Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, UK
Please note that we are currently updating our undergraduate prospectus pages for 2025 entry, so the information below is subject to change. We expect to have our pages fully updated by the end of April 2024.
| Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Hons | AAB | September 2025 | C501 | 3 years full-time | £9,250 per year |
| Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Hons | AAB | September 2025 | C501 | 3 years full-time | £9,250 per year |
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
Including 5 in two science subjects at Higher Level; or one Higher Level science at grade 5 plus two Standard Level science subjects at grade 5.
Acceptable science subjects are biology, chemistry, maths, physics and geography. Environmental science and psychology may be accepted where sufficient quantitative data analysis is studied.
6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.
AAB, including two science-based subjects usually from biology, chemistry, geography, physics and mathematics.
Psychology and environmental science may be accepted as science subjects where sufficient quantiative analysis is studied.
GCSE mathematics and english at grade 4 (C) or above are required.
General studies, critical thinking, science and society, citizenship studies and leisure studies are not accepted.
AAB including two science-based subjects
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements apply to 2025 entry.
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
RQF BTEC Nationals
Applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure sufficient science has been studied. We will consider the following:
The required A levels for mixed BTEC and A level grade profiles depends on the science content studied in the BTEC.
Access to HE Diploma
Applications are assessed on an individual basis. Where an offer is made, our standard requirements are:
In order to recognise the potential of talented students from all backgrounds we make contextual offers for this course to students who have international fee status. These offers could be one or two grades lower than the advertised standard entry requirements. Please see this page for further information.
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
If you have achieved high grades in your A levels (or equivalent qualifications) but do not meet the current subject entry requirements for direct entry to your chosen undergraduate course, you may be interested in our science foundation programme.
There is a course for UK students and one for international students.
Applicants must also demonstrate good grades in previous relevant science subjects to apply. You are guaranteed a place on selected undergraduate courses if all progression requirements are met.
AAB, including two science-based subjects usually from biology, chemistry, geography, physics and mathematics.
Psychology and environmental science may be accepted as science subjects where sufficient quantiative analysis is studied.
GCSE mathematics and english at grade 4 (C) or above are required.
General studies, critical thinking, science and society, citizenship studies and leisure studies are not accepted.
Including 5 in two science subjects at Higher Level; or one Higher Level science at grade 5 plus two Standard Level science subjects at grade 5.
Acceptable science subjects are biology, chemistry, maths, physics and geography. Environmental science and psychology may be accepted where sufficient quantitative data analysis is studied.
AAB including two science-based subjects
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements apply to 2025 entry.
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
RQF BTEC Nationals
Applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure sufficient science has been studied. We will consider the following:
The required A levels for mixed BTEC and A level grade profiles depends on the science content studied in the BTEC.
Access to HE Diploma
Applications are assessed on an individual basis. Where an offer is made, our standard requirements are:
We recognise the potential of talented students from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement at school or college. These offers are usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
If you have achieved high grades in your A levels (or equivalent qualifications) but do not meet the current subject entry requirements for direct entry to your chosen undergraduate course, you may be interested in our science foundation programme.
There is a course for UK students and one for international students.
Applicants must also demonstrate good grades in previous relevant science subjects to apply. You are guaranteed a place on selected undergraduate courses if all progression requirements are met.
There’s a wide range of possible year in industry placements on offer. We have good links with companies, and our dedicated placement team is available to support you in finding the right placement. Often a placement year can help you secure a graduate job.
Our students have been on placement with:
The industry placement takes place between years two and three of your degree. You can apply during year two of your degree, subject to meeting minimum academic requirements.
Study abroad and the year in industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
There’s a wide range of possible year in industry placements on offer. We have good links with companies, and our dedicated placement team is available to support you in finding the right placement. Often a placement year can help you secure a graduate job.
Our students have been on placement with:
The industry placement takes place between years two and three of your degree. You can apply during year two of your degree, subject to meeting minimum academic requirements.
Study abroad and the year in industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
* For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.
You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies. If you do these would cost around £40.
Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don’t print lecture notes but these are available digitally. You will be given £5 worth of printer credits a year. You are welcome to buy more credits if you need them. It costs 4p to print one black and white page.
If you do a work placement, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with this.
Personal laptops are not compulsory as we have computer labs that are open 24 hours a day but you may want to consider one if you wish to work at home.
We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.
You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies. If you do these would cost around £40.
Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don’t print lecture notes but these are available digitally. You will be given £5 worth of printer credits a year. You are welcome to buy more credits if you need them. It costs 4p to print one black and white page.
If you do a work placement, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with this.
Personal laptops are not compulsory as we have computer labs that are open 24 hours a day but you may want to consider one if you wish to work at home.
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.
* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. You will spend a lot of time in our £5 million Super Lab gaining hands-on lab experience. Practical learning and laboratory experience starts early in semester one of the first year. Your lab skills will improve throughout the first and second years. In your final year, you will become a member of a research laboratory and carry out your own year-long research project. Some students have even had their work published in scientific journals.
What you will study
Microbiologists play an important role in helping to prevent disease, develop new treatments, clean up the environment, and keep food safe. You will study the micro-organisms which affect the environment, human, animal and plant health, and find out how to use microbes to make medicines and vaccines.
Course overview
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. You will spend a lot of time in our £5 million Super Lab gaining hands-on lab experience. Practical learning and laboratory experience starts early in semester one of the first year. Your lab skills will improve throughout the first and second years. In your final year, you will become a member of a research laboratory and carry out your own year-long research project. Some students have even had their work published in scientific journals.
What you will study
Microbiologists play an important role in helping to prevent disease, develop new treatments, clean up the environment, and keep food safe. You will study the micro-organisms which affect the environment, human, animal and plant health, and find out how to use microbes to make medicines and vaccines.
You will explore the use of good and bad bacteria, viruses and eukaryotic microbes, and learn different methods needed for the safe handling of level 2 pathogens. These are biological agents that can cause disease, including Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria and Salmonella. Our range of optional modules in the second and third years allows you to tailor your study to your interests.
When you graduate you will be qualified to work with microbial pathogens. This means you can work in a laboratory in research or a pharmaceutical company.
You will learn:
All microbiology teaching staff are actively involved in research. This ensures that you are learning up-to-date topics and ideas. We aim to produce graduates who are ready to go out and help tackle some of the biggest problems facing our world today.
Why choose this course
Important Information
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.
Mandatory
Year 1
Essential study skills
Mandatory
Year 1
Foundation Science for Bioscientists
Mandatory
Year 1
An Introduction to Biotechnology
Mandatory
Year 1
An Introduction to Genetics and Biochemistry
Mandatory
Year 1
Micro-organisms and Disease
Mandatory
Year 1
Microbes and You
Mandatory
Year 1
The Physiology of Microbes
Mandatory
Year 2
Analysis of Bacterial Gene Expression
Mandatory
Year 2
Bacterial Biological Diversity
Mandatory
Year 2
Fundamentals of immunology
Mandatory
Year 2
Medical Microbiology
Mandatory
Year 2
Microbial Mechanisms of Foodborne Disease
Mandatory
Year 2
Research Techniques for Microbiologists
Mandatory
Year 2
Virology
Optional
Year 2
Bacterial Genes and Development
Optional
Year 2
Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction
Optional
Year 2
Fundamental and Applied Yeast Physiology
Optional
Year 2
Infection and Immunity
Optional
Year 2
Microbial Biotechnology
Optional
Year 2
Molecular Biology of the Cell
Optional
Year 2
Structure, Function and Analysis of Genes
Optional
Year 2
Structure, Function and Analysis of Proteins
Optional
Year 2
The Genome and Human Disease
Optional
Year 2
Yeast and Fermentation Technology
Mandatory
Year 3
Undergraduate Research Project
Optional
Year 3
Ageing, Sex and DNA Repair
Optional
Year 3
Omics: At the Forefront of Biotechnology
Optional
Year 3
Environmental Biotechnology
Optional
Year 3
Microbial Fermentation
Optional
Year 3
Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology
Optional
Year 3
Molecular Microbiology and CRISPR Systems
Optional
Year 3
Molecular Parasitology
Optional
Year 3
Pathogens: Vaccines and Therapeutics
Optional
Year 3
Plant Cell Signalling
Optional
Year 3
Plant Pathology
Optional
Year 3
Rapid Methods in Microbiology
Optional
Year 3
Microbial Isolation and Identification Methods
Optional
Year 3
Virology and Cellular Microbiology
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Monday 4 March 2024.
You must select optional modules from three groups:
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
You may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.
Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages.
If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.
Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level.
Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree
This module is intended to enhance your transition into university and guide you through the academic expectations of your degree. This module includes three generic sessions on ‘study skills and plagiarism’, ‘study opportunities’ and ‘career and personal development’, and a series of small group tutorials with your academic tutor to develop core skills such as finding crucial information, oral presentation, data handling and presentation of results, preparation for examinations, and essay writing skills relevant to biosciences.
This module covers essential topics in the following scientific areas:
The aim of the module is to introduce the you to the broad based biotechnology discipline. You will study plants, animals and microbial systems and the impact and ethics of biotechnology in different sectors. An active learning approach is coupled with tutorials to understand the impact of the discipline.
This 30 credit module will give you a solid foundation in the growth and development of cells. You will gain understanding in cellular processes and the key macromolecules. Understanding the chemistry of these macromolecules is important in many areas of bioscience.
You’ll apply your learning of basic concepts though practical sessions and workshops.
You will study:
This module introduces you to a range of important human pathogens. You'll cover:
Each week you’ll spend four hours in lectures to study for this module. This is a 10 credit module.
Through this module, you will be given perspective on how microbes interact with humans, animals, plants and other organisms.
You'll study:
This is a 20 credit module.
This module will develop your knowledge of bacterial cell structures and growth. You'll understand the mechanisms that allow bacteria to respond to their environment. You'll study:
You'll learn through a three hour practical and four hours of lectures each week. This is a 20 credit module.
This module covers the major techniques required for analysis of gene expression including methods for gene sequence and transcriptional analysis. An in depth study of vectors and gene constructs provides an understanding of the different strategies used in creating mutants and identifying gene function in bacteria. As well as practical's, the coursework exercises are designed to illustrate the topics covered in the lecture course and will give students experience of experimental design and critical analysis of research data and an introduction to bioinformatics for the analysis of DNA and protein sequences.
This module is designed to provide an understanding of the extent of bacterial biological diversity. Following introductory lectures on bacterial taxonomy and classification and web-page design, you’ll undertake two student-centred exercises. The first will be the production of an essay on a chosen organism covering its taxonomy, biology and ecology. The second will be a group exercise to design a web site including the material collated for the essay.
This module covers the fundamental concepts of immunology, focusing on innate and adaptive responses, with particular emphasis on host-pathogen interactions and antibody production for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In the second part of the module, emphasis will be given to vaccine design especially for Human Infectious Diseases including malaria and SARS-Cov-2 with some references to animal diseases.
Occasionally flipped delivery will be adopted, especially in preparation for the vaccine design sections to stimulate discussion and to refresh the key concepts of memory and protection from the first part of the module.
This module will introduce you to the properties, mechanisms of resistance and clinical use of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of microbial infections. Options relating to disease prevention will be explained, and you’ll be provided with an insight into the role of the laboratory and the Public Health Laboratory Service in the diagnosis, management and control of infection in hospital and the community. During an average week, you’ll have a three hour lecture to study for this module.
This module provides a fundamental understanding of the microorganisms causing food-borne disease. You'll learn about the mechanisms by which they do this and their routes of transmission.
In laboratory practicals you will learn a number of core practical methods needed for the safe handling, culture, isolation, enumeration and identification of a range of level 2 pathogens.These are biological agents that can cause disease including Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria and Salmonella.
The module will be focussed on preparing the students for their Final Year research project. Students will be allocated to their supervisor for their final year research project and be given their research topic to begin researching for a literature review and experimental design. This module cannot be used as a pre-requisite for a Research Project in an ACDP2 laboratory environment unless the Laboratory Induction has been attended and the Laboratory Safety Test has been passed. Students who score less than 55% in either or both of BIOS2030 Microbial Mechanisms of Foodborne disease and Research Techniques in Microbiology will not normally be offered a laboratory based undergraduate Research Project.
The module will provide an introduction to viruses and their interactions with their hosts (bacteria, plants and animals including humans) as well as discussing the structure of viruses and their significance including pathogenesis and molecular biology. You’ll spend four hours per week in lectures studying for this module.
Molecular events that occur during the control of gene expression in bacteria will be explored. You'll learn by considering case studies, which will show you how complex programmes of gene action can occur in response to environmental stimuli. You will also study the regulation of genes in pathogenic bacteria.
The aim of this module is to introduce the use of computing programming and modelling in the biological and environmental sciences for model simulation and image processing.
This module considers fundamental and applied aspects of cell biology and yeast physiology. A combination of lectures, practical sessions and online self-guided exercises will be used to introduce you to the subject of yeast, focusing on aspects particularly relevant for the production of foods, beverages and other fermented products.
You will gain an understanding of:
We will also cover yeast genomics and how this relates to yeast diversity, taxonomy and identification. Finally, practical aspects of working with yeast will be addressed, including storage and preservation strategies, quality analysis, and how yeast cultures for commercial applications can be produced and handled.
You will study microbiology, learning about pathogenic microbes including viruses, fungi, parasites and the roles of bacteria in health and disease. You will learn how the body generates immunity; the causes of diseases associated with faulty immune responses will be considered. In applied microbiology you will be introduced to recombinant DNA technology and prokaryotic gene regulation.
You'll cover the key groups of eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms relevant to microbial biotechnology, principles of GM, and strain improvement in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The impact of “omics”, systems biology, synthetic biology and effects of stress on industrial microorganisms are explored, alongside the activities of key microorganisms that we exploit for biotechnology.
This module offers a detailed study of the core molecular processes that enable cells to function such as DNA biochemistry, gene expression, protein synthesis and degradation. You will learn about the basic molecular processes that underpin the function of eukaryotic cells and to describe how different organelles within the cell function, with an emphasis on the dynamic nature of cell biology. You will have lectures, practical classes, a poster presentation and tutorials.
This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the structures of DNA and RNA and how the information within these nucleic acids is maintained and expressed in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell types. Additionally, this module describes how nucleic acids can be manipulated in vitro using molecular biological approaches. Practical classes will focus your learning on the cloning and manipulation of DNA to express recombinant proteins in bacterial systems.
This module considers the structure and function of soluble proteins and how individual proteins can be studied in molecular detail. More specifically you will learn about the problems associated with studying membrane-bound proteins and build an in-depth understanding of enzyme kinetics and catalysis. You will learn about the practical aspects of affinity purification, SDS PAGE, western blotting, enzyme assays, bioinformatics and molecular modelling approaches.
In this module you will learn about the structure and function of the eukaryotic genome, including that of humans, and the approaches that have led to their understanding. You will learn about techniques that are employed to manipulate genes and genomes and how they can be applied to the field of medical genetics. By using specific disease examples, you will learn about the different type of DNA mutation that can lead to disease and how they have been identified. Practical elements will teach you about basic techniques used in medical genetics such as sub-cloning of DNA fragments into expression vectors. Practical classes and problem based learning will be used to explore the methods used for genetic engineering and genome manipulation.
This module considers fundamental aspects of yeast biochemistry, metabolism and the fermentation process. A combination of lectures, practical sessions and online self-guided exercises will be used to introduce you to the subject of yeast and fermentation, focusing on aspects particularly relevant to the production of fermented beverages and related products.
You will gain an understanding of the different ways yeast can be employed for a range of applications. The specific characteristics of yeast which make this organism valuable will be described in detail, including properties, functionality, pathways and their ability to convert substrates into commercially valuable end products. The different types of industrial fermentation systems that can be employed will also be considered, along with how they can be controlled and monitored, and how yeast key performance indicators are evaluated.
You will choose and plan a research project in consultation with a supervisor, based around ongoing research in the university. You'll carry out a literature review and produce an experimental outline. You will be required to design experiments, collect, analyse and interpret the data obtained. You'll spend at least three full days per week in this year undertaking your work. Examples of recent project areas include: antimicrobial resistance, synthetic biology, immune response to virus infections, rapid detection of Mycobacteria, phage therapy, immobilised microorganisms for fermentation and improve yeast performance for high gravity fermentations.
Examine the molecular causes of the ageing and malignant transformations of somatic cells that are observed during a single lifespan, and gain an understanding of the necessity to maintain the genome intact from one generation to the next. Around three hours per week will be spent within lectures studying this module.
Over the past few years major developments have been made regarding the study of genomes. Sequencing programmes now mean that the complete DNA sequence is now known for many species. Such information is revealing the high degree of similarity and conservation between different species and organisms, revolutionising the way in which gene function analysis is carried out. This module will provide a basic overview of recent research in the field of post-genomic technologies known as “omics” with emphasis on genomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Case studies will show how different approaches have been used to study genomes and how such developments are influencing the way genetic analysis and biotechnological improvement can be made. You will study by hands-on experience with problem-based lab and computer training sessions.
In a series of lectures, this module provides training in environmental biotechnology, with particular emphasis on the interaction between microorganisms and the environment. The main topics covered will be wastewater treatment, bioremediation of organic and inorganic pollutants, microbes as indicators of risk factors in the environment, microbes in agriculture (biocontrol and biofertilisers) and the role of microorganisms in bioenergy production.
This module commences with a review of microbial fermentation, including beer, cheese, yoghurt, meat and single-cell protein production, as well as sewage treatment. The underlying principles of microbial fermentation will be discussed, in addition to specific examples which will be examined in depth. From this basic knowledge the problems of microbial contamination and spoilage of the finished product will be analysed. You’ll spend four hours in lectures and have a four hour practical each week to study for this module.
This module will enable you to comprehend the opportunities that protein engineering provides in applied microbiology and to appreciate some of the practical limitations associated with technology. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of prokaryotic protein expression and examples of its application to biotechnology. Practical classes and seminars will provide an insight into the necessary constraints and practicalities of experimental design and execution. The major coursework assignment introduces you to the rigour required for writing scientific papers.
The module covers the molecular biology of:
(a) natural CRISPR immunity systems and how these are applied for genome editing,
(b) host-pathogen interactions, for example cell envelope structure and how bacterial toxins cause disease, and,
(c) the role of bacteria in the human gut microbiome.
NA
This module gives a detailed understanding of the genetics and biochemistry behind the properties of parasites and microorganisms that cause major human diseases in the present day. You will have a three-hour lecture once per week for this module.
How does a plant know when it is being attacked? In this module you’ll learn about plant signalling molecules and the ways in which these signals are integrated to ensure appropriate responses to environmental conditions or plant pathogen attack. You’ll gain a detailed knowledge of how plants use intercellular and intracellular signalling strategies to provide information about their environment, with particular emphasis on the use of molecular genetics in enabling us to determine the nature of the signals and the cross-talk that takes place between them. You’ll have lectures and demonstrations, as well as laboratory sessions to gain practical experience of the techniques for studying plant hormone signalling.
This module covers molecular and applied aspects of plant pathology including plant-pathogen interactions, disease epidemiology, pathogen detection, disease control, pathogen biology and plant mechanisms of defence. The relative strengths and weaknesses of different disease control options including application of fungicides, biological control, deployment of disease resistant varieties and biotechnological approaches will be considered.
This module will enable you to understand where new methods can replace traditional techniques of microbial detection and recording. You’ll spend four hours in lectures and have a three hour practical each week to study for this module.
A particular emphasis will be placed on the problems of technology transfer into industry.
Practicals will compare methods for isolating and identifying microorganisms using both standard and newer methods and will evaluate the limitations of these procedures.
You’ll gain an understanding of:
You’ll study over the year in both lectures and practicals.
The module will provide an in depth induction into the relationship of bacterial and viral pathogens and their hosts. Including understanding the underlying molecular basis of the adaptive response of bacteria to various environments and the mechanisms by which bacteria and viruses subvert cellular machinery. You’ll have a four hour weekly lecture to cover material for this module.
We use a range of assessment methods, including exams, essays, verbal presentations and practicals. You will receive a copy of our marking criteria which provides guidance on how we will assess your work. Your work will be marked on time and you will receive regular feedback.
Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained in your second and third years of study.
You must pass each year to progress. This typically means that you will need to achieve marks of at least 40% in each module. Full details on our marking criteria and structure will be provided at your induction.
To study abroad as part of your degree, you must meet minimum academic requirements in year one.
In your first year, you will take 120 credits in core modules. As a guide, one credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. You will spend around half of your time in lectures, seminars and practicals. The remaining time will be independent study.
Core modules are typically taught by professors or associate professors. PhD students help supervise or demonstrate in some practical classes.
This hands-on lab experience will give you skills to work in a laboratory when you graduate. You could work in healthcare and medical research, or the pharmaceutical or food industry.
You will be qualified to work with microbial pathogens, this means you can work in a laboratory immediately. You could work in industry or study for a PhD.
Microbiologists work in:
Recent destinations of graduates include:
93.90% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £28,993.
HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017- 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).
Sutton Bonington Campus encompasses world-leading laboratories and specialist facilities from Microbiological containment laboratories, the University Farm, to the paperless Super Lab, specialist glasshouses, food processing and molecular analytic facilities.
Our webpages contain detailed information about all processes in your student journey. Check them out alongside our student enquiry centre to find the information you need. If you’re still struggling, head to our help page where you can find details of how to contact us in-person and online.
