Microbiology MBiol, BSc

The Microbiology MBiol, BSc course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of microbiology, including the study of microorganisms, their interactions with the environment, and their impact on human health.

Course Overview

Microbiology is the study of organisms too small to be visible with the naked eye, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This course covers an area of science fundamental to the understanding of life on this planet, from human and animal disease to better food production and microbial involvement in global cycles.

Course Highlights

• Weekly practical classes in the first two years of the degree, with the option to experience working in a research lab in the final year.
• Research-led teaching at every stage of the degree, ensuring that students engage with cutting-edge scientific developments and techniques.
• Experience world-class facilities and be part of a cutting-edge research-active environment.
• Enjoy outstanding graduate employability opportunities amongst top employers, both within and beyond scientific research.
• Gain further practical experience and boost employability through the Year in Industry programme.
• Experience life and learning in a different country through the study abroad programme, gaining fresh perspectives and developing skills valued by employers.

Flexible Degrees

Microbiology is a specialist degree within the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, offering flexibility throughout the student's time at Leeds. All School of Molecular and Cellular Biology degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules in the first year, allowing students to transfer onto other degree courses at the end of year one, subject to approval.

Facilities

The School of Molecular and Cellular Biology is an international research hub with outstanding facilities for structural biology, biophysics, cell biology, and imaging. Recently refurbished teaching labs and dedicated computer clusters enable students to develop practical and computational skills during the first two years of the course.

Wellbeing and Support

The University of Leeds features an extensive network of excellent services dedicated to student wellbeing, ensuring students have everything needed to succeed. Support includes academic advising, mental health services, and career counseling.

Accreditation

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, recognizing academic excellence in the biosciences and highlighting degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.

Course Details and Modules

The list of modules represents typical courses studied and may change from time to time.

Year 1

• Introductory Skills in the Molecular Biosciences (20 credits): Training in data collection and experimental techniques relevant to biological sciences.
• Introductory Skills in Microbiology (20 credits): Focus on data collection and laboratory techniques relevant to microbial sciences.
• Basis of Life (20 credits): Fundamental processes of life, identifying key concepts that underpin biological processes in all living organisms.
• Introduction to Microbiology (20 credits): Introduction to a wide range of microscopic life forms and viruses.
• Introduction to Genetics (10 credits): Exploration of the different meanings of 'genetics' and how this concept has changed over time.
• Introduction to Immunology (10 credits): Review of fundamental immune mechanisms with particular emphasis on human immunology and its relationship to health and disease.

Year 2

• Intermediate Skills in the Molecular Biosciences (20 credits): Development of core laboratory skills in molecular biosciences through a continuous research project.
• Intermediate Skills in Microbiology (20 credits): Advanced laboratory training in microbiology, focusing on diagnostic bacteriology, molecular virology, and immune response analysis.
• Omics and Big Data Biology (20 credits): Introduction to omics-based approaches at the forefront of equipping biologists to overcome global challenges.
• Medical Microbiology (20 credits): Detailed exploration of the microorganisms that cause human disease.
• Molecular Virology (10 credits): Introduction to techniques used for the study of viruses, the structure of viruses, and the processes of their replication and evolution.

Year 3

• Extended Research Project Preparation (20 credits): Literature review in a scientific area relevant to the degree, identifying questions or hypotheses for an extended research project.
• Research Tools and Applications (20 credits): Scientific investigation requiring project planning, selection and adaptation of experimental protocols, and execution of laboratory and computer-based work.
• Advanced Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology (20 credits): Going beyond textbook examples into the world of research, guided by experts in their field.
• Advanced Skills for Microbiologists (20 credits): Familiarization with up-to-date developments, hypotheses, and controversies in molecular biosciences, developing problem-solving and scientific communication skills.

Year 4

• Extended Research Project (90 credits): Two-semester independent research project on an original topic, conducted within one of the Faculty research teams.
• Optional modules include Advanced Biomolecular Techniques, Advanced Immunology, Treatment of Infectious Disease and Cancer, High-Throughput Technologies, and Medical Diagnostics.

Learning and Teaching

At Leeds, a student-centred approach to learning is taken, with teaching designed to enable student engagement through active learning approaches. Practical teaching is highly valued, with a core part of teaching focused on developing hands-on practical and associated research skills.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used to help students develop a broad range of skills, including practical work, data handling and problem-solving exercises, multiple-choice tests, group work, online and face-to-face discussion groups, computer-based simulations, essays, posters, and oral presentations.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: AAA, including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject.
• GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.
• Alternative qualifications, such as BTEC, Cambridge Pre-U, and International Baccalaureate, are considered.
• International students must meet English language requirements, typically IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.

Fees

• UK: £9,790
• International: £32,750 (per year)
• Tuition fees for subsequent years may increase annually, at least in line with inflation.

Career Opportunities

Given the huge importance of microorganisms to all aspects of life, microbiologists will always be in demand. The course aims to equip students with the best possible skills for their future careers, with typical graduate careers including microbiologist, clinical scientist, biomedical scientist, forensic scientist, and graduate medicine/dentistry.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

Students have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad or undertake a work placement, usually as an extra academic year. This can be in Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa, or Latin America, providing valuable experience and skills.

Related Courses

Related courses offered by the University of Leeds include Biochemistry BSc, Biological Sciences BSc, Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) BSc, Microbiology BSc, Biochemistry MBiol, BSc, Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) MBiol, BSc, and Biological Sciences MBiol, BSc.

University of Leeds

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Overview:

The University of Leeds is a public research university located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It is a large and prestigious institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence and a vibrant campus life.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Leeds offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, including:

• Arts, Humanities and Cultures
• Biological Sciences
• Business School
• Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Environment
• Medicine and Health
• Social Sciences