Program Overview

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:
• Course duration: 4 years
• Available for September start 2025
• This course includes an integrated foundation year.

Course Structure

Year 1

• Core:
  • Communication Skills (BR01520, 20 credits)
  • Molecules and Cells (BR01340, 40 credits)
  • Organisms and the Environment (BR01440, 40 credits)
  • Practical Skills for Biologists (BR01220, 20 credits)

Year 2

• Core:
  • Cell Biology (BR17520, 20 credits)
  • Ecology and Conservation (BR19320, 20 credits)
  • Genetics, Evolution and Diversity (BR17120, 20 credits)
  • Microbial and Plant Diversity (BR19920, 20 credits)
  • Skills for Biologists (BR16820, 20 credits)
• Options:
  • Biological chemistry (BR17320, 20 credits)
  • Disease Diagnosis and Control (BR15420, 20 credits)
  • Microbial Diversity and Disease (BR19020, 20 credits)

Year 3

• Core:
  • Environmental Microbiology and Monitoring (BR26020, 20 credits)
  • One Health Microbiology (BR26520, 20 credits)
  • Practical and Professional Skills in Microbiology (BR24720, 20 credits)
  • Research Methods (BR27520, 20 credits)
• Options:
  • Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics (BR20620, 20 credits)
  • Cell and Cancer Biology (BR25920, 20 credits)
  • Immunology (BR22220, 20 credits)
  • Proteins and Enzymes (BR26620, 20 credits)

Year 4

• Core:
  • Microbial Pathogenesis (BR33720, 20 credits)
  • Biotechnology (BR35520, 20 credits)
  • Research Project (BR36440, 40 credits)
• Options:
  • Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics (BR37120, 20 credits)
  • Molecular Pharmacology (BR36120, 20 credits)
  • Terrestrial Ecology Fieldcourse (BR36620, 20 credits)
  • Veterinary Infectious Diseases (BR34120, 20 credits)

Careers

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

The course will be delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials, and practical sessions.

Assessment

You will be assessed through essays, practical exercises, oral presentations, worksheets, reports, statistical exercises, portfolios, Wikis, magazine articles, field notebooks, and exams.

Typical Entry Requirements

• UCAS Tariff:
• A Levels: Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (e.g., A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience, and motivation.
• GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4): English or Welsh, Mathematics, and Science
• BTEC National Diploma: Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (e.g., A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience, and motivation.
• International Baccalaureate: Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (e.g., A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience, and motivation.
• European Baccalaureate: Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (e.g., A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience, and motivation.
• 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.

Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits, and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.