Integrated Foundation - Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Microbiology (C501)

Expand one's knowledge of some of the planet's most dominant life forms, and take part in research projects with a global impact on this BSc Microbiology with Foundation course. This is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course.

As part of the UK's oldest microbiology department students can develop laboratory skills in purpose-built microbiology facilities and be taught by world-leading experts, with particular strengths in virology and bacteriology. Furthermore, students will benefit from membership of the Microbiology Society and strong links with industry.

Through the course, learn about the fundamental properties, genetics and physiology of diverse microbes. Options will then allow students to focus on areas of most interest, including medical, environmental or food microbiology. Students will also have the chance to carry out a year-long industrial placement or a paid vacation studentship in order to gain valuable work and research experience.

BSc Microbiology has a strong practical basis, and students will learn a wide variety of techniques such as microbial genetics, biochemistry and propagation. During the final year there is the chance to spend three months working on an original research project of one's choice. Also in the final year students have the opportunity to take part in a unique Arctic microbiology field course in Iceland. There students will be able to examine the unusual microbes that inhabit extreme environments and learn field-based sampling techniques.