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.
Microorganisms cause many of the known diseases of humans, animals and plants. Knowledge of microbiology will enable you to improve the quality of our lives in relation to the environment, to fight disease, and to combat pollution. Microbiology plays a key role in genetic engineering and other modern biotechnologies, such as antibiotic production and the exploitation of new sources of food and energy.
Our degree programme aims to give you an appreciation of the full range of Microbiology while also allowing you to pursue areas of specific interest. During the course of your degree you will study modules such as Virology, Biotechnology, Bacterial disease mechanisms, Microbiomes and Advanced Microbiological Techniques. You will also have the opportunity to select from a wide range of optional modules.
The programme is taught by a mixture of lectures, workshops, seminars, tutorials, and laboratory courses, culminating in an extended research project in your third year. This is your chance to study an area of cutting edge microbiology in depth, while getting a real taste of life in an active research environment and the opportunity to work alongside microbiologists working in the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
All XJTLU 2+2 students receive a partnership discount of 10% on the standard fees for international students. We also offer 50 XJTLU Excellence Scholarships providing a 25% discount on tuition fees to the students that score most highly in stage 2 at XJTLU across the different subject areas. Allocation is based on the number of applications received per programme.
The net fees (inclusive of the discounts) can be seen below.
| XJTLU 2+2 fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 tuition fee (full) | £27,200 | |
| 2024 tuition fee for XJTLU 2+2 students (inclusive of 10% discount) | £24,480 | |
| 2024 tuition fee for XJTLU 2+2 students qualifying for Excellence Scholarship (inclusive of 25% discount) | £20,400 | |
This programme covers a broad range of topics, with in-depth knowledge of both natural processes and human affairs. You will study modules such as Virology, Biotechnology and Advanced Microbiological Techniques.
You will be able to identify individual species and grow them in pure culture, using aseptic techniques so that they can be safely handled and examined by microbiological methods.
On the 2+2 programme, you'll study your third and fourth years at the University of Liverpool. These will be year two and year three of the University of Liverpool's programme of study.
This module is an introduction to modern virology.
The module provides an overview of different virus families and aims to explain the fundamental properties of different viruses, their infection in different organisms, their detection and control, and positive applications of viruses.
The lectures will be supplemented with online resources. Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module.
The module will be assessed by continuous assessment.
This module will examine the ways in which biological processes are applied for solving technological processes.
Examples of specific processes will be used including production of antibiotics, biomass, single cell protein, biopolymers, vaccines and other therapeutic agents.
The lectures will be supplemented with on-line reading resources. Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module.
The module will be assessed by two assessments.
This module will continue, extend, and broaden the transferable skills developed in Year 1. It will focus on improving the students’ analytical, communication, quantitative, and employability skills. The communication skills component is assessed through a portfolio whereas the quantitative skills component is assessed through a group poster and SAQ.
This practical module aims to provide practical and theoretical experience in techniques currently used in cell biology. These techniques include assay, culture, histology and microscopy. The module is assessed through coursework and a final exam.
This practical module aims to provide students with an opportunity to learn and apply a range of microbiological laboratory techniques in order to develop their ability to plan and execute research projects in microbiology. The module is continuously assessed.
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental processes whereby genetic information is expressed as proteins in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Lectures will be supplemented with on-line resources. Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module. The module will be assessed two assessments.
This module will describe the molecular mechanisms that allow cells to communicate with each other;
The basic properties common to all signalling pathways will be studied and then a series of individual pathways will be examined in more detail, in the light of these general principles;
The importance of cellular signalling mechanisms will be illustrated by examining diseases (e.g. cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, neurological disorders) that result from defects in these mechanisms;
The lectures will be supplemented with on-line resources. Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module;
The module will be assessed by continuous assessment
This module aims to introduce students with an interest in Genetics and Molecular Biology to the range of biological mechanisms that control structure and stability of the genetic material and their impact on health and disease.
It uses examples from both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, to develop principles that explain DNA replication, repair and recombination. These principles and processes are then discussed in a clinical/medical genetics context.
The lectures will be supplemented with on-line resources. Students will be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module.
The module will be assessed by continuous assessments.
The module will develop knowledge and understanding of the immune system, the molecules, cells and tissues that are involved in its function, its role in combating infection and how its dysfunction can contribute to disease.
Lectures will be supplemented with on-line resources. Problem solving workshops dedicated to case studies will be held to help students prepare for the assessments. Students will be given guided reading, and formative and summative assessment exercises held during the course will enable students to monitor and evaluate their progress and to prepare for the final assessment.
The module will be assessed by two assessments.
Many aspects of modern biology are being revolutionized by high-throughput methods that make copious amounts of data available in digital form. The aim of this module is to provide students with a practical appreciation of the nature and significance of this revolution. While the focus will be on analysis of data from areas such as genome sequencing, gene expression, and protein structure studies, the module will also look at use of such data in the context of understanding higher order phenomena within cells, such as metabolism, gene regulation, and protein-protein interaction. The module is continuously assessed.
This practical module aims to provide practical experience in a range of modern genetic techniques including genetic manipulation, mutagenesis, population genetics, molecular analysis of genomes and bioinformatics. Students will also develop the skills required to apply, evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve biological problems. This module is continuously assessed.
This practical module will enhance knowledge and understanding of the biology and control of parasites of medical importance and their vectors. This is achieved through a series of laboratory experiments and plenary lectures. Topics will include the diagnosis and pathology of parasitic infections; interactions between the environment, humans, mosquitoes, and their parasites; techniques for the control of vectors, including susceptibility to insecticides; data handling and interpretation. The module is continuously assessed.
This module is a 6 weeks molecular biology practical to provide experience in techniques to isolate, clone and analyse genes (analysis of DNA fragments by agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR, transformations, plasmid DNA preparations, gene cloning). The module has a range of different formative and summative assessments to include in-course problem-solving exercises, online quizzes and abstract writing, which ensure the student becomes confident to continue genetic manipulations in specialist Year 2 Semester 2 practical modules and for project work in Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology. The module will encourage confidence, teamwork and communication through active learning in lectures and practicals centred around authentic assessments.
Many aspects of modern biology are being revolutionized by high-throughput methods that make copious amounts of data available in digital form. The aim of this module is to provide students with a practical appreciation of the nature and significance of this revolution. While the focus will be on analysis of data from areas such as genome sequencing, gene expression, and protein structure studies, the module will also look at use of such data in the context of understanding higher order phenomena within cells, such as metabolism, gene regulation, and protein-protein interaction. The module is continuously assessed.
Year three project work will include the use of specialised research equipment alongside microbiologists working in the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
On the 2+2 programme, you'll study your third and fourth years at the University of Liverpool. These will be year two and year three of the University of Liverpool's programme of study.
This module describes the mechanistic diversity and common themes of bacterial infection. The pathogenesis of infection is described from first contact with the host to explain the importance of attachment, colonisation and avoidance of the immune system through to persistence and chronic infection. Pathogenesis is described in terms of common themes and the variation between pathogens due to their complement of virulence determinants by covering multiple, key bacterial pathogens. Lectures are delivered on broad aspects such as subversion of the host, expression of bacterial toxins and expression, motility loci and intracellular survival. Specific disease mechanisms used by major human pathogens are outlined to demonstrate the complexity and multicomponent aspects leading to successful infection. The use of infection models to study infection and techniques to assay the contribution of both individual and multiple genes are described. The importance of temporal regulation of virulence determinant expression is outlined along with gene mobilisation via phages, plasmids and transposons. Resistance to antimicrobials and the future prospects for treatment are featured. The module will be assessed by two coursework assessments.
This module provides a review of the role of viruses as important pathogens of humans and animals. A broad overview of viral virulence mechanisms, immune evasion and vaccine development will be given followed by detailed consideration of significant groups of viruses. The module is assessed by continuous assessment.
This module aims to provide a set of communication and critical reflection skills in the context of Microbiology. These skills will help students enhance the execution and presentation of their research project, prepare them for Level 6 assessments and maximise their employment and personal development opportunities. The module is taught though seminars and tutorials, but has a strong emphasis on independent learning. Learning material is provided through VITAL. The module is assessed by continuous assessment.
Microbiome research is a new and important area of microbial research. This course is relevant to the full range of students in health and life sciences from ecologist to health professionals.
This module provides students with experience in the planning, design, and execution of a research project in the area of their programme discipline. The project will encompass a range of approaches including laboratory work, fieldwork, outreach work and data, and / or literature analysis depending on the nature of the project. Students will write an evaluative report on a relevant scientific area and work in collaboration with an academic supervisor to develop, plan, carry out, and record research work. The supervisor will hold regular discussion meetings with the student, and both will contribute to a reflective record of progress. Students will be expected to communicate their findings orally and in a variety of written formats.
This module describes the exploitation of microorganisms and microbial processes in the context of modern developments in biotechnology.
Economic and ethical aspects of the development of novel products and the potential environmental benefits and risks of using biotechnological processes will be examined.
Specific aspects to be examined will be antibiotic production, plant biomass conversion, microbial informatics and biofuels.
The module is taught through standard lectures and workshops, and it is assessed by continuous assessment.
The module gives students a broad understanding of the public health significance of tropical infectious and non-infectious diseases.
It aims to enhance awareness of the global distribution of disease and the impact of poverty induced inequalities in access to effective and affordable treatments.
Through lectures and tutorials, the module gives students a broad understanding of the public health significance of tropical infectious and non-infectious diseases. Lectures and tutorials are designed and led by international and multidisciplinary cohort of global health professionals.
Students’ progress is assessed through two summative essays (Cycle 1 and Cycle 2) that will contribute to the final mark at 40% and 60%. The essays ask the students to critically evaluate scenarios in global health by applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the module.
This module aims to develop an advanced understanding of genome structure, organisation and evolution across all domains of life.
In addition it will provide advanced awareness of genomic technologies, how they can be applied to a wide range of biological research questions as well as translational applications.
The module will provide molecular, comparative and evolutionary perspectives to allow students to appreciate how knowledge from different systems can be applied to the understanding of the human genome. Also, how genomes from a range of species can develop our understanding of different biological phenomena, such as genome expansion, polyploidy and the evolution of sex chromosomes.
Modern advances in technology will be explained with examples of how they have advanced our understanding of subjects as diverse as cancer and microbial ecology.
The module is assessed through continuous assessment and a final exam.
This module aims to describe the major features of the structure and life histories of a range of protozoan and helminth parasites of humans. It describes the causes of major clinical symptoms and pathology attributable to these parasites and describes major approaches to their prevention and control. The module is delivered in four main themes, diagnostics, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and control. The module will be delivered through lectures and is assessed by an online test and a written coursework essay.
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.
Shi Jiuhan shares their experience on the Microbiology 2+2 course.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
I'm very grateful that I had this opportunity to study in Liverpool because I met two professors who gave me so much useful advice on how to study and how to do research. I feel so lucky to make good relationships with these professors in Liverpool.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
