BSc (Hons) in Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of organisms that are too small to be seen by the naked eye but which have a profound effect on our lives.

Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, and protozoa can sometimes be harmful and cause infectious diseases. Others are beneficial and are exploited by biotechnology industries to produce food, alcoholic drinks, and drugs.

Until recently many clinicians thought of the diseases caused by microorganisms as largely being solved. This assessment was too optimistic and microbiology is re-emerging as a critical science to face new challenges from organisms that no longer respond to conventional antibiotic treatment or vaccination programmes.

The Microbiology programme structure combines a broad base in bioscience with in-depth specialist knowledge. Major emphasis is placed upon laboratory work throughout the programme, culminating in a five-day practical molecular biology workshop that brings together theory and practice.

Scholarships

We provide high-quality education for a fair price; as the University for the Common Good, we are committed to offering accessible higher education for talented students by keeping our tuition fees low and providing a generous scholarship package of over £2.5 million per year.

If you have any questions or inquiries regarding scholarships available for 2018/19, please feel free to contact the student inquiries team.

International student start dates

For new international students, orientation events start on 14 September 2018. This extra time is specifically designed to assist new international students in settling into the UK and GCU prior to the start of general student induction and teaching.

There will be a whole host of fun and informative activities taking place during this period, including campus and city tours, as well as welcome events where you can meet other international students.

Assessment methods

We use a wide range of learning and teaching methods to ensure that you have both the necessary knowledge and understanding of business and management and a portfolio of intellectual and personal skills.

Each module on the programme uses its own learning, teaching and assessment strategy to achieve learning objectives. Assessment methods vary between modules and may include unseen examinations, class tests, essays, management reports, case studies, presentations, and group work.

Teaching methods

The learning and teaching methods we use to ensure that our programme is both vocationally relevant and academically challenging. Our approach is student-centered, practical, participative and relevant to the needs of employers.

We've moved away from the traditional teacher-centric learning to a more independent learning approach, where you are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills.

What you will study

Year 1

Chemistry, Cells, and Biomolecules, Physiology 1 & 2, Core Skills in Biosciences 1.

Year 2

Introduction to Microbiology, Mechanisms of Cellular Regulation, Core Skills in Biosciences 2, Immunology, Genomes and Bioinformatics, Fundamental Cell Biology, Practical Skills for Biomolecular Sciences.

Year 3

Molecular Diagnostics, Biotechnology, Clinical Microbiology, Cellular Signalling and Trafficking, Microbial Genomes, Novel Therapies and Cell Technologies, Experimental Design and Analysis, Option: Placement.

Year 4

Bacterial Pathogenicity, (Re)emerging Infections, Molecular Microbiology, Cell Interactions and Networks, Project and Workshops (double module).

Your career

This fascinating and varied programme can lead to careers in healthcare, food and water industries, biotechnology, the environment, pharmaceuticals, and research.