Microbiology and Infection
UCAS code C500
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
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
Course content
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.
Modules
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.
Modules
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| PARASITES, PATHOGENS AND HOSTS (BIOS211) | 15 |
| CHEMISTRY FOR BIOSCIENCES (BIOS215) | 15 |
| METABOLISM (BIOS212) | 15 |
| CELLULAR AND SYSTEMS PHYSIOLOGY (BIOS214) | 15 |
| DRUG DISCOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT (BIOS216) | 15 |
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.
Modules
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| INFORMATION PROCESSING BY CELL SIGNALLING NETWORKS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE (BIOS331) | 15 |
| IMMUNOLOGY AND VETERINARY PATHOLOGY (BIOS335) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBB (including Biology: B and ) |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDD Applied Science pathway only. Distinctions in each of Principles and Applications of Science I & II required. |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus BB in Biology and a Science at A level. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
Grade B, plus BB in Biology and a science at A level. |
| Access |
30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 level 3 credits at Merit in a relevant Access Diploma. 15 credits in Biology and Chemistry at Distinction required. |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Study as a master's degree
This course is also available as a four year MBiol programme.
Study as part of XJTLU 2+2
Microbiology and Infection BSc (Hons) can be studied through the 2+2 programme by students on the following XJTLU courses. Select your course for further details:
The natural next step for ambitious XJTLU students who want to build a brilliant career.
- Spend two years at the University of Liverpool campus
- Improve your prospects of progressing to postgraduate study at a top 100 university
- Receive two degrees: one from XJTLU, one from the University of Liverpool
- Get support with visas, accommodation and your career.
Your experience
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.
Explore where you'll study
Inside Biosciences. A conversation with Tanya Horne and Professor Jay Hinton
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place for postgraduate study
- Programmes taught by internationally-renowned scientists and clinicians
- Research-connected education covering the full life science spectrum from biochemistry to zoology
- Access to world-class facilities
- Provide specialist training with taught and research components
- Options for intercalating students
- Vibrant postgraduate community.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
As a Biosciences 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.