On our BSc Microbiology, you'll learn about how some of the things we cannot see, such as bacteria and viruses, have the ability to change society on a massive scale. You'll gain an understanding of how microbiology can be applied to develop new vaccines, improve our food and improve the treatment of diseases.
Study a curriculum that explores some of society’s biggest challenges, from emerging disease threats to the increase of antibiotic resistance.
Access our £12.5 million Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory and use equipment that can found in the NHS and research labs worldwide.
Gain industry experience through our Professional Training placements scheme, where you work for an organisation or in one of our partner laboratories across the world.
Learn from lecturers who are active researchers in virology, bacteriology, antimicrobial resistance and systems biology, whose work is used by governments, health professionals and industry.
In your first year, you’ll be introduced to the microbial world. You’ll study topics that are fundamental to microbiology, including bacteriology, biochemistry and cell biology, as well as learning important hands-on lab techniques.
During your second year, you’ll get the option to study modules including Cellular Microbiology and Virology, Food Microbiology, Introduction to Immunology, and Pathology and Medicine. On these modules, you’ll explore topics such as adaptive immune response and cellular injury, as well as the characteristics of the major groups of bacteria, protozoa and viruses.
In your final year, you’ll study biomedical microbial products and the epidemiology of infectious diseases. You can also choose to explore topics such as advanced virology, animal infectious diseases, gene expression, clinical immunology, and pathogenesis and therapeutics of cancer. You will also complete a research project, bringing together all the practical, analytical and presentation skills you’ve developed.
Professional recognition
BSc (Hons) - Royal Society of Biology Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Foundation year
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, you might still be able to apply for this degree with a Biosciences Foundation Year. This is an extra year of study to develop your skills and make it easier for you to get started at university. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree.
To see what modules you’ll be studying, refer to the foundation tab in the 'Course structure' section.
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Please note: Thefull module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course is available in the relevant programme specification.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff.
This module introduces students to the structures within a cell and their functions, including an understanding of the processes by which cells divide and die. The module then considers how cell structure and function can be adapted to specialise cells for particular purposes, and begins to consider how different types of cell are able to interact with one another and their environment in order to form higher order structures such as tissues and organs. Overarching these themes are four practical classes which illustrate the way in which cells and tissues can be studied.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to microorganisms, to the main cellular processes they perform and to how their activities affect humans and the environment. The students learn about microorganisms that cause disease as well as those who have properties we exploit for the benefit of society. Finally through laboratory practical exercises, the students learn and practice a range of basic microbiological techniques, which are essential for the cultivation and study of microorganisms. This module provides students with key skills and a basic broad knowledge of microbiology; a fundamental discipline required for future endeavors in the fields of infectious disease, biotechnology, biomedical science, biological science and other medically-related fields.
In this module students have the opportunity to explore the cutting-edge of science by engaging with the most newsworthy and contemporary biosciences topics. The students are guided through the development of key employability skills such as literature querying, critical reading and referencing, towards the discovery of a range of highly of high profile topic for their own research (e.g. antimicrobial resistance; decline in bee populations; obesity and diabetes; stem cell research). Working in groups students choose a topic which constitute the focus of their assessment, and learn to leverage on team work and personal resilience. Through the production of a group presentation and an individual summary, students develop important competences in the science communication field which strengthen their employability and academic proficiency.
This module will introduce the students to the fundamental biochemistry of life and will provide an understanding of the biological molecules that will inform their studies throughout their degree programme. Students will experience a combination of taught lectures, workshops and practical classes to enhance their learning experience and provide them with the maximum opportunity for success and personal development.
This module aims to introduce students from all backgrounds to the principles of regulation of homeostasis. It provides a foundational knowledge to which principles can be applied in the control of several model systems to maintain homeostasis. The content builds upon content from Cell Biology and Biochemistry in semester 1 of level 4 and this essential knowledge is utilised in multiple modules at levels 5 and 6. Students will develop their practical skills in a number of scenarios, including exercise physiology, use of digital technologies to determine and monitor physiological outputs relating to model systems covered in the content. Laboratory skills are further developed from semester 1, data analysis and use of graphing software is cemented using lab derived data.
This is a practical module, the aim of which, is to equip students with the critical technical skills used in bacteriology and to familiarize them with key diagnostic tests that are relevant to students on BSc programmes in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology and Biochemistry. This module builds upon critical concepts and practical techniques covered in BMS1026, and introduces students to a range of medically and environmentally globally important bacteria, and is a key module for the microbiology programme.
In this module students will be taken on a learning journey through protein structure and function, and enzymes to emphasize their importance in the biochemical processes that occur in living cells. Students will explore the contributions of lipid molecules and sugars to cellular ATP production, and will be introduced to the important role that the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) and electron transport systems have in production of ATP. Students will undertake enzyme-based practical to develop and enhance concepts taught within the module.
The purpose of this module is to give a broad introduction to the essential concepts of molecular biology and genetics that are critical to any undergraduate programme in biosciences. We will cover the central dogma of biology: how information is passed from DNA to RNA to protein, and how it is inherited throughout generations. We will examine how genomes are organized and the structure of a gene, initially focusing on prokaryotes. We will discuss the details of DNA replication, transcription and translation and examine some of the key concepts in gene regulation. Students will also be introduced to laboratory and bioinformatic techniques essential for the study of molecular biology. They will also hone their skills in scientific writing through the production of a laboratory report and short essay.
This Molecular biology/genetics module builds up on its first-year sister module BMS1047. The key difference from BMS1047 is that it focusses on eukaryotic molecular biology and techniques to evaluate various molecular biology processes, including more genome-wide aspects, and the significance of molecular biology mechanisms in the real world, for e.g., in cancer. Another key difference is that this module covers molecular biology in greater depth, in particular the regulatory aspects of molecular biology. Overall, you will develop oral and written communication skills in molecular biology and genetics and will be able to appreciate the differences between the eukaryotic and prokaryotic molecular systems. Lectures are covered in a block of the following six themes. Advanced human genetics/genomics à The lectures will cover the human genome, natural genetics variations, sequencing genes and genomes, the genotype-phenotype map to include Mendelian genetics/genetic diseases, the transmission of information, and the concept of recombination. Eukaryotic DNA replication à Packaging of DNA, its organization on chromosomes and alignment with the cell cycle (telomeres, crossing over/recombinant). Enzymes needed for DNA replication with a reflection of BMS1047, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, and techniques to study replication. Eukaryotic DNA transcription à Eukaryotic Cis and trans elements in transcription, post-transcription modifications of transcripts and molecular biology methods to study/quantify transcripts, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, enhancer/mediator complex, cDNA synthesis. control of transcription. Post-transcriptional regulation à Molecular mechanisms of splicing, polyadenylation (mechanisms); Cytoplasmic events: RNA export, localization, regulation by lnc/miRNAs, RNA decay. Eukaryotic mRNA translation à Eukaryotic regulation, global and specific regulation of transcription. Techniques to study Eukaryotic translation. regulation of translation by the proteasome. Application of human genetic inheritance and gene expression in cancer, errors in DNA replication & their correction. Practical componentà RNA extraction & quantification, reverse transcription and RT-PCR followed by electrophoresis.
The aim of the module is to give the students an understanding of the microbiota of food through a series of lectures, tutorials and related practicals, with a particular emphasis on bacteria and their key role in food fermentation, preservation, spoilage and foodborne illnesses. We will also demonstrate that bacteria are naturally present in food that derives from animals (fish, milk and meat) and the environment (honey). The concept of gut microbiome will be covered, and we will describe the implementation of control measures in food industry to mitigate the impact of bacterial pathogens. In addition, the module comprises statistical analysis, guided learning hours and captured content; and the assessments form an essential part of the Food Science & Nutrition and Veterinary Biosciences degrees. It is also highly recommended to students doing Microbiology.
This module is designed to develop an understanding of concepts of bacteriology, protozoology mycology, and virology, with a particular emphasis on pathogenic microbes. Each lecture or group of lectures studies a particular group of microbes. These pathogens are chosen as representative on the basis of their biological characteristics, and also from a global perspective. The module also includes tutorial discussions and laboratory practical classes to further develop deeper understanding and broader application of the topics included in this module. Laboratory sessions will aid your understanding of the theory and enable development of practical and employability skills.
This module will cover three broad topics, namely Metabolism in Health & Disease (Dr Alfred Thumser & Dr Sarah Bailey), Cell Signalling (Dr Sarah Bailey) and Diabetes mellitus (Dr Matin Whyte & Dr Ben Field)
This module aims to build upon the principles of feedback and basic systems covered at level 4. In this module we go into greater depth about the homeostatic control through the use of nervous, endocrine and other control mechanisms. Students will build upon biochemical principles of receptors and second messengers as key components of feedback mechanisms, applying this to whole-body regulation. Investigation and integration of multiple systems and their response to the same mediator is an essential part of this module. Students will develop their oral and written communication skills within a scientific discipline, enabling them to explain & extrapolate both theoretical knowledge & perform data analysis.
Students will integrate what they have learnt in the previous modules, using their knowledge on Microbiology (BMS1026); Evolutionary origin of Biodiversity (BMS1040) ; Practical and biomedical bacteriology (BMS1035) and Cellular Microbiology and Virology (BMS2037) The study of microbiology often involves learning about the properties of single species, but in nature microbes rarely exist in isolation and are instead part of a rich and diverse ecosystem. Together with their ability to communicate via chemical signalling, the world of microbes reveals interesting complexities with relevance to health and disease, and biotechnology.
The purpose of this module is to provide a conceptual understanding of the key principles of human immunology, including the immune response to infection and foreign antigens. Such an understanding is crucial in many other parts of the programme, including the pathogenicity of infectious disease, oncology and pharmacology. It is a prerequisite for modules at FHEQ level 6 including BMS3054 (Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology), BMS3102 (Advanced Topics in Cellular and Molecular Immunology) and BMS3104 (Applied Immunology).
This module addresses the essential need for students to understand the concepts of the pathogenesis of major human diseases and provides students with important background knowledge to understand clinical (or analytical) medicine. The contents of this module bridge basic science with the pathology of human disease and medical science including the understanding of the principles of major organ diseases in the human body.
The Module will cover a range of topics that will address analytical techniques in research and clinical laboratories, as well as addressing data analysis and statistics.
This module covers a selection of analytical techniques used to ensure food is safe, conforms to quality specifications and that its nutritional content is accurately described. Laboratory practicals allow students to apply some of the theoretical knowledge gained in lectures and tutorials to real food products. Students will develop their written communication skills within a scientific discipline, enabling them to explain theoretical knowledge and perform data analysis. The lectures, practicals and tutorials form essential components of the degree in Food Science and Nutrition (BD46). Students studying Nutrition (B400) and Microbiology (C500) also benefit.
A series of lectures covering the immunopathology, symptoms, treatment and diagnostic tests for range of clinically relevant diseases in the area of immunology and immunohaematology will be delivered by internal and external experts in the field thus aligning with the United Nation's sustainability development goal 3: Good health and wellbeing. This will include clinical immunology consultants, Biomedical Scientists and research active experts with the chance for students to interact with active practitioners in the field, highlighting employability prospects.. The focus of the coursework is on clinical case studies and is undertaken primarily as group work with a proportion of the marks based on individual and group work contribution assessment thus building resourcefulness and resilience. The coursework culminates in an oral presentation which builds on several empl.oyability skills.
The module provides a description and demonstration of how the application of the principles of microbial and biochemical sciences, studied elsewhere in the programme, can be used in the discovery, production, and manufacture of commercially important products for the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries, with examples and case studies and an intensive experimental section. The principles of genetic and physiological deregulation and overexpression of metabolic products that are discussed in the module build upon the analysis of metabolic pathways (studied in L4 and L5 Biochemistry modules) and the study of microbial diversity, metabolism and function (studied in L4 and L5 Microbiology modules), and complement concepts covered in the Level 6 modules BMS3092 Advanced Technologies in Gene Expression and BMS3070 Systems Biology: Genes in Action. The principles of biomedical and bioveterinary microbial product discovery, over-production and applications are compared to those of other microbial products (food, bioenergy, and (bio)chemical industries).
Systems Biology is widely accepted as a major future direction of biological research. The ethos of Systems Biology is to generate, analyse, and integrate multiple data sets for understanding and modelling a biological system. We want to know the components (molecules) of the system, how they work/interact together, and, ideally, have some quantitation: the abundance of a particular component and/or the rates of action/interaction. Due to technological advances within molecular biology, we are now able to obtain quantitative information about molecules within a biological system on both small and large scales. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the basic concepts of Systems Biology for health and disease. The module includes subjects relevant to prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems and is thus suitable for all bioscience students. Learning methods include: lectures, seminars, computer practical sessions, article discussion, workshops, and research and problem solving during both lectures and computer-based investigations.
Gives the student a broad understanding of cancer as an umbrella term for a complex set of different diseases unified by common cellular mechanisms. Students will examine the biological processes underlying cancer and have an appreciation of a range of clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The emphasis is on human studies and clinical data, with animal studies and cancer-relevant pre-clinical models also presented. This module fits well within a biomedical sciences program.
Microbes can be categorised and studied according to a number of characteristics such as their physiology; pathogenicity, and cellular interaction with hosts. This module builds on those themes already covered on the bioscience programmes in dealing with the spread of microbes through populations, and features of host and vector populations that influence this spread.
The purpose of this module is to provide students with a greater understanding of the scientific basis behind approaches to control animal infectious diseases that impact human health and safety. This involves detailed knowledge of the pathogen, its transmission routes, the host response to infection, realistic treatment and control measures, and its impact on other animals and/or the human population. As a FHEQ level 6 module, the students are expected to integrate and evaluate the importance of different types of information to generate an informed (and evidence-based) opinion about the problems or potential impacts of animal infectious diseases. The outcomes from this module closely align with those of the Degree Programme and enable the understanding of the concept of “One health” and the further study of “specific aspects of veterinary sciences and the[ir] interplay with human health.”
The final year research project develops practical, analytical, literature sourcing and presentation skills that have been acquired during the typical undergraduate degree programme. The projects provided as part of this module reflect topics and modes of research that are undertaken in the School of Biosciences based of the expertise of our academic staff and hence cover a wide variety of the United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals around health, the environment and hunger. Modes of research include laboratory-based; in silico; computational; fieldwork, data-analysis, and grant proposals. Research project allocations are usually made based on students’ indication of their preferred projects from a catalogue provided at the start of the academic year. Students should liaise regularly with their supervisor(s) throughout the academic year as they progress with the research, building their independence as a researcher by searching for information, planning experiments/analysis approaches or formulating grant proposals, analysing data, drawing up conclusions and developing oral and written communication skills: all of which will help them develop employability competencies and skills. Students are expected undertake a critical review of the literature of their topic through literature searches and the use of bibliographic databases, which will help them to develop resourcefulness. Students will build up resilience by directly investigating a scientific question/hypothesis that may include designing their own approach or experimental plan (with support from the supervisor(s)) to investigate the question/hypothesis. The use of statistical software and other digital platforms/specialist analytical software for literature searching/meta-analysis etc will help students increase their digital capability. During any practical or skills development sessions, students will learn how to work in a laboratory, the value of resources, how to work in a laboratory environment and best practice to be sustainable, all of which will help them develop responsibility and global and cultural capabilities The final sign-off for passing the Practical Skills Record is also incorporated into this module.
L6 semester 1: 1 compulsory and a choice of 2 from 3 optional modules L6 semester 2: 3 compulsory modules
Year 1 - BSc (Hons) with placement
Semester 1
Compulsory
In this module students have the opportunity to explore the cutting-edge of science by engaging with the most newsworthy and contemporary biosciences topics. The students are guided through the development of key employability skills such as literature querying, critical reading and referencing, towards the discovery of a range of highly of high profile topic for their own research (e.g. antimicrobial resistance; decline in bee populations; obesity and diabetes; stem cell research). Working in groups students choose a topic which constitute the focus of their assessment, and learn to leverage on team work and personal resilience. Through the production of a group presentation and an individual summary, students develop important competences in the science communication field which strengthen their employability and academic proficiency.
This module introduces students to the structures within a cell and their functions, including an understanding of the processes by which cells divide and die. The module then considers how cell structure and function can be adapted to specialise cells for particular purposes, and begins to consider how different types of cell are able to interact with one another and their environment in order to form higher order structures such as tissues and organs. Overarching these themes are four practical classes which illustrate the way in which cells and tissues can be studied.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to microorganisms, to the main cellular processes they perform and to how their activities affect humans and the environment. The students learn about microorganisms that cause disease as well as those who have properties we exploit for the benefit of society. Finally through laboratory practical exercises, the students learn and practice a range of basic microbiological techniques, which are essential for the cultivation and study of microorganisms. This module provides students with key skills and a basic broad knowledge of microbiology; a fundamental discipline required for future endeavors in the fields of infectious disease, biotechnology, biomedical science, biological science and other medically-related fields.
This module will introduce the students to the fundamental biochemistry of life and will provide an understanding of the biological molecules that will inform their studies throughout their degree programme. Students will experience a combination of taught lectures, workshops and practical classes to enhance their learning experience and provide them with the maximum opportunity for success and personal development.
This module aims to introduce students from all backgrounds to the principles of regulation of homeostasis. It provides a foundational knowledge to which principles can be applied in the control of several model systems to maintain homeostasis. The content builds upon content from Cell Biology and Biochemistry in semester 1 of level 4 and this essential knowledge is utilised in multiple modules at levels 5 and 6. Students will develop their practical skills in a number of scenarios, including exercise physiology, use of digital technologies to determine and monitor physiological outputs relating to model systems covered in the content. Laboratory skills are further developed from semester 1, data analysis and use of graphing software is cemented using lab derived data.
This is a practical module, the aim of which, is to equip students with the critical technical skills used in bacteriology and to familiarize them with key diagnostic tests that are relevant to students on BSc programmes in Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology and Biochemistry. This module builds upon critical concepts and practical techniques covered in BMS1026, and introduces students to a range of medically and environmentally globally important bacteria, and is a key module for the microbiology programme.
In this module students will be taken on a learning journey through protein structure and function, and enzymes to emphasize their importance in the biochemical processes that occur in living cells. Students will explore the contributions of lipid molecules and sugars to cellular ATP production, and will be introduced to the important role that the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) and electron transport systems have in production of ATP. Students will undertake enzyme-based practical to develop and enhance concepts taught within the module.
The purpose of this module is to give a broad introduction to the essential concepts of molecular biology and genetics that are critical to any undergraduate programme in biosciences. We will cover the central dogma of biology: how information is passed from DNA to RNA to protein, and how it is inherited throughout generations. We will examine how genomes are organized and the structure of a gene, initially focusing on prokaryotes. We will discuss the details of DNA replication, transcription and translation and examine some of the key concepts in gene regulation. Students will also be introduced to laboratory and bioinformatic techniques essential for the study of molecular biology. They will also hone their skills in scientific writing through the production of a laboratory report and short essay.
This Molecular biology/genetics module builds up on its first-year sister module BMS1047. The key difference from BMS1047 is that it focusses on eukaryotic molecular biology and techniques to evaluate various molecular biology processes, including more genome-wide aspects, and the significance of molecular biology mechanisms in the real world, for e.g., in cancer. Another key difference is that this module covers molecular biology in greater depth, in particular the regulatory aspects of molecular biology. Overall, you will develop oral and written communication skills in molecular biology and genetics and will be able to appreciate the differences between the eukaryotic and prokaryotic molecular systems. Lectures are covered in a block of the following six themes. Advanced human genetics/genomics à The lectures will cover the human genome, natural genetics variations, sequencing genes and genomes, the genotype-phenotype map to include Mendelian genetics/genetic diseases, the transmission of information, and the concept of recombination. Eukaryotic DNA replication à Packaging of DNA, its organization on chromosomes and alignment with the cell cycle (telomeres, crossing over/recombinant). Enzymes needed for DNA replication with a reflection of BMS1047, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, and techniques to study replication. Eukaryotic DNA transcription à Eukaryotic Cis and trans elements in transcription, post-transcription modifications of transcripts and molecular biology methods to study/quantify transcripts, key differences between Pro- and Eukaryotes, enhancer/mediator complex, cDNA synthesis. control of transcription. Post-transcriptional regulation à Molecular mechanisms of splicing, polyadenylation (mechanisms); Cytoplasmic events: RNA export, localization, regulation by lnc/miRNAs, RNA decay. Eukaryotic mRNA translation à Eukaryotic regulation, global and specific regulation of transcription. Techniques to study Eukaryotic translation. regulation of translation by the proteasome. Application of human genetic inheritance and gene expression in cancer, errors in DNA replication & their correction. Practical componentà RNA extraction & quantification, reverse transcription and RT-PCR followed by electrophoresis.
The aim of the module is to give the students an understanding of the microbiota of food through a series of lectures, tutorials and related practicals, with a particular emphasis on bacteria and their key role in food fermentation, preservation, spoilage and foodborne illnesses. We will also demonstrate that bacteria are naturally present in food that derives from animals (fish, milk and meat) and the environment (honey). The concept of gut microbiome will be covered, and we will describe the implementation of control measures in food industry to mitigate the impact of bacterial pathogens. In addition, the module comprises statistical analysis, guided learning hours and captured content; and the assessments form an essential part of the Food Science & Nutrition and Veterinary Biosciences degrees. It is also highly recommended to students doing Microbiology.
This module is designed to develop an understanding of concepts of bacteriology, protozoology mycology, and virology, with a particular emphasis on pathogenic microbes. Each lecture or group of lectures studies a particular group of microbes. These pathogens are chosen as representative on the basis of their biological characteristics, and also from a global perspective. The module also includes tutorial discussions and laboratory practical classes to further develop deeper understanding and broader application of the topics included in this module. Laboratory sessions will aid your understanding of the theory and enable development of practical and employability skills.
This module will cover three broad topics, namely Metabolism in Health & Disease (Dr Alfred Thumser & Dr Sarah Bailey), Cell Signalling (Dr Sarah Bailey) and Diabetes mellitus (Dr Matin Whyte & Dr Ben Field)
This module aims to build upon the principles of feedback and basic systems covered at level 4. In this module we go into greater depth about the homeostatic control through the use of nervous, endocrine and other control mechanisms. Students will build upon biochemical principles of receptors and second messengers as key components of feedback mechanisms, applying this to whole-body regulation. Investigation and integration of multiple systems and their response to the same mediator is an essential part of this module. Students will develop their oral and written communication skills within a scientific discipline, enabling them to explain & extrapolate both theoretical knowledge & perform data analysis.
Students will integrate what they have learnt in the previous modules, using their knowledge on Microbiology (BMS1026); Evolutionary origin of Biodiversity (BMS1040) ; Practical and biomedical bacteriology (BMS1035) and Cellular Microbiology and Virology (BMS2037) The study of microbiology often involves learning about the properties of single species, but in nature microbes rarely exist in isolation and are instead part of a rich and diverse ecosystem. Together with their ability to communicate via chemical signalling, the world of microbes reveals interesting complexities with relevance to health and disease, and biotechnology.
The purpose of this module is to provide a conceptual understanding of the key principles of human immunology, including the immune response to infection and foreign antigens. Such an understanding is crucial in many other parts of the programme, including the pathogenicity of infectious disease, oncology and pharmacology. It is a prerequisite for modules at FHEQ level 6 including BMS3054 (Clinical Immunology and Immunohaematology), BMS3102 (Advanced Topics in Cellular and Molecular Immunology) and BMS3104 (Applied Immunology).
This module addresses the essential need for students to understand the concepts of the pathogenesis of major human diseases and provides students with important background knowledge to understand clinical (or analytical) medicine. The contents of this module bridge basic science with the pathology of human disease and medical science including the understanding of the principles of major organ diseases in the human body.
The Module will cover a range of topics that will address analytical techniques in research and clinical laboratories, as well as addressing data analysis and statistics.
This module covers a selection of analytical techniques used to ensure food is safe, conforms to quality specifications and that its nutritional content is accurately described. Laboratory practicals allow students to apply some of the theoretical knowledge gained in lectures and tutorials to real food products. Students will develop their written communication skills within a scientific discipline, enabling them to explain theoretical knowledge and perform data analysis. The lectures, practicals and tutorials form essential components of the degree in Food Science and Nutrition (BD46). Students studying Nutrition (B400) and Microbiology (C500) also benefit.
A series of lectures covering the immunopathology, symptoms, treatment and diagnostic tests for range of clinically relevant diseases in the area of immunology and immunohaematology will be delivered by internal and external experts in the field thus aligning with the United Nation's sustainability development goal 3: Good health and wellbeing. This will include clinical immunology consultants, Biomedical Scientists and research active experts with the chance for students to interact with active practitioners in the field, highlighting employability prospects.. The focus of the coursework is on clinical case studies and is undertaken primarily as group work with a proportion of the marks based on individual and group work contribution assessment thus building resourcefulness and resilience. The coursework culminates in an oral presentation which builds on several empl.oyability skills.
The module provides a description and demonstration of how the application of the principles of microbial and biochemical sciences, studied elsewhere in the programme, can be used in the discovery, production, and manufacture of commercially important products for the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries, with examples and case studies and an intensive experimental section. The principles of genetic and physiological deregulation and overexpression of metabolic products that are discussed in the module build upon the analysis of metabolic pathways (studied in L4 and L5 Biochemistry modules) and the study of microbial diversity, metabolism and function (studied in L4 and L5 Microbiology modules), and complement concepts covered in the Level 6 modules BMS3092 Advanced Technologies in Gene Expression and BMS3070 Systems Biology: Genes in Action. The principles of biomedical and bioveterinary microbial product discovery, over-production and applications are compared to those of other microbial products (food, bioenergy, and (bio)chemical industries).
Systems Biology is widely accepted as a major future direction of biological research. The ethos of Systems Biology is to generate, analyse, and integrate multiple data sets for understanding and modelling a biological system. We want to know the components (molecules) of the system, how they work/interact together, and, ideally, have some quantitation: the abundance of a particular component and/or the rates of action/interaction. Due to technological advances within molecular biology, we are now able to obtain quantitative information about molecules within a biological system on both small and large scales. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the basic concepts of Systems Biology for health and disease. The module includes subjects relevant to prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems and is thus suitable for all bioscience students. Learning methods include: lectures, seminars, computer practical sessions, article discussion, workshops, and research and problem solving during both lectures and computer-based investigations.
Gives the student a broad understanding of cancer as an umbrella term for a complex set of different diseases unified by common cellular mechanisms. Students will examine the biological processes underlying cancer and have an appreciation of a range of clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The emphasis is on human studies and clinical data, with animal studies and cancer-relevant pre-clinical models also presented. This module fits well within a biomedical sciences program.
Microbes can be categorised and studied according to a number of characteristics such as their physiology; pathogenicity, and cellular interaction with hosts. This module builds on those themes already covered on the bioscience programmes in dealing with the spread of microbes through populations, and features of host and vector populations that influence this spread.
The purpose of this module is to provide students with a greater understanding of the scientific basis behind approaches to control animal infectious diseases that impact human health and safety. This involves detailed knowledge of the pathogen, its transmission routes, the host response to infection, realistic treatment and control measures, and its impact on other animals and/or the human population. As a FHEQ level 6 module, the students are expected to integrate and evaluate the importance of different types of information to generate an informed (and evidence-based) opinion about the problems or potential impacts of animal infectious diseases. The outcomes from this module closely align with those of the Degree Programme and enable the understanding of the concept of “One health” and the further study of “specific aspects of veterinary sciences and the[ir] interplay with human health.”
The final year research project develops practical, analytical, literature sourcing and presentation skills that have been acquired during the typical undergraduate degree programme. The projects provided as part of this module reflect topics and modes of research that are undertaken in the School of Biosciences based of the expertise of our academic staff and hence cover a wide variety of the United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals around health, the environment and hunger. Modes of research include laboratory-based; in silico; computational; fieldwork, data-analysis, and grant proposals. Research project allocations are usually made based on students’ indication of their preferred projects from a catalogue provided at the start of the academic year. Students should liaise regularly with their supervisor(s) throughout the academic year as they progress with the research, building their independence as a researcher by searching for information, planning experiments/analysis approaches or formulating grant proposals, analysing data, drawing up conclusions and developing oral and written communication skills: all of which will help them develop employability competencies and skills. Students are expected undertake a critical review of the literature of their topic through literature searches and the use of bibliographic databases, which will help them to develop resourcefulness. Students will build up resilience by directly investigating a scientific question/hypothesis that may include designing their own approach or experimental plan (with support from the supervisor(s)) to investigate the question/hypothesis. The use of statistical software and other digital platforms/specialist analytical software for literature searching/meta-analysis etc will help students increase their digital capability. During any practical or skills development sessions, students will learn how to work in a laboratory, the value of resources, how to work in a laboratory environment and best practice to be sustainable, all of which will help them develop responsibility and global and cultural capabilities The final sign-off for passing the Practical Skills Record is also incorporated into this module.
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
L6 semester 1: 1 compulsory and a choice of 2 from 3 optional modules L6 semester 2: 3 compulsory modules
Professional Training Year (PTY)
Semester 1 & 2
Core
This module supports students’ development of personal and professional attitudes and abilities appropriate to a Professional Training placement. It supports and facilitates self-reflection and transfer of learning from their Professional Training placement experiences to their final year of study and their future employment. The PTY module is concerned with Personal and Professional Development towards holistic academic and non-academic learning, and is a process that involves self-reflection, documented via the creation of a personal record, planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal objectives. Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, and this is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written and presentation skills.
This year-long module is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and capabilities that students will require to succeed during undergraduate study in the Biosciences. During the foundation year, students will explore fascinating processes of life, from evolutionary genetics and cells to organ systems, through to human impact on ecosystems. Students will also study topics in chemistry and mathematics, the principles that underpin biological sciences. Students will have many opportunities to put theory into practice through laboratory sessions and fieldwork. Academic skills development is embedded throughout the strands and encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning. In addition to lectures and tutorials, learning takes place in the format of debates, lab and field work, problem-based scenarios and skills-based workshops. Subject-specific content is designed to integrate, for example students apply chemistry skills in biological contexts. Employability skills are coordinated through portfolio activities and reflective tasks, students will interrogate their future discipline and explore academic literature in their field of interest. The module aims to broaden students’ perceived scope of the biosciences, with investigations of themes associated with sustainability. Resilience is built into this module through the strong formative challenges that are present for all coursework. Challenges are set that allow students to make mistakes and learn from them. This feeds into reflective activities that invite students to develop their academic processes, so they are best able to cope with the challenges ahead. Finally, the module takes a strong approach to team-working; learners regularly work with the same small group of peers and this work is directly assessed. Learning about their various peers and how to adapt to working effectively develops students’ cultural awareness and is a key employability skill.
For further information relating to FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6, including learning outcomes, aims and module information please view the BSc (Hons) Microbiology.
BSc (Hons) with foundation year and placement
Semester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This year-long module is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and capabilities that students will require to succeed during undergraduate study in the Biosciences. During the foundation year, students will explore fascinating processes of life, from evolutionary genetics and cells to organ systems, through to human impact on ecosystems. Students will also study topics in chemistry and mathematics, the principles that underpin biological sciences. Students will have many opportunities to put theory into practice through laboratory sessions and fieldwork. Academic skills development is embedded throughout the strands and encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning. In addition to lectures and tutorials, learning takes place in the format of debates, lab and field work, problem-based scenarios and skills-based workshops. Subject-specific content is designed to integrate, for example students apply chemistry skills in biological contexts. Employability skills are coordinated through portfolio activities and reflective tasks, students will interrogate their future discipline and explore academic literature in their field of interest. The module aims to broaden students’ perceived scope of the biosciences, with investigations of themes associated with sustainability. Resilience is built into this module through the strong formative challenges that are present for all coursework. Challenges are set that allow students to make mistakes and learn from them. This feeds into reflective activities that invite students to develop their academic processes, so they are best able to cope with the challenges ahead. Finally, the module takes a strong approach to team-working; learners regularly work with the same small group of peers and this work is directly assessed. Learning about their various peers and how to adapt to working effectively develops students’ cultural awareness and is a key employability skill.
Optional modules for Foundation (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 3
For further information relating to FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 and the professional training year, including learning outcomes, aims and module information please view the BSc (Hons) Microbiology.
Teaching and learning
We have a research-led focus to our teaching, ensuring everything you learn is up to date and relevant to employers. You’ll be taught by lecturers who are active researchers in antimicrobial resistance, biotechnology, clinical bacteriology, systems biology, and virology.
Group work
Lectures
Online learning
Seminars
Tutorials
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including:
Coursework
Essays
Examinations
Practical write-ups
Presentations.
General course information
Contact hours
You will spend a significant part of your first year in laboratory-based practicals. This will vary in your second year, depending on what modules you choose to study.
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
This course will prepare you for a wide range of careers, from scientific and technical roles to teaching and science journalism.
93% of our biosciences graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA). With a Microbiology degree, you could take a role such as:
Government and public health scientist
Research analyst
Scientific data analysis specialist
Technician.
Our alumni can be found in academic and industrial research laboratories around the world, with recent graduates working for:
Leatherhead Food Research
Procter & Gamble
The NHS
Sanofi.
With the critical thinking, analysis, problem-solving, decision-making and communication skills learnt throughout the course, some graduates have sought alternative careers in business, healthcare, teaching and tourism. Many students also use this course to apply for further study, including postgraduate research.
You’ll benefit from hands-on learning in our £12.5 million Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory, where you'll learn how to conduct experiments and follow scientific protocols.
The Laboratory is fitted with the latest industry equipment, which you’ll use to carry out a full range of experiments. These include the analysis of the genetic makeup of different types of microbes and the use of specialist computer software to model microbiological systems and metabolic pathways.
The time you spend in our facilities will give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with microbiology methodology and develop the practical laboratory experience that’s essential in a research career and valued by a wide range of employers.
In your final year, depending on your research project, you may also get to use our dissertation laboratory.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language (1/2) 6 or English Language 3 (7) and Mathematics 6.
BSc (Hons):
QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit - 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit.
Required subjects: 15 credits in Biology or Chemistry and 15 credits in another science subject.
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall including 21 at Distinction, 3 at Merit and 21 at Pass.
Required subjects: modules must be in relevant subjects.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C).
BSc (Hons):
AABBB-ABBBB
Required subjects: Biology or Chemistry and another science or mathematics subject.
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
BBBCC
Required subjects: a science subject.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at grade C (Scottish National 5).
BSc (Hons):
ABB-BBB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels.
Required subjects: A-level biology and an A-level in another science or mathematics subject.
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
CCC from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels.
Required subjects: an A-level in a science subject.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C).
BSc (Hons):
Distinction overall, with C in the Core Component.
Required subjects: Science.
BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
Pass overall, with D in the Core Component.
Required subjects: Science.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C).
Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer for this programme, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects.
Applicants can only receive one grade reduction from the published grades, an EPQ grade reduction can’t be applied in addition to other grade reductions made through other schemes such as Contextual Admissions or In2Surrey.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
International Foundation Year
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements for this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
If you are a suitable candidate you may be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all undergraduate courses.
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2025
Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule.
Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices. Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis, cannot pay fees by instalment.
Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
Professional training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
Additional costs
Safety equipment and/or uniform: £24– equipment pack (includes laboratory coat, laboratory glasses, laboratory books, pen and bag). You are responsible for the costs associated with maintaining/washing/replacing any equipment.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
We have thousands of placement providers to choose from, most of which offer pay. So, become one of our many students who have had their lives and career choices transformed.
Microbiology placements
You can choose to work for a range of employers, including pharmaceutical organisations, food suppliers and biotechnology companies, to practise and enhance your skills.
Previous students have gained placements with:
Black Swan Analysis Ltd
GlaxoSmithKline
The NHS
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
The Pirbright Institute.
We also have an extensive number of partner institutions that offer placements exclusively to Surrey students, giving you access to research laboratories across the world. Explore your options via our search tool and find out more about our current partner universities and organisations.
You can also develop your transferrable skills by working in other fields, such as scientific communications, marketing, and data analysis.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University. But we offer support and guidance throughout the process, with access to a vacancy site of placement opportunities.
"One of the highlights of my placement at GlaxoSmithKline was the additional skills I didn’t expect to learn in a lab-based setting, such as procurement, project management, event planning and EHS engagement."
Studying at Surrey opens a world of opportunity. Take advantage of our study and work abroad partnerships, explore the world, and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
The opportunities abroad vary depending on the course, but options include study exchanges, work/research placements, summer programmes, and recent graduate internships. Financial support is available through various grants and bursaries, as well as Student Finance.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With 140+ opportunities in 36+ different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone. Explore your options via our search tool and find out more about our current partner universities and organisations.
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
First when we make an offer.
Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
