This Microbiology course will introduce you to the microbial world, and teach you the skills to grow and identify microbes and explore their role in the environment, health, and in food safety and production. This course will focus primarily on bacteria although you'll also investigate fungi, viruses, archaea and other microbes.

You'll develop your understanding of microbes, beginning with cell structure, function and microbial evolution. Microbial metabolism and genetics will lead to an understanding of microbial systems and how microbes live in diverse and dynamic communities – and interact with other organisms in both beneficial and detrimental ways.

A key feature of this course will be the development of your laboratory and microscopy skills, enabling you to culture and identify microbes safely. This will culminate in a final year research dissertation that will allow you to investigate an aspect of microbiology within your own area of interest.

Ultimately, this course will allow you to gain an understanding of the nature and role of microbes and their fundamental role in life processes. As part of our broader Biology programme, our Microbiology degree will allow you to study other related modules – resulting in a diverse array of both analytical and research-based skills in the life sciences.

This course will prepare you for a career in such areas as:

Public health
Clinical microbiology
Food microbiology
Quality assurance and safety
Environmental microbiology.
You'll also be prepared to apply for postgraduate study such as a Master's or PhD, plus a wide range of careers outside of traditional science.