Microbiology (BSc)

Discover how microbes have key roles in global challenges like antimicrobial resistance, food security and the climate crisis on our BSc Microbiology course.

You'll explore how microbiology impacts all aspects of our lives and the world around us. Additionally, you'll choose from modules to develop knowledge in medical and environmental microbiology, including how we can control infectious diseases or use microbes in beneficial ways.

On this BSc Microbiology degree, you'll develop skills across a range of microbiology areas and explore topics such as: 

• antimicrobial resistance and its link to One Health
• understanding the microbiome – from human to planetary health
• use of microbes in biotechnology
• understanding biofilms and their impact 

Throughout the course, you'll also develop your knowledge in a wider range of subjects available across our biology and biomedical science degrees. 

In your first year, you'll study compulsory modules. Your second year will be a blend of compulsory and optional modules which you'll have a range to choose from. Your third year will also have a mix of compulsory and optional modules, and you'll complete a core microbiology research project in a subject area of your choice.

Your learning experience

You'll study in the Life Sciences building, which is a £50 million state-of-the-art laboratory, including teaching and research spaces. As part of this microbiology bachelor's degree, you'll undertake independent projects on the microbiology topics that interest you the most and study with the support of leading researchers.

This course also offers the chance to spend a year working in industry between years 2 and 3, and the chance to spend a semester at a partner university abroad during year 2.

Career opportunities

Once you've graduated from this course, you'll be prepared for career opportunities across a range of industries, including:

• agriculture, water, and oil
• marine
• medical and pharmaceutical industries
• education
• communication and management

You'll also be in an ideal position to continue building your expertise through further study.