A week in the life of a microbiology student
From learning about epidemiology to discovering how to identify pathogenic bacteria, discover what a typical week looks like as a first-year BSc (Hons) Microbiology student at Surrey.
During your practical sessions, you’ll carry out a full range of experiments, including the analysis of the genetic makeup of different types of microbes.
How you'll learn
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
- Lectures
- Laboratory-based practicals
- Online learning
- Seminars
- Group work (e.g. discussion groups)
- Tutorials.
Outside of these, you’ll be expected to carry out independent study, including coursework, essays, laboratory write-ups and reading.
We’ve also introduced hybrid learning, a mix of online and face-to-face sessions, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I really enjoy being in the labs and getting stuck into a good practical. The teaching staff are eager to help and are all warm and approachable too."
Gareth Raynes, BSc (Hons) Microbiology
A typical week in Semester 1 of your first year
In your first year, you'll receive approximately 12 contact hours each week.
Monday
- 9am to 10am – 'Biochemistry: The Molecules of Life' lecture on intramolecular interactions
- 11am to 1pm – 'Current Topics in Biosciences' drop-in session to discuss coursework progress with tutors about antibiotic resistance seminar
- 2pm to 3pm – Tutorial with personal tutor for a general catch-up
Tuesday
- 9am to 10am – 'Microbiology: An Introduction to the Microbial World' lecture on the epidemiology of infectious diseases
- 10am to 1pm – 'Microbiology: An Introduction to the Microbial World' laboratory session on identifying pathogenic bacteria and fungi
Wednesday
- 9am to 12pm – Self-directed study for 'Biochemistry: The Molecules of Life' laboratory report and meeting with 'Current Topics in Biosciences' seminar group to coursework
Please note, Wednesday afternoons are left free for sporting activities.
Thursday
- 9am to 11am – 'Cell Biology' lecture on the structure and organisation of the nucleus
12pm to 1pm – 'Microbiology: An Introduction to the Microbial World' lecture on the biology of viruses
Friday
- 9am to 10am – 'Cell Biology' lecture on ribosomes and protein synthesis
Find out more about our microbiology course
Disclaimer
The timetable and modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication and may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
Given the changing nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, our hybrid learning model is under continuous review. See the latest information on all changes.
