Microbiology

What will I learn? 

In your first year, you will be introduced to the biochemical building blocks of cells and learn about the structure of molecules and their function, and the biotic and abiotic interactions that have occurred on earth over temporal and spatial timescales as well as the consequences of these dynamic interactions on the present-day flora and fauna. You will also examine the different major metabolic pathways and explore the diversity of microbial life and the importance of micro-organisms such as pathogens. You will explore ecology and future challenges such as responding to global climate and conserving biodiversity and study the amazing diversity of life on Earth. You will also learn about the key principles underlying the theory and practice of genetics and become aware of recent advances in the field. You will learn by undertaking a series of linked experiments that will develop basic practical skills required for research across biology. This will give you an opportunity to develop the key skills that are necessary for a successful academic and professional career, such as time management, critical thinking and reflective learning.  

During your second year, you will develop a knowledge and understanding of the roles played by microbes in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, focusing on their importance in biogeochemical cycling. You will develop the basic skills expected of a graduate working in a microbiology-related field, such as studying a broad range of culture-based microbes and learning independent methods of characterising them, interpreting data from quantitative and bioinformatic analyses, and developing perspectives on microbiology’s interface with society and policy. You will explore the relationship between heatlh and disease at the human, animal, insect vector and environment interfaces, which has become an important focus in both medical and veterinary science with the recognition that health is influenced by the presence of both beneficial and harmful microorganisms. You will examine the processes involved in planning good scientific research, including data handling and statistics, and examine the key principles underpinning experimental science. This will prepare you for your dissertation.  

During your third year, you will explore the use of organisms or biological material to develop or make products for human benefit. Traditional biotechnologies include bread-making and brewing while the products of modern biotechnology include molecular biology products, pharmaceuticals and biofuels. You will learn about the concept of disease resulting from attack from microbial organism as an important aspect of clinical and veterinary medicine as well as agriculture. You will consider the association between symptoms and pathogenic mechanisms through a series of case studies covering examples of viral, bacterial, fungal and oomycete pathogens as they infect human, animal and plant hosts, and explore mechanisms of disease control. Lastly, you will undertake in-depth research on a topic that is broadly relevant to your interests, based on laboratory experiments or fieldwork exercises, comprising a computer modelling exercise based on secondary data sources, or involving analysis of data obtained from published literature. You will work independently under the guidance of a supervisor. 

In your final year you will study at postgraduate level. This will involve the study of essential research skills that will prepare you for your final project - an independent scientific research project conducted in close collaboration with one of our research groups. You will practise and develop writing skills relevant to a professional research scientist and the output for your project will be a research paper. The research project is usually analytical in nature, investigating a topic of your choice, subject to your supervisor’s approval. You will explore the field and laboratory techniques that are used for conducting investigations into realistic problems in microbiology. You will also learn about the integration of topics and gain insights into various approaches to research, including how it is communicated and the way in which the information is used by stakeholders. 

How will I be taught? 

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

How will I be assessed? 

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