol will offer research preparation modules and a research project that will prepare you for the Masters level topics and research you will undertake in your final MBiol year. In year four, alongside a selection of Masters level modules covering areas such as human diseases, you will also manage your own extended-research project in collaboration with a professional researcher.

Please note that year one and two are the same as the BSc for the MBiol.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 87

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

A Level or Advanced Higher: AAA from 3 A2/Advanced Higher including Chemistry or Biology and another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.

International Baccalaureate: 35 (with 18 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Chemistry or Biology and another science or science-related subject at higher level.

Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAB including an A in higher level Chemistry or Biology and another science at higher level.

Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.

Cambridge Pre-U: D3/D3/D3 including Pre-U Biology or Chemistry plus one other science or science-related subject.

Applications are assessed from a combination of the following; the balance, nature and quality of A2, AS and GCSE subjects (or equivalents); the referee's comments and your personal statement.

Science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.
Science- related subjects: PE, Geography, Use of Maths, Psychology, Statistics, Geology and Computing

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Leeds.