BSc Microbiology
BSc Microbiology (C501)
BSc Microbiology with Certificate in European Studies (C5RX)
Typical Grade Offer Entry 2013: AAB-ABB
About this course and subject
Sixteen million people worldwide die from infectious disease every year. In the developed world, antibiotic resistance amongst bacteria is increasing and new micro-organisms, such as the viruses causing HIV and SARS, pose threats on a global scale.
All these problems require a broad understanding of microbiology if the opportunities offered to solve them are to be grasped.
Microbiology is a laboratory-based science; the understanding of micro-organisms continues to develop much faster than that of plants or animals, with rapid advances in our knowledge being brought about by genome sequencing. The understanding of microbial ecology, physiology and biochemistry that this will allow is vital if the microbial problems facing mankind are to be solved.
Interested? Click on any of the links below to find out more:-
What makes this course special?
This degree combines teaching from Schools across the University, including the Medical School and the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, as well as the School of Biosciences.
Microbiology is a laboratory-based science - you will have the opportunity to learn a wide variety of practical techniques. The final-year Research Project, in particular, will give you a real understanding of microbiological and molecular biological research through working in one of the many well-equipped microbiology research laboratories within the University.
You will have the flexibility to focus on particular aspects of microbiology, while gaining a fundamental understanding of the most important areas. Particular specialisms taught at Nottingham include bacterial and viral biology, genetics, molecular aspects of microbiology, and food and environmental microbiology.
You also have the option of spending a year out, either in Europe or in industry, working in a research laboratory before returning to Nottingham to complete your final year.
Jennifer Spencer is an undergraduate student studying Microbiology. See Jennifer talking about her final year project and job success in the University’s Student Profile Video Gallery.
Research Reputation
The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) is the UK's definitive guide to research quality and excellence, ranking all universities on research strength and rating the academic disciplines they submit on the basis of their international standing.
Measured by means of 'research power'- taking into account both quality and the number of academics within a discipline - the School of Biosciences was recently ranked No.1 in the UK in the latest RAE in December 2008, an independent survey of 30 similar departments in the UK. This means that our research is recognised as being of international importance and you will be taught by staff at the forefront of their subject areas.
Career opportunities and profiles
Latest data available (for 2010) show that over 79% of School of Biosciences graduates are in full time paid employment six months after graduation or have gone on to further study.
A degree in microbiology provides an increasing number of career possibilities, including further study for a PhD, work in hospital laboratories, or careers in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, regulatory and environmental agencies, or the food industry.
Career Profile: Cerith Jones
"After graduation I got a job as a Quality Assurance Microbiologist at GlaxoSmithKline in Hertfordshire. I spent a year here, and my role involved testing of water, air testing, and environmental monitoring of a large pharmaceutical site.
In September 2008 I started a four year MRes/PhD course at Imperial College London (MRes Biochemical Research with a linked PhD after a year). This is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). My first laboratory rotation of my MRes course was a project looking at the Biosynthesis of the S-layer of Clostridium difficile, the major hospital superbug."
Entry information
The School welcomes applications from prospective students of all ages and from all countries. Candidates should have at least two science subjects at A level (which can include maths) and an additional A level or equivalent (Access courses, BTEC, HND, International or European Baccalaureates or Scottish Highers/Scottish Qualifications Certificate).
International & EU students: English Language requirements: IELTS score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each element, or equivalent.
For the European studies degree, a minimum of a second modern language to grade B at GCSE or equivalent in the language of the host institution, is normally required.
Course structure
Nottingham offers a modular structure in all undergraduate courses.
Teaching is based on two 15 week semesters per year; modules are taught as self-contained units assessed through course work and by examination at the end of each semester. The modular structure offers flexibility and is part of the innovative teaching approach of the University. For further details about flexible study options, click here .
Core and optional modules commonly taken by students over the duration of this course are shown below; more information about each module is available in the University Module Catalogue - just choose 'Biosciences' in the 'Select an administering School' search box to see a full list; click on the module code for details.
YEAR ONE
In the first year, Microbiologists take core modules in :
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Applications of Biology
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Foundation Science
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Introductory Biochemistry
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Genetics and Cell Biology
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Whole Organism Biology
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Data Transfer, Analysis and Presentation
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Genetics with Specialist Options
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Food Hygiene
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Microbial Physiology
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Micro-Organisms and Disease
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Food and Health
In addition, students can choose optional modules from a wide range offered in the areas of molecular and environmental biology.
YEAR TWO
Second year core modules include a significant proportion of laboratory based work:
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Medical Microbiology
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Introductory Plant Pathology
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Bacterial Biological Diversity
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Virology
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Microbial Biotechnology: Genes to Products
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Practical Methods in Microbiology
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Food Safety
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Dissertation
plus optional modules in molecular and environmental biology.
YEAR THREE
In the final year you will plan a research project, undertake a literature review and spend 3 full days per week in the final semester undertaking your research.
(See details below)
plus a wide range of optional modules, typically:
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The Microflora of Foods
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Molecular Microbiology and Technology
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Plant Microbial Interactions
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Molecular Plant Pathology
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Plant Cell Signalling
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Industrial Methods in Microbial Analysis
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Virology and Cellular Microbiology
The research project
The Research Project encourages critical thinking and involves both independent and team work, a
literature survey, and data handling, analysis and interpretation.
Recent projects have included:
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Metal resistance in microbes
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Probiotic modulation of gut flora
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Chromosomal tagging of bacteria with reporter genes
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Infection of mammalian cells with Staphylococcus aureus
Read BURN our Biosciences Undergraduate Research web site to find out more about research projects.
Industry Placement
There are opportunities to spend a year on an Industrial Placement between years 2 and 3 in a company or research institute acquiring personal and professional skills. Our Placement Officer can assist you to find a suitable placement. Read students' experiences
Our close contact with industry also opens many doors for vacation work for our students.
International Study Options
Combining this course with the one year Certificate in European Studies offers the additional advantages of providing science graduates with language skills (including appropriate scientific terminology) and experience of European culture. Students undertake intensive language study and a special European placement module in their second year, prior to spending their third year abroad. Applicants must have a minimum grade B at GCSE or equivalent in the language of their host institution.
You can also take the opportunity to study abroad for one semester in your second year via the Universitas 21 worldwide exchange scheme, a global consortium of research intensive universities. Our current U21 partners include universities in: Austria, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Singapore, China & Sweden.
Further details
Financial information
See this link for up-to-date financial advice and information
Contact us
The School welcomes applications from prospective students of all ages and from all countries.
If you would like further information about any aspects of this course, or have a specific enquiry, please contact the admissions tutor directly:-
Dr Phil Hill
Tel: +44 (0) 115 951 6169
Fax: +44 (0) 115 951 6162
E-mail: phil.hill@nottingham.ac.uk