Program Overview
The BSc in Microbiology at University College Cork is a four-year program focusing on the study of microorganisms. It provides a comprehensive understanding of microbiology, specialized knowledge, and practical skills in areas such as molecular, food, environmental, and medical microbiology. Graduates have excellent career prospects in diverse industries or further training, with a 95% employment or further education rate shortly after graduation.
Program Outline
Microbiology BSc at University College Cork (UCC)
Degree Overview:
The BSc in Microbiology at UCC is a four-year, full-time program leading to a BSc (Hons) degree. It focuses on the study of microscopic organisms, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The program emphasizes the crucial role of microbes in various fields, including medicine, biology, agriculture, biotechnology, and the environment. The program aims to provide students with a broad understanding of microbiology, specialized knowledge in areas of interest, and a skill set encompassing knowledge acquisition, practical techniques, and problem-solving abilities.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Core modules in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Maths.
- Biology modules include Microbiology, Plant Science, Biochemistry, and Zoology.
Year 2:
- Specialization begins, but students can still choose modules that allow for multiple degree choices at the end of the year.
- Core modules in molecular biology and statistics are available for those pursuing biological sciences degrees.
- Elective courses can be chosen from Zoology, Ecology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Neuroscience.
Year 3:
- Commitment to the chosen degree.
- Dedicated course of lectures and practical modules covering molecular, food, environmental, and medical microbiology.
Year 4:
- Obligatory courses and elective modules from various branches of microbiology.
- Tailoring the final degree to individual interests and ambitions.
- Independent, supervised research project (25% of final year assessment).
Assessment:
- Written exams before Christmas and in May.
- Other assessment methods include laboratory reports, assignments, dissertations, and reports.
- Final year project assessed through laboratory performance, written report, and oral presentation.
Teaching:
- Lectures and practicals conducted between 9 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
- 288 lecture hours per year, including directed study/reading hours.
- Approximately 216 laboratory practical/tutorial hours per year.
- 10-week lab-based research project in Year 4, supervised by a member of staff.
- Each member of the academic staff teaches in their research specialization and general microbiology courses.
Careers:
- Graduates have a choice of working in diverse industries, pursuing further training, or research careers.
- 95% of UCC microbiology graduates 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.
- A microbiology degree is a foundation for a future career in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, cell biology, or biotechnology.
- Graduates have specialized skills in practical and theoretical microbiology, relevant to industry, as well as problem-solving, data-handling, and presentation skills.
- Approximately 50% of graduates go on to immediate employment, many in companies in the Cork area and international locations.
- Other graduates pursue higher degrees (MSc or PhD).
Other:
- The program emphasizes the relevance of microbiology in diverse spheres, including industry and medicine.
- The program caters to students with diverse interests.
- The School of Microbiology has a strong research environment and prioritizes international competitiveness.
The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme.
