Program Overview

Microbiology – BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, known as microorganisms or microbes, that are usually invisible to the naked eye. These microbes include bacteria, algae, protozoa, fungi, viruses, and prions, are critical to all aspects of life on our planet. Microbiology is diverse, which is reflected in sub-disciplines such as medical, veterinary, environmental, food and industrial microbiology.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of microbiology to our society. Several modern scientific disciplines, including genetic engineering, genomics, bioinformatics, microbial biotechnology, immunology, and molecular biology, originated from classical microbiology. Therefore, these disciplines form an integral part of the teaching and research of microbiology at TUS. An industrial placement during the third year of the programme provides an opportunity for students to gain valuable real-world experience and establish direct links with the industry.

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: Grade H5 in two higher-level subjects, plus four subjects at Grade O6/H7. Subjects to include Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
• QQI: Any major QQI award with three distinctions and a pass in C20139 or 5N1833 or C20174 or C2017 or Leaving Certificate Maths at O6/H7.
• Mature Applicants: Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
• International Applicants: International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Mathematics for Scientists (10 credits)
• Biology for Bioveterinary and Microbial Science (10 credits)
• Physics for Chemical and Life Sciences (10 credits)
• Chemistry for Bioveterinary and Microbial Science (10 credits)
• Learning and Development for Higher Education (5 credits)
• Information Technology for Scientists (5 credits)
• Current Scientific Issues (5 credits)
• Scientific Computing (5 credits)

Year 2

• Microbial Biochemistry 2.1 (5 credits)
• Microbial Methods through Enquiry Based Learning 2.1 (5 credits)
• Microbial Systematics with Eukaryotic Microbiology (5 credits)
• Applied Microbiology (5 credits)
• Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Physical Sciences 2.1 (5 credits)
• Microbial Genetics and Technology 2.1 (5 credits)
• Microbial Biochemistry 2.2 (5 credits)
• Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Physical Sciences 2.2 (5 credits)
• Microbial Genetics and Technology 2.2 (5 credits)
• Microbial Methods through Enquiry Based Learning 2.2 (5 credits)
• Principles of Sterilisation (5 credits)
• Virology with Immunology (5 credits)

Year 3

• Industrial Bioprocessing (5 credits)
• Quality and Compliance (5 credits)
• Food Microbiology (5 credits)
• Environmental Microbiology (10 credits)
• Applied Statistics and Experimental Design (5 credits)
• Industry Relevant Project (15 credits)
• Environmental Science and Sustainability (10 credits)
• Clinical Trials with Bioethics (5 credits)
• Work Placement (30 credits)

Year 4

• Research Methods (5 credits)
• Advanced Environmental Microbiology (10 credits)
• Advanced Industrial Microbiology (10 credits)
• Bioinformatics (5 credits)
• Advanced Food Microbiology (10 credits)
• Computational Biology (5 credits)
• Research Project (15 credits)

Career Opportunities

The programme will provide thorough preparation for careers in the biopharmaceutical/medical device industries as well as in the food and environmental sectors, or postgraduate research opportunities. Graduates from the BSc (Hons) in Microbiology will have career opportunities across several sectors, including food, pharmaceutical, medical device, biotechnological, biorefinery, environmental, pollution control, bioremediation, industrial and wastewater treatment.

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.