Microbiology (with a year in industry) Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Microbiology focuses on the biology of micro-organisms that are unicellular, multicellular, or acellular (without cells).

These include microbes like bacteria and fungi, and covers concepts like growth and regulation. It also includes how microbes react with each other and their environments.

On this course, we’ll look at how micro-organism work collectively to maximise their success. We'll look at how we can manipulate them and their behaviour with a view to improving health.

Our course curriculum is shaped by the work of our world-leading researchers to make sure you’re learning the latest advances. This will also help you gain an understanding of the fundamentals of the field.

This course also allows you to spend a year working in industry, for example, in a commercial laboratory. This allows you to gain real-world skills and improve your CV. It also presents you with the opportunity to network and build relationships. These are all things that could have a positive impact on your career upon graduating from university.

We’ll start with a broad-based curriculum where you’ll study a wide range of life sciences topics at Levels 1 and 2. We’ll explore core concepts such as:


- genetics


- cell biology


- biological organisation


- molecular mechanisms and processes


You will develop your practical skills such as laboratory skills, data analysis, and experiment design. This will prepare you for designing and carrying out projects later in your course.

You’ll then focus more on key aspects of microbiology at Levels 3 and 4, such as biochemistry, molecular structure, and gene regulation. Throughout the duration of the course, you have the flexibility to pick modules that appeal to you, highlighting to future employers where your interests lie.

The year in industry will occur between levels 3 and 4. We will support you to find a suitable placement, however if a placement is not found, you will have the opportunity to transfer to the standard four year course.