Microbiology (with integrated year in industry)

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:

1. Advanced microscopy and bio-imaging laboratory;
2. Mass spectrometry and analytical unit;
3. 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.

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.

 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;

• Essays
• Practical exercises
• Oral presentations
• Worksheets
• Reports
• Statistical exercises
• Dossiers
• Posters
• Portfolios
• Wikis
• Reflective diaries
• Literature reviews
• Magazine articles
• Field notebooks
• Exams