What is Microbiology?

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. The subject lies at the heart of the biosciences, embracing 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 Medical Microbiology, BSc Microbiology with Immunology and BSc Microbiology with Virology

Why study Microbiology?

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

Microbes – friends or foe?

Headlines tend to focus on dangers to human and animal health from pathogenic microorganisms, but these are hugely outnumbered by beneficial microorganisms, which are so abundant they have an immense positive effect on the health of the planet:

• 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 means 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
  

Microbiology is an exciting, challenging and rewarding subject. It has a key role to play in the welfare and development of human civilisation and, because of this microbiologists will always be in demand.

Microbiology on the web

There are some excellent web sites:

• The Microbiology Information Portal
• Microbiology Online
• Microbe World
• Microbe Library
• 'All the virology on the www'
• USFDA 'bad bugs book'
• Society for General Microbiology
• Society for Applied Microbiology
• American Society for Microbiology

BSc Microbiology: C521

This course offers:   

• high student satisfaction - ranked first for Microbiology (NSS 2009)

• exciting contemporary topics such as how we can use microorganisms for making foods and drinks and rendering toxic waste safe

• wide range of options

• teaching delivered by our respected team of microbiologists

• 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 the numbers of staff producing research that was “world leading or internationally excellent”

• excellent career prospects

• practical sessions in first-class purpose-built teaching labs

• opportunities to work on contemporary issues with expert researchers during your final year project

• the opportunity of a career-enhancing industrial placement year

• the chance to study abroad

• all the facilities and lifestyle opportunities of a major university

• outstanding personal development opportunities including our distinctive Leeds for Life scheme
  
  

Entry Requirements

Title	BSc Microbiology	Find out what our students say
UCAS code	C500
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 Chemistry or Biology 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 subject 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 Medical 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
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

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

All 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:

Microbiology Year 1

Microbiology Year 2

Microbiology Year 3

Research Projects

Final year students choose an individual project from a wide range of topics to suit their interests and career aspirations. The project is an original laboratory, literature or computer-based study, supervised by an academic member of staff. These projects are an important way for students to learn about independent scientific research and develop important skills for future employment.

Recent examples include:

Some of our students have been fortunate enough to get their final year research project data published in a scientific journal.

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

Careers

Career prospects for microbiology graduates are good 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 Microbiology fosters the development of transferable "graduate skills" which are highly valued by employers throughout the world.

"Recently, I was able to secure a highly prestigious PhD studentship funded by BBSRC in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline and 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"

Khush Bakht, BSc Microbiology 2008

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.

Recent graduate jobs include:

• Microbiologist, Health Protection Agency
• Microbiologist, Harlan UK
• Research Fellow and Lecturer, University of Leeds
• Head of Science, Secondary School
• Assistant Editor of Microbiology Today

Read about more BSc Microbiology graduates...

• Lucy Brunton, 2006, Epidemiological Scientist at AHVLA
• Dr Russell Davenport, 1989, RCUK Academic Fellow, Newcastle University
• Ben Libberton, 2007, studying for a PhD at The University of Liverpool
• Khush Bakht, 2008, PhD (BBSRS/GlaxoSmithKline)
• Lucy Goodchild, 2005, Media Relations Manager at Global Reporting Initiative

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 University 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

• http://www.biocareers.org.uk/micro.html
• Prospects
• Society for General Microbiology: Microbiology Careers
  

News

£1.5m Investigator Award for hepatitis C virus research

Professor Mark Harris, from the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, has been appointed as a Wellcome Trust Senior Investigator, with £1.5 million funding to pursue his research goals.

Investigator Awards build on the Trust's strategic goal of "supporting the brightest researchers with the best ideas”. They offer generous and long-term support for researchers to give them the flexibility to direct their research in the way they wish over the award period.

Professor Harris' is the first researcher at the University to receive such an award from the Trust's Award programme. His £1.5 million funding is spread over 5 years and recognises his achievements to date in understanding key events in the lifecycle of the hepatitis C virus. Areas that Prof Harris expects to focus on include defining in molecular detail the processes by which the virus genome is replicated and packaged into virus particles, and determining how these events are co-ordinated, with a view to developing new antivirals. Read more...

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." Read more...

More research news

Contact us

BSc 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.

Check the Campus Map
Download the Leeds CityBus route and timetable (this is not operated by the University of Leeds)
Visit the University of Leeds travel pages
If you are using sat-nav our postcode is LS2 9JT

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