MBiol

Microbiology

Royal Society of Biology Accredited Degree

Key Facts

C509

  • UCAS Tariff

    128 - 120

  • Course Length

    4 Year

Further details on entry requirements

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If you wish to study Microbiology then this exciting four-year course is for you. It allows students to integrate three years of undergraduate study in Microbiology with a further year of postgraduate level study, leading to the qualification of MBiol (Microbiology). The course is ideal if you aspire to a career as a research scientist in Microbiology of wish to take your Microbiology knowledge to a higher level.

  • An integrated four-year course leading to a postgraduate qualification
  • Ideal for students who wish to develop to higher academic levels
  • An individual research project that is a major component of the final year
  • Access to four years of student finance

Student Satisfaction and Employability Results

95% of students agreed that staff are good at explaining things (NSS 2020).

Top 15 in the UK for Teaching Quality and Student Experience for the subject of Biological Sciences (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019)

98% of our graduates were in work or further study within 6 months, 3% more than Biological Science graduates nationally, (HESA 2018*)

Overview

Royal Society of Biology Accredited Degree

Why study MBiol Microbiology at Aberystwyth University?

  • Taught by enthusiastic teaching staff who are experts in their field. You may have seen some of them on TV documentaries or listened to them on your favourite science radio show.

Fantastic facilities which include:

  • Advanced microscopy and bio-imaging laboratory;
  • Fermentation facilities from lab scale to pilot plant;
  • Translational Genomics Laboratory;
  • Extreme Experimental Environments Laboratory;
  • Learn in a world-renowned teaching and research institute;
  • International Opportunities are available through work and study placements.

Want to study in Welsh? 

Students can elect to study a number of IBERS modules in the medium of Welsh. Check out the module tab for more information!

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.  The Institute has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Modules

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Biochemistry and the Cellular Basis of Life BR15320 20
Evolution and the Diversity of Life BR14310 10
Exploring Genetics BR14410 10
Metabolism BR12010 10
Molecular Laboratory Skills BR12210 10
The Biosphere BR13210 10
Ecology * BR13510 10
Microbial Diversity * BR12110 10
Study and Communication Skills * BR12410 10

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Comparative Animal Physiology BR14110 10
Soils and their Management BR14910 10
The Green Planet * BR13610 10

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
One Health Microbiology BR26520 20
Environmental Microbiology and Monitoring * BR26020 20
Practical and Professional Skills in Microbiology * BR24720 20
Research Methods * BR25620 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics BR20620 20
Cell and Cancer Biology BR25920 20
Immunology BR22220 20
Proteins and Enzymes BR26620 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Biotechnology BR35520 20
Microbial Pathogenesis BR33720 20
Research Project * BR36440 40

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics BR37120 20
Molecular Pharmacology BR36120 20
Terrestrial Ecology Fieldcourse * BR36620 20
Veterinary Infectious Diseases BR34120 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Field and Laboratory Techniques BRM4820 20
Frontiers in the Biosciences BRM4920 20
MBiol Research Project BRM2860 60
Research Methods in the Biosciences BRM6420 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Employability

What are our graduates doing? 

Our graduates have been successful in the following fields: 

  • Research Science
  • Clinical Molecular genetics
  • Nature conservation
  • Education

Students from our department have also progressed to undertake training in Dentistry and Medicine. 

What skills will I develop from studying MBiol Microbiology?

Employability is embedded in our teaching. Our students leave Aberystwyth University with skills including; 

  • research and data analysis skills;
  • enhanced mathematical and computational skills;
  • effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills;
  • a thorough grounding in information technology skills;
  • the ability to work independently;
  • time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines;
  • the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form;
  • self-motivation and self-reliance;
  • team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying? 

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer. 

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

Learning & Teaching

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four year degree scheme.

 In the first year you may discover:

  • Cell Biology
  • Microbial Diversity
  • Laboratory skills
  • Ecology

In your second year you may explore:

  • One Health Microbiology
  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Practical and Professional Skills in Microbiology
  • With option to study immunology, bioinformatics, cancer biology or proteins.

In your third year you may study:

  • Microbial Biotechnology
  • Microbial Pathogenesis
  • Independent research project

In your fourth year you may: 

  • Undertake your MBiol Research project
  • Take part in field and laboratory techniques
  • Explore the frontiers in the Biosciences
  • Study Microbial Biotechnology.

With option to study pharmacology, genomics, veterinary infectious diseases or field ecology.

How will I be taught? 

The course will be delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials and practicals. You will be assessed through:

  • Essays
  • Practical exercises
  • Oral presentations
  • Worksheets
  • Reports
  • Statistical exercises
  • Portfolios
  • Wikis
  • Magazine articles
  • Field notebooks
  • Exams.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 128 - 120

A Levels ABB-BBB with B in Biology or Human Biology

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh, Mathematics and a Science subject

BTEC National Diploma:
BTEC not accepted for this scheme

International Baccalaureate:
32-30 points overall with 6 points in Biology at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75% overall with 7 in a relevant science

The University welcomes applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma. 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 are studying a qualification not listed on this page, please get in touch with the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further advice. Details about the country-specific qualifications the University accepts can be found on our country-specific pages. For further information, contact ug-admissions@aber.ac.uk

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