Program Overview

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Microbiology

Course Overview

The BSc Microbiology degree at Aberystwyth University introduces you to a fascinating world of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and their role in infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants. Microorganisms, also known as microbes, are organisms that are too small to be visible to the naked eye and they are essential to our understanding of life on Earth. You will learn how these microorganisms have an influence on all aspects of our lives, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. On our BSc Microbiology degree course you will develop the scientific and analytical skills that are in high demand in a broad range of professions, and if you want to play a part in solving big global problems such as climate change, pollution and antibiotic resistance, a degree in Microbiology is a good place to start.

Key Facts

• UCAS Tariff: 120 - 104
• Course duration: 3 years
• Available for: September start 2025

Modules

Year 1

• Core:
  • Cell Biology
  • Ecology and Conservation
  • Genetics, Evolution and Diversity
  • Microbial and Plant Diversity
  • Skills for Biologists
• Options:
  • Biological chemistry
  • Disease Diagnosis and Control
  • Microbial Diversity and Disease

Year 2

• Core:
  • Environmental Microbiology and Monitoring
  • One Health Microbiology
  • Practical and Professional Skills in Microbiology
  • Research Methods
• Options:
  • Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
  • Cell and Cancer Biology
  • Immunology
  • Proteins and Enzymes

Year 3

• Core:
  • Microbial Pathogenesis
  • Biotechnology
  • Research Project
• Options:
  • Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics
  • Molecular Pharmacology
  • Terrestrial Ecology Fieldcourse
  • Veterinary Infectious Diseases

Careers

What are our graduates doing?

Our graduates have been working successfully as:

• research scientists
• clinical molecular geneticists
• nature conservationists
• educators.

Students from our department have also progressed to undertake training in Dentistry and Medicine.

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

During your first year, you will be introduced to the biochemical building blocks of cells and learn about the structure of molecules and their function, and the biotic and abiotic interactions that have occurred on earth over temporal and spatial timescales as well as the consequences of these dynamic interactions on the present-day flora and fauna. You will also examine the different major metabolic pathways and explore the diversity of microbial life and the importance of micro-organisms such as pathogens. You will explore ecology and future challenges such as responding to global climate and conserving biodiversity and study the amazing diversity of life on Earth. You will also learn about the key principles underlying the theory and practice of genetics and become aware of recent advances in the field. You will learn by undertaking a series of linked experiments that will develop basic practical skills required for research across biology. This will give you an opportunity to develop the key skills that are necessary for a successful academic and professional career, such as time management, critical thinking and reflective learning.

During your second year, you will develop a knowledge and understanding of the roles played by microbes in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, focusing on their importance in biogeochemical cycling. You will develop the basic skills expected of a graduate working in a microbiology-related field, such as studying a broad range of culture-based microbes and learning independent methods of characterising them, interpreting data from quantitative and bioinformatic analyses, and developing perspectives on microbiology’s interface with society and policy. You will explore the relationship between health and disease at the human, animal, insect vector and environment interfaces, which has become an important focus in both medical and veterinary science with the recognition that health is influenced by the presence of both beneficial and harmful microorganisms. You will examine the processes involved in planning good scientific research, including data handling and statistics, and examine the key principles underpinning experimental science. This will prepare you for your dissertation.

During your final year, you will explore the use of organisms or biological material to develop or make products for human benefit. Traditional biotechnologies include bread-making and brewing while the products of modern biotechnology include molecular biology products, pharmaceuticals and biofuels. You will learn about the concept of disease resulting from attack from microbial organism as an important aspect of clinical and veterinary medicine as well as agriculture. You will consider the association between symptoms and pathogenic mechanisms through a series of case studies covering examples of viral, bacterial, fungal and oomycete pathogens as they infect human, animal and plant hosts, and explore mechanisms of disease control. Lastly, you will undertake in-depth research on a topic that is broadly relevant to your interests, based on laboratory experiments or fieldwork exercises, comprising a computer modelling exercise based on secondary data sources, or involving analysis of data obtained from published literature. You will work independently under the guidance of a supervisor.

Typical Entry Requirements

• UCAS Tariff: 120 - 104
• A Levels: BBB-BCC with B in Biology
• GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4): English or Welsh, Science and Mathematics
• BTEC National Diploma: DDD-DDM in a specified subject
• International Baccalaureate: 30-28 with 5 points in Biology at Higher Level
• European Baccalaureate: 75%-65% overall with 7 in Biology

English Language Requirements

See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements

International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.

Useful Links

• Accommodation
• Advice for International Students
• English Language Requirements
• Fees & Finance
• Global Opportunities
• Online Resources Hub

82% of students were satisfied overall with their course.

Data for courses in Microbiology at Aberystwyth University

100% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for courses in Microbiology and cell science over two years at Aberystwyth University

91% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

Data for courses in Biosciences at Aberystwyth University

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