Undergraduate School

Medical Microbiology degree courses

BSc Medical Microbiology


What is Medical Microbiology?

Medical microbiology is the study of the ways in which microbes, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, affect our health and this is the major focus of the BSc Medical Microbiology programme. However, a broader knowledge of microbiology and the biosciences in general is essential for a full understanding of medical microbiology. For this reason you will also learn about a range of biosciences, including the disciplines of:

  • immunology
  • biochemistry
  • genetics
  • molecular biology

There is hardly an area of medicine unaffected by microbes and microbes are essential for the environmental cycles that regenerate our planet.

We offer four microbiology degrees, each with a slightly different emphasis. The first year content is the same for all four degrees, but as you progress you are able to specialise in certain areas.

See also: BSc Microbiology, BSc Microbiology with Immunology and BSc Microbiology with Virology.

 

Why study Medical Microbiology?

Because of the huge importance of microorganisms to all aspects of our lives, to human health and to the health of the planet.

 

Microbes – friends or foe?

There is hardly an area of medicine unaffected by microbes, for example:

  • one third of the world's population dies from infectious diseases – e.g. AIDS affects more than 40 million individuals worldwide
  • the foot and mouth epidemic during 2001 was estimated to have cost the UK economy £8 billion
  • the emergence of avian influenza (bird flu), with its high mortality, reminds us that new diseases are always on the horizon
  • bacteria are constantly evolving mechanisms enabling them to resist antimicrobial agents used to treat infections, driving the quest for new antibiotics


Headlines tend to focus on the dangers to human and animal health from pathogenic microorganisms, but these are hugely outweighed by the positive effects of microorganisms. Beneficial microorganisms are so abundant, they have an immense effect on the health of the planet eg:

  • microorganisms constitute over 90% of the living biomass in oceans. They in turn play host to an estimated 1030 viruses, which, if placed end to end would reach from the earth to beyond the nearest 60 galaxies (Suttle, C. A., 2007, Nature Reviews Microbiology 5, 801-812)
  • photosynthetic microorganisms in the oceans help alleviate global warming by fixing as much CO2 as all of the land plants
  • microorganisms degrade industrial waste and clean up oil spills
  • microbes are used as agricultural pest controls
  • advances in food technology mean that a fungus once only known to cause plant infections, is now an important protein source for vegetarians
  • microbes are used in the production of antibiotics and a new generation of medicines, e.g. human insulin

But, of course, not all microorganisms are beneficial. For example:

  • one third of the world's population dies from infectious diseases – e.g. AIDS affects more than 40 million individuals worldwide
  • the foot and mouth epidemic during 2001 was estimated to have cost the UK economy £8 billion
  • the emergence of avian influenza (bird flu), with its high mortality, reminds us that new diseases are always on the horizon
  • bacteria are constantly evolving mechanisms enabling them to resist antimicrobial agents used to treat infections, driving the quest for new antibiotics

Medical microbiology is an exciting, challenging and rewarding subject, which has a key role to play in human welfare. Because of this, medical microbiologists will always be in demand.

Microbiology on the web

There are some excellent web sites:

BSc Medical Microbiology: C521

E coli being burst by penicillinBSc Medical Microbiology offers a fantastic opportunity to excel in a rapidly evolving and up-to-the-minute discipline.

This course offers:   

  • the chance to study in a faculty ranked 4th in the UK for research in biological sciences by the leading scientific journal 'Nature' based on members of staff producing research that was "world leading or internationally excellent"


Entry Requirements

Title

BSc Medical Microbiology

Student Profiles

Find out what our students say

UCAS code

C521

Qualification

BSc (Hons)

Duration

3 years (standard)
4 years (with industrial/professional placement or year abroad)

2013 entry requirements:

A Level or Advanced Higher
Our typical offer is AAB* from three A2/Advanced Higher including Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject. General studies excluded.

More qualifications

If you have qualifications which are not listed here, please contact the admissions officer before applying to determine if your qualifications are suitable for entry.

  • International Baccalaureate: Typically 34-36 points (with 16-17 at Higher Level), including 6 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and another science or science-related subject at Higher Level.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: Typically AAAABB, including an A in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and another science at Higher Level.
  • Scottish Higher: Not accepted on their own. 
  • Cambridge Pre-U: Typically D3/D3/M2 including Pre-U Biology plus one other science or science-related subject.
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF): DDD in Applied Science, including distinctions in 10 units which will be specified if you are made an offer.

 

Science and science-related subjects

Science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics

Science- related subjects: Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, ICT, P.E, Psychology, Science in Society, Statistics and Sports Science.

*Our typical offer is AAB, but we make tailored offers between AAA and ABB. We consider applications on an individual basis and an offer will depend on the information given on your UCAS form. Applications are assessed from a combination of the following; the balance, nature and quality of A2, AS and GSCE subjects (or equivalents); the referee's comments and your personal statement.
2012 entry requirements:

A Level or Advanced Higher
AAB-BBB from 3 A2 (or 2 A2 and 2 AS)/Advanced Higher including Chemistry or Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. General studies excluded.

More qualifications

If you have qualifications which are not listed here, please contact the admissions officer before applying to determine if your qualifications are suitable for entry.

  • International Baccalaureate: 36-32 (with 17-15 at higher level), to include HL Chemistry or Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject at HL.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAABB-AABBBB, to include Chemistry or Biology and another science at higher level.
  • Scottish Higher: Not accepted on their own. 
  • Cambridge Pre-U: D3/D3/M2- M2/M2/M2 including Pre-U Biology plus one other science or science-related subject.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science. 

 

Science and science-related subjects

Science subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics

Science- related subjects: Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, ICT, P.E, Psychology, Science in Society, Statistics and Sports Science.

We consider applications on an individual basis and an offer will depend on the information given on your UCAS form. Applications are assessed from a combination of the following; the balance, nature and quality of A2, AS and GSCE subjects (or equivalents); the referee's comments and your personal statement.
English language requirements If English is not your first language, please check our minimum English language requirements.

See also:

BSc Microbiology, BSc Microbiology with Immunology and BSc Microbiology with Virology.

Admissions policy Download our Admissions Policy for 2012 entry. (PDF format). This includes information on the application process, our admissions intake and the selection process.

Admissions enquiries

Mrs Joan Gillson
Tel: 0113 343 3021
Email: bmb.admissions@leeds.ac.uk

Microbiology brochure cover

Admissions tutor

Dr. Stephanie McBurney

Tel: 0113 343 1457
Email: s.j.burney@leeds.ac.uk

Department

Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate School

Programme Leaders

Dr Julian Hiscox

Course brochure

Download or order by post

Course Structure

We offer four microbiology degrees, each with a slightly different emphasis. The first year content is the same for all four degrees, but as you progress you are able to specialise with more emphasis on microbiology as related to medicine.

In the first and second year, lectures, practicals and tutorials are the most important forms of teaching. You will have lectures and tutorials each week, and regular laboratory sessions. In the final year, you will be able to choose your favourite topics to study under the guidance of leading experts; your research project will take up about one third of your time with the rest devoted to lectures and tutorials. Formal examinations are held twice a year, in January and May/June, to spread the assessment load.

Modules

hair follicleAll degree programmes are modular and offer wide choice.

Modules may be core (you have to take them), optional (you can choose from a list of alternatives) or elective (you have a free choice); the balance depends upon your year and programme of study. We offer a wide range of modules. Examples include:

Medical Microbiology Year 1

Microbes and Man

This module will introduce you to the full range of microscopic life forms and viruses. It gives a sound introduction into the practical aspects of microbiology and it explores the diversity of microbial life, with emphasis on how we interact with microbes. You will learn how microbes interact with each other and how they influence the lives of more complex organisms, for good or ill.

Microbiology and Immunology in Action

This module will acquaint you with microbiological techniques, explain the concepts behind them and give you practice with a problem-solving approach to microbiology. You will learn how to classify, identify, enumerate, detect and dispose of microorganisms safely. This module also reviews fundamental immune mechanisms with emphasis on human immunology and its relationship to health and disease.

Introductory Biochemistry - Macromolecules and Metabolism

This module will give you an understanding of how simple inorganic elements are organised into the large macromolecular structures and polymers (nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides and lipids) which are crucial for life. The importance of chemical structure in determining biological roles is a key theme. You will study the properties and kinetics of enzymes, the biological catalysts which control metabolic processes, and see how energy can be harnessed and utilised through metabolism. Practical classes for this module will provide you with experience of biochemical laboratory techniques and the skills of data analysis and interpretation.

The Biochemistry of Cells and Organisms

This module will give you an understanding of cell structure and function from a biochemical perspective, including the structures and functions of proteins and biological membranes. The importance of chemical structure in determining biological roles is a key theme. Topics which you will study include: metabolism in health and disease; cell movement; gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation. Practical classes for this module will provide you with experience of biochemical laboratory techniques and the skills of data analysis and interpretation.

Medical Microbiology Year 2

Microbes and Man

This module will introduce you to the full range of microscopic life forms and viruses. It gives a sound introduction into the practical aspects of microbiology and it explores the diversity of microbial life, with emphasis on how we interact with microbes. You will learn how microbes interact with each other and how they influence the lives of more complex organisms, for good or ill.

Microbiology and Immunology in Action

This module will acquaint you with microbiological techniques, explain the concepts behind them and give you practice with a problem-solving approach to microbiology. You will learn how to classify, identify, enumerate, detect and dispose of microorganisms safely. This module also reviews fundamental immune mechanisms with emphasis on human immunology and its relationship to health and disease.

Introductory Biochemistry - Macromolecules and Metabolism

This module will give you an understanding of how simple inorganic elements are organised into the large macromolecular structures and polymers (nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides and lipids) which are crucial for life. The importance of chemical structure in determining biological roles is a key theme. You will study the properties and kinetics of enzymes, the biological catalysts which control metabolic processes, and see how energy can be harnessed and utilised through metabolism. Practical classes for this module will provide you with experience of biochemical laboratory techniques and the skills of data analysis and interpretation.

The Biochemistry of Cells and Organisms

This module will give you an understanding of cell structure and function from a biochemical perspective, including the structures and functions of proteins and biological membranes. The importance of chemical structure in determining biological roles is a key theme. Topics which you will study include: metabolism in health and disease; cell movement; gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation. Practical classes for this module will provide you with experience of biochemical laboratory techniques and the skills of data analysis and interpretation.

Medical Microbiology Year 3

Microbes and Man

This module will introduce you to the full range of microscopic life forms and viruses. It gives a sound introduction into the practical aspects of microbiology and it explores the diversity of microbial life, with emphasis on how we interact with microbes. You will learn how microbes interact with each other and how they influence the lives of more complex organisms, for good or ill.

Microbiology and Immunology in Action

This module will acquaint you with microbiological techniques, explain the concepts behind them and give you practice with a problem-solving approach to microbiology. You will learn how to classify, identify, enumerate, detect and dispose of microorganisms safely. This module also reviews fundamental immune mechanisms with emphasis on human immunology and its relationship to health and disease.

Introductory Biochemistry - Macromolecules and Metabolism

This module will give you an understanding of how simple inorganic elements are organised into the large macromolecular structures and polymers (nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides and lipids) which are crucial for life. The importance of chemical structure in determining biological roles is a key theme. You will study the properties and kinetics of enzymes, the biological catalysts which control metabolic processes, and see how energy can be harnessed and utilised through metabolism. Practical classes for this module will provide you with experience of biochemical laboratory techniques and the skills of data analysis and interpretation.

The Biochemistry of Cells and Organisms

This module will give you an understanding of cell structure and function from a biochemical perspective, including the structures and functions of proteins and biological membranes. The importance of chemical structure in determining biological roles is a key theme. Topics which you will study include: metabolism in health and disease; cell movement; gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation. Practical classes for this module will provide you with experience of biochemical laboratory techniques and the skills of data analysis and interpretation.

bioassay plate

Research Projects

Recent examples include:

Aspergillosis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The aim of this project was to review the relatively new interest in the fungal infection aspergillosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to compare aspergillosis in COPD with the infection in other patient groups, look at aspects such as epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment and to make use of research data generated in Leeds on this subject.

What is a superbug?

The aim of this deceptively simple project was to use a news media database (e.g. Lexis-Nexus) to review the history of the use of the term "superbug", with a view to developing a standardised definition. The project tested the hypothesis that it is not possible to define the word "superbug" (a word with no meaning is meaningless).

Visit the Studying with us pages to find out more about studying in the Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate School.

Please be aware that course details do change from time to time. ...

... If in doubt, please contact us to verify course content and availability. Whilst the University endeavours to ensure that the information on this website is accurate at the date of publication it does not accept liability for any inaccuracies. The University reserves the right to change or cancel its courses or services at any time without liability even after students have registered at the University. The University's contract with its students does not confer third party benefits for the purposes of Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Act 1999.

Careers

Career prospects for microbiology graduates are good and are markedly better than those for many other graduates because of the economic importance of microbes and their impact on human health and well-being. Microbiology training opens up opportunities in scientific and non-scientific careers alike. BSc Medical Microbiology fosters the development of transferable "graduate skills" which are highly valued by employers throughout the world.

 

Khush photo

"Recently, I was able to secure a highly prestigious PhD studentship funded by BBSRC in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline. I feel that this could only have been possible due to the high calibre of academic abilities and social skills instilled in me by the University of Leeds ."

Khush Bakht, BSc Microbiology (2007)

 

Scientific careers: Many of our graduates pursue a career in which they make direct use of their degree in microbiology e.g. biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, drinks and brewing industries. Medically related posts in the NHS and medical research establishments.

Non-scientific professions: e.g. industrial management, consultancy, media, journalism, sales, banking, law, accountancy, computing, advertising, the Police, the Armed Forces and marketing.

Further study: A lot of our students go on to further study mostly for an MSc or PhD, but also PGCE and medicine.

Read about more graduates...

Industrial Placements Scheme

Our industrial placement scheme can help give you the edge over other candidates. Find out more...

Biological Sciences Careers Support

Leeds graduates have an excellent reputation amongst employers. The Bioscience Careers ProgrammeUniversity is one of the top ten ‘most-targeted’ universities by the UK’s top graduate employers according to the 2011 High Fliers’ Survey. We work closely with the University Careers Centre to support our students with information and opportunities.

We have launched a new series of weekly careers workshops designed especially for biological sciences students to help develop their career opportunities and find out about possible career avenues. We also organise an annual Bioscience Careers Fair, offering a chance to meet bioscience employers, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.

Alumni Mentoring Network

Registered students have access to our Alumni Mentoring network. Networking is one of the most effective ways to find out more about different career opportunities.In an increasingly competitive employment market it is vital to be well-informed and there really is no substitute for talking to people who have firsthand experience of the work that interests you. Leeds Alumni Mentoring Networkgives students thechance to make contact with Leeds alumni (graduates) to explore career options, gain tips on entry into specific careers and receive supportive advice on developing your career plans.

Careers Resources

News

Pioneering skin researchers at the University of Leeds achieve international quality standard


The Skin Research Centre at the University of Leeds, which has led the way in the treatment of acne, eczema and other skin conditions, is the only University skin microbiology laboratory in the UK to receive the international quality standard ISO 17025.

The centre has an impressive client list, with long-standing relationships with blue-chip companies such as Unilever, Stiefel, Proctor & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Smith & Nephew and 3M Woundcare - and is now seeking to increase its collaborative activity with commercial partners.

"ISO 17025 accreditation is testament to the quality of our laboratory and will provide us with an added advantage when talking to potential clients," said Centre director Dr. Richard Bojar. "We are examining the different ways in which we can develop our services to the pharmaceutical, personal product and hygiene industries. Collaborative applied research is extremely valuable to us, as much of our research informs our commercial services for companies. It also works the other way, with commercial work helping to support and inform our research."

The Skin Research Centre in the University's Faculty of Biological Sciences was one of the first research centres to be set up in the University of Leeds. It brings together academics, clinicians and scientists and has an established international reputation for dermatological research.

Dr Bojar and his team have invested substantial resources over the past five years to ensure the centre's laboratories meet the stringent requirements required by ISO.

"It has been an invaluable experience. It has really focused us on quality issues and ensures that our laboratory and systems are, and will continue to be, up to the standards set by ISO," he says.

More research news

Contact us

BSc Medical Microbiology Admissions Team

Admissions Tutor: Dr S J McBurney
Admissions Officer: Joan Gillson

Tel: +44(0) 113 343 3021
biochem.admissions@leeds.ac.uk

Fax: + 44(0) 113 343 3091

By post:

Undergraduate Admissions Office
Faculty of Biological Sciences
7.10 LC Miall Building
University of Leeds
Leeds
LS2 9JT

How to find us

We are located near the city centre and the local signposting can be a bit tricky, so please allow plenty of time to get here. The Faculty of Biological Sciences is located in the southern part of the University of Leeds campus. Look out for the green and white signposts on campus to help you find your way.

On open days there is a biological sciences information point in Chancellors Court near the Roger Stevens Lecture theatres.