Program Overview

Microbiology with Professional Studies

Overview

Microbiology is the study of bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses, and is of immense importance in relation to the environment, agriculture and food, biomedical sciences and biotechnology. Graduates in Microbiology are therefore highly sought after in these fields. Microbiology is very central to many aspects of the biological sciences, from pure research to diverse industrial, medical and environmental applications.

Course Structure

• Introduction: Microbiology provides fundamental training in data analysis, problem solving, teamwork and communication. Microbiologists can use these skills in a wide range of careers in research, medicine, industry, education, business and communications, or as a route to further study.
• Research Project: Students carry out a full-time research project under the supervision of academic staff. There are no taught modules or examinations in this year, thereby allowing students to concentrate fully on their research project.
• Year Out (Professional Studies): All students will spend a minimum of 46 weeks in a work placement during which they will carry out some project type work. Students will begin preparations for the placement in the first semester of Stage 2 and the placement will be assessed within the module Professional Studies.

Professional Accreditations

• The degrees follow the National Subject Profile for Higher Education Programmes in Microbiology as published by the Centre for Bioscience (Higher Education Academy).
• The degrees also broadly align with the core curriculum in Microbiology as described by the American Society for Microbiology.
• Our degrees are highly regarded – scoring consistently highly in the National Student Survey.
• This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. This highlights the academic quality of the course and recognises the course in enabling graduates to meet the needs of the employer through development of technical and transferable skills.

Global Opportunities

• Microbiologists are needed in many different fields – from medicine to biotechnology to environmental science.
• The subject is actually very broadly applicable and can lead to very diverse career paths.

Industry Links

• Past students have gained work placement with organisations such as Northern Ireland Water Ltd, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the Forensic Science Service, the NHS, Norbrook Laboratories, Randox Laboratories, the Almac Group, and Moy Park.

World Class Facilities

• Microbiology is linked closely to the Institute for Global Food Security and is primarily taught by associated staff.
• The Institute is one of three major research centres in the University.

Student Experience

• Work placements on these programmes provide students with the opportunity to utilise the practical skills gained during the teaching of their degree and apply these in a work environment.

Further Study Opportunities

• Further study is also an option open to microbiology graduates.
• Students can choose from a wide range of Master's programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics as shown on the School website.

Student Testimonials

• "As a mature student, I was a little worried at the idea of going to university, but my fellow students are a lot of fun and my lecturers are very supportive, and I have gained a greater appreciation of how something as little as a virus, bacterium or fungus can affect our lives." Denver Mooney BSc Microbiology Graduate

Course Content

Year 1

• Fundamentals of Microbiology (20 credits)
  • A practical and theoretical introduction to the biology of microorganisms that are unicellular, multicellular or acellular (without cells).
  • Topics covered include: microbial taxonomy; microscopy; morphology and function of prokaryotic cells; bacterial growth and nutrition; and bacterial genetics.
• Molecular Basis of Life (20 credits)
  • A comprehensive introduction to the molecular basis of life from the molecular level through to cells, tissues, and whole organisms.
  • Topics covered include: biochemistry, molecular biology, and energy metabolism in the context of life on earth.
• Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox (20 credits)
  • A comprehensive introduction to the concepts of Genetics from fundamental to applied.
  • Topics covered include: classical genetics, population genetics, and modern genetics tools and molecular techniques.
• World of Microorganisms (20 credits)
  • An exploration of microbial interactions examining their role in food, health and the environment.
  • Topics covered include: microbial pathogenicity in humans and animals and their impact on the immune system, and microbial biotechnology.

Year 2

• Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics II (20 credits)
  • A module that covers genome mutations and repair, transcriptome sequencing, transcription in prokaryotes, transcription in eukaryotes and transcriptional control/epigenetics.
• Diagnostic Microbiology (20 credits)
  • A module that gives students a foundation in the diagnostic techniques used to diagnose diseases caused by microbial pathogens across human, animal, and plant hosts.
• Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics 1 (20 credits)
  • A module that covers the structure and organisation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, recombinant DNA technology, protein synthesis, epigenetics, cancer genetics, genome sequencing, biological databases and application of these to the study of cancer genetics.
• Microbial Metabolism and Biocatalysis (20 credits)
  • A module that covers aspects of microbial metabolism, especially pertaining to environmental nutrient cycles, and the application of enzymes and proteins to biotechnology applications, including biocatalysis.

Year 3

• Professional Studies (120 credits)
  • A module that provides students with the opportunity to apply their subject knowledge of theoretical and practical concepts to provide solutions in the work-related environment.
  • Students will spend a minimum of 46 weeks in a work placement during which they will carry out some project type work.

Year 4

• Medical Microbiology (20 credits)
  • A module that examines key areas of infection and immunity that relate to the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a range of currently topical infectious agents.
• Microbiome: Biotechnological applications and ‘Omic manipulations (20 credits)
  • A module that provides an advanced understanding on the recent developments in ‘omic’ tools to study microbiomes and their role in ecosystem function, host health and biotechnological applications.
• Zoonoses (20 credits)
  • A module that imparts knowledge acquired from the latest research on zoonoses, from both human and animal medicine providing a comprehensive understanding of the direct and indirect impact of zoonotic diseases.
• Parasitology (20 credits)
  • A module that promotes an awareness and understanding of the biology (behaviour, biochemistry, genetics, immunology and physiology) of parasites and host-parasite interactions.

Year 5

• Research Project (120 credits)
  • A module that enables students to complete an extended piece of research in a research-intense environment.
  • Students will have the opportunity to apply the laboratory and/or field-based experience gained during stages 1-3, and to develop new skills in cutting edge techniques and scientific platforms.

Entry Requirements

• A level requirements: AAB including Biology and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade B/6 or GCSE Double Award Science grades BB/6,6 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.
• Irish leaving certificate requirements: H2H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H2 and H3 in any order in Biology and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O3 in Chemistry and O4 in Mathematics.
• Access Course: Not considered. Applicants should apply for the BSc degree.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 34 points overall including 6,6,5 at Higher Level including Biology and Chemistry (preferred) or Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade B/6 or GCSE Double Award Science grades BB/6,6 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

Careers

• Employment Links: The School of Biological Sciences has a dedicated Work Placement and Careers advisor who has developed contacts with an extensive portfolio of employers, both nationally and internationally, within the science sector.
• Prizes and Awards: A level 2 prize is awarded for the best overall student in conjunction with the UK Microbiology Society.
• Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills: In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition Fees: Northern Ireland (NI) £4,855, Republic of Ireland (ROI) £4,855, England, Scotland or Wales (GB) £9,535, EU Other £25,300, International £25,300.
• Additional course costs: Year 1 students are required to buy a laboratory coat at a cost of £13.50 and an E-Book at a cost of £30.
• Scholarships: Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students.
• International Scholarships: Information on scholarships for international students is available at [insert link].

How to Apply

• Application for admission: Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
• When to Apply: UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.
• Advisory closing date: The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00).