What is Microbiology with Virology?

Microbiology with virology is the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, with particular emphasis on viruses and how they affect human and animal health. A full understanding of virology requires a good knowledge of a variety of the biosciences, including the disciplines of:

• immunology
• biochemistry
• genetics
• molecular biology

There is hardly an area of medicine unaffected by viruses and other microbes and they 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

Why study Microbiology with Virology?

Microbiology with virology is the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, with particular emphasis on viruses and how they affect human and animal health. A full understanding of virology requires a good knowledge of a variety of the biosciences, including the disciplines of:

Microbes – friends or foe?

Viruses and other microorganisms have an enormous influence on human and animal health. 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 adverse effects of viruses and other microorganisms, but their positive benefits 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

• viruses and other 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 virology are exciting, challenging and rewarding subjects. They have key roles to play in the welfare and development of human civilisation and, as a consequence, experts trained in these two disciplines will always be in demand.

Microbiology on the web

There are some excellent web sites:

• The Microbiology Information Portal: www.microbes.info
• www.microbiologyonline.org.uk
• www.microbeworld.org
• www.microbelibrary.org
• 'All the virology on the www': www.virology.net
• USFDA 'bad bugs book': www.cfsan.fda.gov/~mow/intro.html
• Society for General Microbiology: www.sgm.ac.uk
• Society for Applied Microbiology: www.sfam.org.uk
• American Society for Microbiology: www.asm.org

BSc Microbiology with Virology: C540

BSc Microbiology with Virology offers a fantastic opportunity to excel in a rapidly evolving and up-to-the-minute discipline.

This course offers:   

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

• exciting contemporary topics such as the development of new anti-viral vaccines and the use of viruses in gene therapy

• 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 with Virology	Find out what our students say
UCAS code	C540
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 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 Medical Microbiology and BSc Microbiology with Immunology
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.mcburney@leeds.ac.uk
Department	Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate School
Programme Leaders	Dr David G Adams Dr John Heritage
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 increasing emphasis on virology.

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 Virology Year 1

Microbiology with Virology Year 2

Microbiology with Virology Year 3

Research Projects

Recent examples include:

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 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 fosters the development of transferable "graduate skills" which are highly valued by employers throughout the world.

"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.

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 graduates...

• Dr Russell Davenport, 1989, RCUK Academic Fellow, Newcastle University
• Ben Libberton, 2007, studying for a PhD
• Khush Bakht, 2008, PhD (BBSRS/GlaxoSmithKline)

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
• www.prospects.ac.uk
  

News

Diagnostics for viruses a step closer to reality

Faculty scientists have developed a technique which could form the basis of a non-invasive diagnostic for Adenovirus - the virus responsible for a large number of common illnesses.

The biosensor technology developed by researchers at the University of Leeds can not only detect the presence of the virus, it can also identify the individual strain and the number of virus particles present.

Currently, testing for viruses is complicated, time consuming and requires specialist preparation of samples to identify virus DNA. Using this new technique, testing for viruses could be much quicker, simpler and ultimately less costly. For patients, this sort of diagnostic would mean faster treatment.

The study underpinning this research was published in the journal Biosensors & Bioelectronics. Find out more.

Image credit © Rebecca Caygill

Combination therapies similar to those used for HIV patients may be the best way of treating hepatitis C virus (HCV), say Leeds researchers

The p7 protein assists the spread of HCV around the body and is a promising target for new drug treatments for the virus. Its role was discovered in 2003 by Dr Steve Griffin with Professors Mark Harris and Dave Rowlands of the University's Faculty of Biological Sciences. In laboratory tests their latest research shows that inhibiting p7 with drugs can prevent the spread of HCV.

"One of the challenges in finding treatments for viruses is their ability to constantly change their genetic makeup," says Professor Harris. "Our research shows there can't be a one-size-fits-all approach to treating HCV with p7 inhibitors in the future. We believe combination treatments will work much more efficiently, as they take into account the variability of the p7 protein."

Approximately 180 million people worldwide are infected by HCV, which causes inflammation of the liver and can lead to liver failure or liver cancer. Spread by contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids, there is no vaccine against the disease which is largely asymptomatic in its early stages. The disease is currently treated with broad spectrum, non-specific anti-viral drugs.

Dr Griffin and Prof. Harris examined the response of HCV to a panel of compounds including the well known anti-viral drug, rimantadine, which targets a similar protein in the flu virus. They found that the drug's effectiveness was altered depending on the genetic makeup of the p7 protein.

"We 'borrowed' rimantadine to test its effects because p7 behaves similarly to a protein found in the flu virus," says Dr Griffin. "Although rimantadine works well in the laboratory, we now need to develop new drugs specifically targeted against p7 that we can take forward for future therapies."

More research news

Contact us

BSc Microbiology with Virology 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.