Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Strathclyde offers a BSc Hons Immunology & Microbiology program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the immune system and microorganisms. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and agrochemical industries, as well as in hospitals, public service laboratories, and environmental centers.

Key Facts

• UCAS Code: CC59
• Accreditation: Royal Society of Biology
• Flexible degree: Students have the flexibility to change to other Biomolecular Science courses throughout their studies.

Study with Us

The program covers the study of immunology, which is the study of how the body defends itself against disease, and microbiology, which is the study of the smallest living organisms (micro-organisms or microbes). Students will have the opportunity to choose specific degree combinations that will allow them to specialize in areas such as neuroscience, cardiovascular research, immunopharmacology, industrial immunology, drug research, biochemistry, microbiology, and bacteriology.

Why this Course?

The course provides students with a deep understanding of immunology and microbiology, including the development of vaccines, the application of modern techniques of biology to the immune system, and the control of microbial and other types of disease. The interface between immunology and microbiology is a very active area for both fundamental research and the development of new biotechnological products to diagnose or prevent disease.

What you'll Study

The program is divided into four years of study. In Years 1 and 2, students will study classes in cells and their molecules, organisms and diseases, and Bio-organic chemistry. In Years 3 and 4, students will take specialist classes in Immunology and Microbiology, including a substantial research project in Immunology or Microbiology in Year 4.

Years 1 & 2

• Being a Biomolecular Scientist 1 - 40 credits
• Cells & their Molecules - 20 credits
• Organisms & Disease - 20 credits
• Bio-Organic Chemistry - 20 credits

Years 3 & 4

• Being a Biomolecular Scientist 3 - 40 credits
• Fundamental Immunology - 20 credits
• Fundamental Microbiology - 20 credits
• Biomedical Immunology - 20 credits
• Biomedical Microbiology - 20 credits
• Advanced Microbiology - 20 credits
• Advanced Immunology - 20 credits

Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are assessed by written examinations, essays, presentations, and computer-aided learning (CAL) exercises and quizzes. Competence is assessed through practical tests, practical write-ups, project reports, and CAL exercises and quizzes. Communication skills are assessed through essays and oral presentations.

Learning & Teaching

Students will gain knowledge and understanding through around 240 hours of lectures, including review-type lectures, practical classes, tutorials, and computer-aided learning. Quantitative skills are taught by the Department of Maths & Statistics, the Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry, as well as the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences.

Entry Requirements

• Highers: AABB/AAAC (two sciences – Biology/Human Biology B and Chemistry B; Maths and English National 5 B)
• Advanced Highers: BB (Chemistry B, Biology/ Human Biology B, plus Year 1 above)
• A Levels: BBB (two sciences required, at least one of which must be Biology or Chemistry; GCSE Chemistry 6/B (if not at A Level); GCSE Maths 6/B, GCSE English Language 6/B or Literature 6/B)
• International Baccalaureate: 30 (Two science subjects at HL5 at least one of which must be Biology or Chemistry. Maths SL5 and English SL5)

Fees & Funding

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £9,535
• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £27,800

Careers

Graduates of the program have found jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and agrochemical industries, hospitals, and public service laboratories, environmental centers, analytical and forensic science labs, universities, the scientific civil service, and teaching at all levels. Many students also continue onto postgraduate studies and research. The transferable skills gained from this course will not only prepare students for a career in science but also in areas such as finance, management, marketing, sales, business, and media.

Discover Uni

80% of students were satisfied overall with their course. 87% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well. 80% are in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.