Program Overview

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Microbiology Course Overview

The Microbiology course at University College Cork (UCC) is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program that provides students with a broad knowledge of microbiology, specialized knowledge of aspects that interest them, and a skill set of knowledge acquisition, practical techniques, and problem-solving ability that will equip them for their future career.

Course Structure

• The course comprises core modules in the four main branches of science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Maths in the first year.
• In the second year, students start to specialize but can still choose modules that leave them with three or more degree choices at the end of the year.
• By the third year, students commit to their degree of choice, taking dedicated courses in microbiology that provide a broad training in molecular, food, environmental, and medical microbiology.
• In the final year, students take some obligatory courses and can also choose elective modules from the different branches of microbiology, enabling them to tailor their final degree to their interests and ambitions.

Academic Programme Details

• Code: CK402
• Duration: 4 years
• Teaching Mode: Full-time
• Qualifications: BSc (Hons)
• NFQ Level: Level 8
• Fees: See Fees and Costs for full details.

Course Practicalities

• Expected Lecture Hours: Lectures and practicals are conducted between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, with 288 lecture hours per year.
• Expected Lab/Practical Hours: Approximately 216 lab/practical hours per year, including a 10-week lab-based research project in the final year.
• Assessment: Written exams, laboratory reports, assignments, dissertations, and reports, with the final year project assessed by laboratory performance, written report, and oral presentation.

Why Choose This Course

• Microbiology graduates have a choice of working in diverse industries, pursuing further training, or research careers.
• 95% of UCC microbiology graduates either secure a job or commence further education shortly after graduation.
• The School of Microbiology has the highest research standing of any microbiology department in Ireland, with students taught by academic staff who are international experts in their research field.

Skills and Careers Information

• The UCC BSc Microbiology degree provides excellent training for a career in microbiology, biotechnology, food, environmental, medical, pharmaceutical, and veterinary sectors.
• Graduates have specialized skills in practical and theoretical microbiology, as well as additional skills in problem-solving, data-handling, and presentation.

Requirements

• Refer to CK402 for specific requirements.
• Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate.
• Non-native English speakers must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student affects the course fees applicable to you.
• The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme.
• Additional costs include lab manuals, lecture hand-outs, and textbooks, with average costs provided.

How to Apply

• Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) applicants apply via the CAO.
• Mature applicants apply via the CAO by 1 February.
• QQI/FET applicants apply via the CAO, with information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process available.
• Non-EU applicants apply online via the UCC Apply portal.

Similar Courses

• BSc Genetics
• BSc Biochemistry
• BSc Physiology

Research Areas

• Food Microbiology
• Environmental Microbiology
• Medical Microbiology
• Molecular Microbiology

The course is taught by academic staff who are international experts in their research fields, providing students with a comprehensive education in microbiology and preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities.