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Programme summary for BSc (Hons) Medical Microbiology (Combined Honours)

About the programme

Microbiology is the study of all forms of life too small to be seen by the naked eye, such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, protozoa and some fungi. We study all aspects of these micro-organisms, their properties, their many and varied roles, and their interactions with other species, especially humans. The programme emphasises an understanding of the properties of micro-organisms and the mechanisms by which they are able to enter the body and cause disease. This is one of the many bioscience programmes offered by the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience.

2-subject degrees

You can combine this programme with another subject as part of a 2-subject degree. Popular combinations include Medical Microbiology with Public Health, and Pharmacology with Medical Microbiology.

Programme structure

  • Students follow a 4-year sandwich degree programme or a 3-year full-time programme. The programme can also be followed part-time.
  • At Level 1, there is are core modules of Microbiology and Cellular Biology which introduces the basic concepts. Other supporting modules which may be taken include Cellular Processes, Human Physiology, Skills for Biosciences (core for student majoring in this subject) and Human Health and Disease .
  • At Level 2, students continue to build on the options elected at level 1, the core module is Medical Microbiology, which is an introduction to infectious disease and laboratory diagnosis of infections. Choices include further study of biochemistry with modules of Molecular Biology (which is highly recommended to support level3 of the programme) or Metabolism. Modern molecular biology methods and their medical applications are introduced in Molecular Genetics, and Practical and Employability Skills investigates the major methods of laboratory investigation. The study of human physiology is continued in Physiological Function and Dysfunction, which also includes an introduction to the histology of normal and pathological tissues..
  • The third year of study can be spent away from the University in an agreed work placement. (see below).
  • The final year (Level 3) contains core modules of Infectious Disease Processes, which looks in detail at the pathology and pathogenesis of infectious diseases with particular emphasis on AIDS, TB and Malaria, and Infectious Disease Control which looks at existing and novel treatments for infections and also looks at how modern technology can be applied in the development of new and improved vaccines. Level 3 also contains an individual research project involving original self directed work. This may be laboratory based, or it may involve a library investigation.

Career opportunities

The qualification opens many opportunities within and outside microbiology. Destinations of recent graduates include laboratory-based work in medical and industrial research and/or sales in pharmaceutical industries, working for government agencies such as the Medical Control Agency, further study, and teaching. This programme does not qualify you for IBMS registration and would require further modules to be taken if you are considering a career in a hospital diagnostic laboratory.

Support

The School of Health and Bioscience provides immediate contact with University support systems.

  • In your first year, you are allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree). You will see your Tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general.
  • Module leaders and programme leaders also give support on academic matters, and advice about other specialist help available through the University.
  • The School also has a Help Desk to provide administrative assistance and advise how to get the right help.
  • Internet homepages are used by many staff to support their teaching and your learning.
  • Lecture and practical files, quizzes, mark summaries and much more is now available for several modules via UELPlus Online Programme links.

Throughout the programme you will find a number of scheduled support activities devoted to specific aspects e.g. how to write your project report, or more general aspects such as careers.

Support for students on a University level includes:

Admission

For students entering with AS/A2 qualifications, the minimum requirement is 240 points at A2 level with a preferred minimum of 100 A2 points in Biology and Chemistry. We also accept Access to Science, Advanced GNVQ in Science at merit grade, and BTEC National Diploma in Science with a minimum of 6 modules at merit grade or higher. All students should also have a minimum of grade C at GCSE, or equivalent, in English language, mathematics and double science.

Applicants with overseas or alternative qualifications are considered on an individual basis. For mature students, credit may be given for relevant work experience. Direct entry to the second year of the programme is available for students with Higher National Certificate or Diploma in an appropriate area, or for those who have successfully completed study equivalent to level one at another University.

If you want to study Medical Microbiology but have not achieved the right entry qualifications, why not start with our extended degree programme?

Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required.  International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.

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