Our BSc Microbiology course involves the study of microorganisms with particular emphasis on the biology of bacteria, viruses and fungi. In spite of their size, the impact of microorganisms on the planet is so extensive that life as we know it could not exist without them.
Introduction
You’ll study a broad range of modules which cover areas such as molecular microbiology, infectious disease and global health, immunology, therapeutics and genomics with the opportunity to specialise and carry out your own research project.
We also offer support for making career choices right from the beginning and you will have the opportunity to consider potential career pathways within and outside the field of Microbiology and Infection.
You’ll learn and develop those important transferable skills in communication, team working, project management and computing with practical sessions and group work.
What you'll learn
Develop practical and theoretical knowledge of Microbiology with a focus on areas relevant to human health and disease.
Develop practical skills in Microbiology, Infection and Disease
Enhance your understanding of topical issues, ethical principles and professionalism in Microbiology and Infection
Become literate in finding, interpreting, evaluating and managing information
Communicate ideas effectively to a variety of audiences
Work independently and collaboratively
Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Use lab equipment correctly and safely
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023
We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a
Gold rating for educational excellence.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
In this first year, you’ll gain an understanding of core concepts of biology as well as the fundamental principles of immunity, infection, and therapy. You will also study how organisms develop and function and learn about ecology and the global environment. You will develop practical skills, and you will discover how to utilise quantitative skills and study techniques.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Biology core concepts, principles, and fundamentals BIOS101
Development, function, immunity, infection, and therapeutics BIOS102
Introductory Practical Skills for Life Sciences BIOS103
From Individuals to Ecosystem BIOS104
Study and Communication Skills Tutorials BIOS105
Applied Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS106
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
In your second year you’ll expand your range of knowledge, building those essential research skills, experimental design and analysis together with professional skills preparing you for a career within or outside the area of Microbiology and Infection. You will study molecular microbiology and therapeutics, genetics and immunology, cell signalling and explore the relationship between hosts and parasites. In addition, you will have optional modules enabling you to follow your interests in drug discovery and development, physiology or metabolism.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Genetics, Microbiology & Infection BIOS201
Intermediary Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS203
Academic & professional skills tutorials BIOS205
Practical Skills in Microbiology, Infection & Disease BIOS206
The Cellular Basis of Health & Disease BIOS209
Molecular Microbiology & Therapeutics BIOS218
OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE ONE)
Parasites, Pathogens and Hosts BIOS211
Chemistry for Life Sciences BIOS215
OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE ONE)
Metabolism BIOS212
Cellular and Systems Physiology BIOS214
Drug Discovery & Development BIOS216
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
Year three will provide an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn at the cutting edge of microbiology and infection research and be taught by world-leading academics in the subjects of genomics, infectious diseases, and global challenges in infection. In addition, you will have optional modules enabling to follow your interests in cell signalling or immunology and veterinary pathology. You will also have the opportunity to take a physical or virtual placement. Central to this year is the research project where you will plan and execute your own research, analyse and critically evaluate data and communicate your research findings in your chosen specialisation.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Research Project BIOS301
Introduction to the World of Work BIOS302
Research Methods BIOS303
Applied Microbiology and Infection BIOS314
Genomics and Evolution of Microbes BIOS317
Global Challenges in Infection BIOS319
OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE ONE)
How do cells make decisions? BIOS331
Immunology and Veterinary Pathology BIOS335
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, field work, seminars and tutorials as well as hands-on, practical laboratory sessions, working individually and in small groups.
How you're assessed
Assessed work includes essays, presentations, group work, digital communications, qualitative and experimental reports and formal examinations with results from years two and three contributing to your final degree classification.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
As a Life Sciences graduate from the University of Liverpool, you will have an excellent set of career options ahead of you.
Typical types of roles/routes our graduates have gone on include:
Postgraduate study: (MBiolSci, MSc, MRes, MPhil or PhD)
Public sector – research institutes, government departments, the National Health Service, forensic science and the Environment Agency
Commercial sectors – pharmaceutical, food, biotechnology, water and agriculture industries
Journalists and information/liaison officers – by developments in molecular biology and biotechnology
Teaching profession by taking a postgraduate qualification (PGCE)
Routes to postgraduate Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science.
4 in 5 life sciences students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£9,250
Year in industry fee
£1,850
Year abroad fee
£1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£27,200
Year abroad fee
£13,600
Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies..
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes the costs associated with placements or internships, and the optional field course in Uganda.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.
Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.
ABB includig Biology and a second science, preferably Chemistry, at A level.
Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements.
For this course, the offer is BBB with
A
in the EPQ.
You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course.
Also accepted as a second science: Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Psychology, Geology and Applied Science.
For applicants from England, where A levels in Biology, Chemistry or Physics have been taken, we will also require a pass in the Practical Endorsement
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
D*DD in Applied Science with a selection of preferred units in Biology and Chemistry, to include Distinction in Units 1 and 5 (Principles and Applications of Science I and II).
For previous BTEC (QCF) qualification:
D*DD in Applied Science with a selection of preferred units in Biology and Chemistry, with at least 120 Level 3 credits at Distinction.
Please note alternative BTEC subjects are not acceptable for this programme.
33 points, including 6 in Higher Level Biology, and 5 in another Higher Level Subject
Irish Leaving Certificate
H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher
Not accepted without Advanced Highers at grades ABB
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
Accepted at grade B as equivalent to a third non-science A level at grade B.
Access
45 Level 3 credits in graded units in a relevant Diploma, including 30 at Distinction and a further 15 with at least Merit.
15 Distinctions are required in each of Biology and Chemistry.
GCSE Mathematics and English grade C/4 also required.
International qualifications
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course.
Alternative entry requirements
If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
