Program Overview

Microbiology: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

The Microbiology course is a four-year, full-time program that leads to a B.A. (Moderatorship) Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8). The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of microbiology, including the study of the structures and life processes of micro-organisms, their activities and effects on plants, animals, humans, and the environment, and the control of these effects.

Overview

Microbiology is the study of micro-organisms, including bacteria, protists, fungi, and viruses. It encompasses the study of their structures, life processes, and interactions with their environments. Microbiologists use a wide range of techniques to study microbes at both cellular and molecular levels, and they are proficient in microbial biochemistry and genetics.

Course Details

• The program is four years in duration and is offered on a full-time basis.
• The degree awarded is a B.A. (Moderatorship) Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8).
• The CAO points required for admission to the program are 545 (2024).
• The CAO code for the program is TR060.

Admission Requirements

• To be eligible for admission to the program, applicants must meet the admission requirements for the main Biological and Biomedical Sciences course.
• All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language.
• Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Fees

• For a full list of undergraduate fees, please refer to the relevant webpage.

Study Abroad and Internship Opportunities

• Students wishing to study abroad can seek advice from Microbiology staff on how to seek funding for summer vacation placements from external sources.
• The Microbiology department offers an intimate atmosphere where frequent interaction between staff and students fosters an intellectually stimulating and friendly environment for teaching and learning.

Graduate Skills and Career Opportunities

• Graduates in microbiology have a wide range of expertise and are considered versatile scientists for industry or pure research.
• They are sought after by pharmaceutical and medical research laboratories, as research and quality assurance staff in drug and medical device manufacture, and by the food and beverage industries.
• Many graduates go on to do a higher degree in Ireland or abroad and enter a rewarding career in many areas, including life science sales and product development, medical relief organizations, and teaching and training establishments.

Your Degree and What You’ll Study

Third Year

• Core modules cover all aspects of modern microbiology and include:
  • Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry
  • Pathogenicity and Immunology
  • Bacterial Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Eukaryotic Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Applied Microbiology
• Each module comprises lecture and laboratory components.
• The extensive laboratory training covers the safe handling of pathogenic microorganisms, separation of their components and products, genetic analysis, and biotechnological techniques.

Fourth Year

• In the final year, alongside advanced core microbiology modules, students will also choose from optional modules reviewing the leading edge of research and knowledge in topics such as:
  • Gene regulation and expression in bacteria and eukaryotic microbes
  • Molecular pathogenesis (disease mechanisms) of infectious disease
  • Regulation, issues, and standards in current microbiological practice
  • Clinical microbiology
  • Virology
  • Emerging pathogens and host-microbiome interactions
• Students will also undertake a nine-week, full-time Capstone project under supervision in a research laboratory, working at the cutting-edge of research on topics like bacterial and fungal synthetic biology, design of new anti-microbial drugs, viral pathogenicity, immunology, and novel methods for disinfection in hospitals.