Undergraduate School

Microbiology with Immunology degree courses

BSc Microbiology with Immunology


What is Microbiology with Immunology?

Ouchterlony plate - showing antibody-antigen precipitationBSc Microbiology with Immunology combines microbiology, which is the study of microorganisms (including bacteria, fungi and viruses), with immunology, which is concerned with the way in which the body reacts to, and fights, infections caused by microorganisms. The subject lies at the heart of the biosciences, embracing the additional 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 and BSc Microbiology with Virology.

Why study Microbiology with Immunology?

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 dangers to human and animal health from pathogenic microorganisms, but the positive effects of microorganisms hugely outweigh the negatives. Beneficial microorganisms are so abundant they have an immense 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 and immunology are exciting, challenging and rewarding subjects. They have a key role to play in human welfare and experts trained in these two disciplines will always be in demand.

Microbiology on the web

There are some excellent web sites:

BSc Microbiology with Immunology: C5C9

 

Pastorex agglutination testsBSc Microbiology with Immunology 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" based on the numbers of staff producing research that was “world leading or internationally excellent”

Entry Requirements

Title

BSc Microbiology with Immunology

Student Profiles

Find out what our students say

UCAS code

C5C9

Qualification

BSc (Hons)

Duration

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

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.

See also:

BSc Microbiology, BSc Medical Microbiology 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

 2012 Microbiology, immunology,virology course brochure

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

Confocal microscopy image of intestinal dendritic cells responding to infection by the parasitic wormWe 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 immunology.

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 with Immunology 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.

Microbiology with Immunology Year 2

Viruses and Virus-Host Interactions

In this module you will learn about the fundamentals of virus structure and growth. You will discover how these affect the various strategies that viruses exploit in order to replicate themselves in a host organism, and will learn how we propagate viruses in the laboratory. You will learn about the principal mechanisms by which viruses cause infections, spread between individuals and through populations, and how virus infections may be controlled. This includes a consideration of antiviral drugs and their targets, immunological controls through vaccination strategies.

Medical Immunology and Microbial Pathogenicity

In this module you will learn about advanced aspects of immunology in relation to disease and host-pathogen interactions, with particular reference to the outcome of microbial infections. You will acquire an up-to-date knowledge of: 1) pathological immune mechanisms and immunodeficiency diseases, including diagnosis and treatment; 2) mechanisms of microbial virulence. Finally, you will become aware of the excitement of scientific discovery and the continuing transformation in our understanding of host/pathogen interactions at the molecular and cellular level.

Eukaryotic Genes: Cloning and Expression

In this module you will learn about a wide variety of molecular techniques used for the cloning and expression of eukaryotic genes and the manipulation of DNA, and the academic, medical, agricultural and industrial applications of this technology. In practicals you will have the chance to practice some of these techniques by, for example, preparing and analysing DNA from recombinant bacteria.

Essential Techniques in Biochemistry

During this module you will learn about: working with cells, including light microscopy, electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, cell culture and subcellular fractionation; techniques for protein purification and nucleic acid isolation; measurement of ligand binding and assay validation; sequencing techniques for proteins and nucleic acids, along with an introduction to the determination of 3-D structure.

Microbiology with Immunology Year 3

Advanced Immunology

In this module you will learn about molecular immunology and cellular interactions in the immune system. By the end of the module you will be able to apply this knowledge to current understanding of microbial immunity, immunodeficiency, transplantation immunity and the current and future strategies for immune intervention.

Immunology and Microbiology Today

During this module you will become aware of up-to-date developments, hypotheses and controversies in modern microbiology and immunology. You will develop skills in the analysis and interpretation of experimental data and the construction of arguments. You will develop the ability to express yourself clearly during oral and written presentations (to both scientific and lay audiences).

Medical Microbiology

In this module you will learn about the role of microorganisms as causative agents of infectious disease, the ways in which they may be controlled and the laboratory diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases of the major organ systems. You will find out about the modes of action of the major antimicrobial agents and their uses and the special nature of microbial infections in particularly vulnerable groups, including neonates and the immunocompromised.

Research Projects

Recent examples include:

How do natural killer cells kill?

Natural killer cells eliminate virally infected and cancerous cells and are a key component of the innate immune response. This project explored the role of natural killer cells in the immune response, in particular how they recognise virally infected and cancerous cells, their mechanism of cytotoxicity and also, how virally infected cancerous cells can evade NK cells.

How does amyloid cause disease?

Amyloid is a form of misfolded protein aggregate, whose formation is associated with a number of different human diseases including Alzheimer's disease and CJD. This project was to examine how the interaction of amyloid with cells results in the pathology associated with amyloid diseases and in particular what role, if any, inflammatory responses play.

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 Microbiology with Immunology fosters the development of transferable "graduate skills" which are highly valued by employers throughout the world. Ben Libberton

"I am now doing a microbiology PhD and feel very well equipped to deal with the diversity of problems and questions that I face on a daily basis. Furthermore, the Leeds course has taught me how to learn and think about new situations, a skill which is invaluable both in the research field, and in all other professions."

Ben Libberton, BSc Microbiology (2007) now studying for a PhD in Microbiology at The University of Liverpool.

 

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.

microtitre plateRecent 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 with Immunology graduates...

Industrial Placements Scheme

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

Biological Sciences Careers Support

Bioscience Careers ProgrammeLeeds 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

News

Step forward in foot-and-mouth disease understanding

Scientists have discovered a mechanism they believe may play a key role in the spread of foot-and-mouth disease in animals.

Foot-and-mouth is one of the most readily transmissable diseases known to manFaculty researchers have been studying an enzyme - called 3D - which plays a vital role in the replication of the virus behind the disease. They have found that this enzyme forms fibrous structures (or fibrils) during the replication process. What's more, they have found a molecule which can prevent these fibrils forming.

The project was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and its findings have been published by the Journal of Virology. Read more...

 

£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...

Assassins: the body's fight with cervical cancer

Latest eNewsletter

More research news

Contact us

BSc Microbiology with Immunology 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.