C500 BSc Microbiology
C509 MBiol, BSc Microbiology (Integrated Masters)

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

• the opportunity to undertake an integrated masters (MBiol) programme

• 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
  
  

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:

• Microbiology Online
• Microbe World
• Society for General Microbiology
• Society for Applied Microbiology
• American Society for Microbiology

Entry Requirements

2014 entry requirements

2013 entry requirements	BSc Microbiology - UCAS code C500 A Level or Advanced Higher: AAA-ABB from 3 A2/Advanced Higher including Chemistry or Biology and another science or science-related subject. General Studies excluded. 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. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF): Typically DDD in Applied Science, including Distinctions in 10 units which will be specified if you are made an offer. International Baccalaureate: 38-34 (with 18-16 at HL) including 6 in HL Chemistry or Biology and another science or science-related subject at HL. Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAB-AAABBB including an A in HL Chemistry or Biology and another science at HL. Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own. Cambridge Pre-U: D3/D3/D3-D3/M2/M2 including Pre-U Biology or Chemistry plus one other science or science-related subject. 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. MBiol, BSc Microbiology (Integrated Masters) - UCAS code C509 A Level or Advanced Higher: AAA from 3 A2/Advanced Higher including Chemistry or Biology and another science or science-related subject. General studies excluded. International Baccalaureate: 38 (with 18 at HL) including 6 in HL Chemistry or Biology and another science or science-related subject at HL. Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAB including an A in HL Chemistry or Biology and another science at HL. Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own. Cambridge Pre-U: D3/D3/D3 including Pre-U Biology or Chemistry plus one other science or science-related subject. Applications are assessed from a combination of the following; the balance, nature and quality of A2, AS and GCSE subjects (or equivalents); the referee's comments and your personal statement. 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.
Duration of the course	3 Years Full Time (C500) 4 Years Full Time (C509) An Industrial Placement or Study Year Abroad will add a year to the duration of the course
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 2013 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: fbsadmissions@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 Eric Hewitt
Course brochure	Download a course brochure

Course Structure

The structure of your course will vary dependent upon which of the following pathways you choose:

BSc 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

Module Details

This link takes you to detailed information (on another part of the University of Leeds website) about this degree for the 2012/13 academic year. Please bear in mind that programme details may change and that entry requirements refer to previous years.

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.

MBiol Course Structure

To find out more about how the MBiol differs from the BSc programme, download our PDF guide to MBiol degrees.

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

Teaching and Assessment

Our approach to teaching and learning is based around developing your knowledge and skills, and training you to be independent and to think critically. This means that you will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials with additional time allocated to private study, project work and laboratory practicals, the balance of which will vary through your course and as you become more confident and experienced. At Leeds you will learn in many different ways:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical work
• E-learning
  
• Research-based teaching
  
• Research projects
  
• Research placement opportunities
  
• Industrial/professional placement opportunities
  
• Study year abroad opportunities

Typical timetable (3 year BSc)

A typical week

• in year one includes nine to twelve hours of lectures, a three hour practical session in the lab, additional tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus use of computer-based learning exercises and private study.
• in year two consists of (typically) eight lectures per week, a tutorial, laboratory classes lasting between three and six hours, plus use of computer-based learning exercises and private study time.
• in year three consists of project work, which takes about two and a half days (mainly in Semester 1). You will also attend lectures, seminars, small-group teaching exercises (mostly in Semester 2) and occasional workshops, together with private study time.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods including:

• multiple-choice testing
  
• practical work
  
• data handling and problem-solving exercises
  
• group work
  
• discussion groups (physical and online)
  
• computer-based simulation
  
• essays
  
• posters
  
• oral presentations

Current assessment details for each individual module can be accessed via the programme catalogue.

Students' Experiences

Catriona Smith

"I chose the University of Leeds mainly on the strength of the Biological Sciences department, but when I actually came to visit, it felt like home!"

Grace Goh

"My final year project has been one of the highlights of the degree as it has been extremely satisfying to have a research project of my own to take responsibility for."

See more student profiles.