Biology with Microbiology

• Provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills which are in demand throughout a range of careers
  

• A broad biology degree with an emphasis on microbiology
  

• Covers key aspects of microbial physiology, microbial disease and applied aspects of microbiology

This degree allows you to study a broad basis of biology whilst focusing on microbiology.  There is an extensive choice of stimulating and topical modules ranging from molecular biology and cell biology through to organismal biology through to ecology and conservation.  Microbiology modules cover microbial physiology and genetics, microbial disease and the role of microorganisms in the environment.

Year 1 covers the principles of biological science that will underpin the rest of your course.  Core skills will be developed in introduction to scientific practice.  These skills will enable you to become a scientific practitioner and will include safe working practices, data analysis, manipulation and interpretation.  The module will also include key note lectures by staff to enhance your awareness of the subject area   The topics molecules to cells and biology of organisms explore key features of living systems such as the physical and chemical structure of living organisms, the transmission of information along genetic and metabolic pathways and the role of genetic transfer and evolution and how this impacts on the diversity of life forms.  Your understanding of the significance and interaction of molecules, cells and organisms will be enhanced by looking at fundamental biological processes and how these individual processes interact to promote the well being of the whole organism.  A wide variety of ecological topics such as the interaction of organisms at population level, the application of ecological ideas for the control of pests, biogeochemical cycling and conservation are studied in ecology. 

In the second year you will investigate a number of themes such as scientific questioning, information gathering, presentation of data, project planning and ethics and experimental design in professional practice and placement.  In addition you will explore the application of biosciences in the work place and carry out a work placement.  These are key skills to further develop you as a scientific practitioner and prepare you for your final year project.  Your knowledge and understanding of microbiology focuses on a detailed study of the structure and function of the microbial cell.  Material will also illustrate how our understanding of microorganisms has enabled us to use them to our advantage as well as being able to diagnose and control microbial diseases. You will also explore the mechanisms of adaptation and survival employed by all living organisms and how organisms interact with biotic and abiotic environmental pressures.  The rest of your programme is made up of topics of your choice.  You can choose to focus on a specific area or keep your studies broad.   Examples of modules available are human biochemistry and physiology, behaviour, ecology and field biology and public health.

In Year 3 the final year project involves you carrying out an independent piece of research in an area of interest to you.  You can strengthen your microbiology knowledge by choosing to carry out a project in this discipline.  Alternatively you can choose from a wide range of projects offered by biology staff.  Your project is submitted as a scientific paper and students are encouraged to publish their work where appropriate.  Within the synoptic module you will explore and debate a range of cutting edge topics in Biosciences research, some of which will be delivered by external speakers and will include controversial issues.  Microbiology in the final year concentrates on the distribution and interaction of microorganisms in various environments including microbial associations with higher organisms.  You will critically evaluate the methods used for studying these organisms and discuss the significant contribution they make in the biogeochemical cycles and more unusual habitats such as deep ocean black smokers and “extreme” environments.  Human infectious disease specifically addresses the role microorganisms play is causing disease and why infectious disease is a constant threat.

Level 4

Core modules: Introduction to Scientific Practice; Molecules to Cells; Biology of Organisms; Biological Processes; Ecology

Level 5

Core modules: Professional Practice & Placement; Adaptation & Survival; ; Infection Science; Microbiology
Optional modules: Human Biochemistry & Physiology; Genetics & Cell Biology; Ecology & Field Biology

Level 6

Core modules: Research Project; Current Advances in Biosciences; Microbial Ecology; Human Infectious Disease
Optional modules: Cellular Pathology; Medical Genetics; Haematology & Transfusion Science; Clinical Biochemistry; Clinical Immunology; Neurobiology; Neuropharmacology; Invertebrate Conservation; Conservation Biology & Habitat Management; Toxicology; Vertebrate Conservation; Applied Entomology.

This award provides many career routes for graduates, for example in veterinary and agricultural laboratories and the pharmaceutical industries.  It also provides a particularly useful breadth of subject knowledge for those who aspire to teaching biology.  Many of our graduates study for higher degrees and some have moved into career training in areas allied to medicine such as physiotherapy.

Biology

Biomedical Science

For more information about Biology with Microbiology (C1C5) please contact: