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Kick start and enhance your career prospects
with our new Microbiology with an integrated year in industry degree. This
course is designed to give you the head start in an increasingly competitive
job market, and upon successful completion of this degree, you will have
developed the skills and awareness that employers are seeking. Microbiologists
study bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and their role in infectious diseases in
humans, other animals and plants. You will also learn how microorganisms
contribute to environmental nutrient cycling, brewing, food, and biotechnology
industries, whilst you develop the scientific and analytical skills demanded in
a broad range of professions.
Student Satisfaction and Employability Results
95% of students agreed that staff are good at explaining things (NSS 2020).
98% of our graduates were in work or further study within 6 months, 3% more than Biological Science graduates nationally, (HESA 2018*)
Overview
Why study Microbiology at Aberystwyth University?
The syllabus of this course with the integrated year in industry is identical to its sister course BSc Microbiology (C500). Your work experience must be relevant to this degree and the year is assessed which will count towards your degree grade.
Students will have to organise their work experience under the guidance of our Director for Employability. There is no guarantee that the work experience will be paid. (If you cannot obtain a placement, then you must transfer to its sister course BSc Microbiology C500).
During your year in work experience, you will pay a discounted tuition fee for which the information can be found here.
Taught by passionate 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.
Our fantastic facilities which include:
Advanced microscopy and bio-imaging laboratory;
Mass spectrometry and analytical unit;
Fermentation facilities from lab scale to pilot plant.
Learn in a world-renowned teaching and research institute.
International Opportunities are available through work and study placements.
Studying through the medium of Welsh is also possible on certain modules. 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.
* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh
Employability
Our graduates are strong candidates in the following roles;
Research scientist
Laboratory manager
Sales and technical support
Education
Students who have completed a biology degree could also progress to further training in;
Research
Medicine
Science journalism
Teaching
Your year in industry:
Make no mistake, you will develop confidence and gaining experience in the industry will stimulate your enthusiasm for the subject.
Completing a year in industry will allow you to:
apply the learning from your course to the work environment;
make industry contacts;
develop practical skills related to your area of study;
apply your practical skills and technical knowledge after returning to study;
enhance your CV and better prepare yourself for a job after graduating.
Students on this scheme should note that the department institute does not have automatic placements for every applicant. You will be responsible for finding securing the work experience, however, you will have the assistance of our institute Work Experience Coordinator and our dedicated careers advisor (James Cuffe, jpc11@aber.ac.uk). If you fail to find work experience you will be able to convert your course to the three-year version of your subject.
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 will discover:
Biology of the cell
Animal Diversity
Molecular Laboratory skills
Biological Molecules and Methods
In your second year you will explore:
Bioinformatics
Infectious diseases
Aquatic and Terrestrial Microbial Ecology
Cancer Biology
Immunology
Biochemistry in practice
Proteins and Enzymes
Advances in Human Sciences
In your third year you will undertake your work experience in an industry that has relevance to Microbiology. If you are unable to obtain work experience, then you can simply transfer to its three year sister course C500.
In your final year you will study:
Microbes Industry and Research
Microbial Pathogenesis
Independent research project
Genetics
Parasitology
Threats to natural ecosystems
How will I be taught?
The course will be delivered through lectures, workshops, tutorials and practicals. You will be assessed through;