Microbiology is the study of the structures and life processes of micro-organisms (such as bacteria, protists, fungi and viruses) together with their activities and effects, beneficial and detrimental, on plants, animals, humans and the environment. It also studies the control of these effects and the harnessing of microbial processes for applications in biotechnology. A microbiologist is a versatile scientist and studies microbes at both cellular and molecular levels, using a wide range of techniques, and will also be proficient in microbial biochemistry and genetics.
The Microbiology course reflects the diversity of research excellence within the department, which is home to world-renowned experts in all aspects of microbiology including virology, infection biology, biotechnology, bacterial molecular biology and fungal genetics. The Microbiology degree ensures students gain first hand practical experience in the laboratory in all aspects of microbiology.
Core modules cover all aspects of modern microbiology and include; microbial Physiology and Biochemistry, Pathogenicity and Immunology, Bacterial Molecular Biology and Genetics, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology and Genetics and Applied Microbiology. Each module comprises lecture and laboratory components. The extensive laboratory training covers the safe handling of pathogenic microorganisms, separation of their components and products, genetic analysis and biotechnological techniques.
