Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of bacteria, yeasts and viruses at the level of protein and gene (molecular biology), at the level of the cell (cell biology and physiology), and at the level of the microbial community. In the Medical Microbiology degree, the focus is on pathogenic micro-organisms, their interaction with the immune system, and their therapeutic system.

Why Aberdeen?

• Excellent staff, passionate about high quality teaching, using modern, up-to-date teaching facilities
• Opportunities for gaining (paid) experience in industry
• Integrated teaching provision in the allied subject areas of Biochemistry, Genetics and Immunology
• Training provided in both specialist and employment-related skills

Programmes

Study Abroad

Study abroad information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

First Year

Students take courses in Chemistry and Medical Sciences plus additional courses selected from science and other areas.

Second Year

The core second year course is Microbes, Infection and Immunity. Focusing on medical aspects of microbiology, it introduces aspects of structure, physiology, growth and ecology of micro-organisms. It goes on to describe the role that micro-organisms play in causing disease and the ways that the body uses to counter this attack. Students also take foundation courses in Genetics and Biochemistry. The second year curriculum includes two courses devoted to development of Foundation and Research Skills in the Life Sciences.

Third Year

The Microbiology course covers the interactions between the microbial cell and its biological environment, with particular emphasis on the molecular and cell biology of pathogenic bacteria, fungi and protozoa. The focus on molecular medical microbiology is supported by an intensive hands-on practical studying a human microbial pathogen.

There is also a course in Immunology that is highly recommended for those with an interest in a career in Medical Microbiology.

Fourth Year (Honours)

The Honours year explores molecular and population aspects of Microbiology and Medical Microbiology in depth. All students begin their Honours year by attending a two-day reading party. A feature of the Honours course is a ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories within the Institute of Medical Sciences. This project provides the opportunity to carry out original research, using state-of-the-art technology in busy laboratories and alongside postgraduate and postdoctoral staff. The fourth year curriculum is divided into a core course and two options courses in the first semester, with the research project and research tutorials in the second semester. Options courses focus on Medical Microbiology or Molecular Microbiology.

Variations

For the degrees with Industrial Placement (qualifying a student for the award of an MSci degree), the year in industry is taken between third and fourth year, in an appropriate biotechnology or pharmaceutical company industrial laboratory.

Teaching and Assessment

In the early years, teaching involves attendance at lectures, practicals and tutorials. In the later years of the degree, a greater proportion of study is student-directed, allowing a student to follow their own particular interests within the subject area. The later years also involve an increased participation in practical microbiology and a nine-week research project.

Careers

Many of our graduates pursue research in a wide range of research laboratories, both in the UK and overseas. Others move directly into positions in hospital research, diagnostic laboratories and research institutes. Other major employers of Microbiology graduates include biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical, food, fermentation and related industries.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Microbiology.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB*
A Levels - BBB*
IB - 30 points, 5 at HL*
ILC - BBBB*
*Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/Science subjects.

Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers ABB or A Levels ABB, or IB 34 points (6 at HL), including Biology and Chemistry, one of which must be at A-grade.

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide