BSc Microbiology

This programme will take you on a journey of microbiology discovery, with a particular focus on the medical aspects of the subject. You will learn the fundamental properties, genetics and physiology of these diverse microbes. These will be underpinned by knowledge of the host cell biology and immune system and a strong practical emphasis.

What will you study?

Year 1

Compulsory modules

The living cell

Biochemistry and metabolism

Genes and chromosomes

Introductory microbiology

Laboratory and study skills for biomedicine

Practical biochemistry

Human physiology

Students without as Chemistry or equivalent must take:

Fundamental concepts in chemistry

Optional modules

Including:

Pathology: introduction to human disease

Digestion and nutrition

Plant diversity, structure and utilisation

Exploiters and exploited

Institution-Wide Language Programme

Students with strength in A level chemistry may take:

Descriptive inorganic chemistry

Organic chemistry for biologists

Physical processes for biologists

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Virology

Function of the bacterial cell

Life and death of a cell

Microbiology: a medical perspective

Molecular biology of the gene:

expression, function and analysis

Immunology

Practical skills: recombinant DNA exercise

Statistics for life sciences

Professional career development

Recommended modules

Protein structure and function

Microbial hazards in food

Optional modules

Including:

Pharmacology and toxicology

Animal, plant and microbial development

Clinical haematology and cellular pathology

Evolutionary biology

Soil ecology and function

Institution-Wide Language Programme

Year 3

Compulsory modules

Research project

Mechanisms for microbial function

Use and abuse of the

microbial world

Bacterial pathogens

Viral pathogens

Optional modules

Including:

Medical genetics

Applied and environmental

microbiology

Epidemiology

Bioavailability, diet and gut health

Cardiovascular disease

Cancer

Cell communication and disease

Neurobiology

Clinical trials

Selected topics in endocrinology and endocrine disease

Genetic data analysis

 

Fact File

More Information:

Visit the School of Biological Sciences website

UCAS Code: C500

Mode & Duration: 3 years full-time

Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff: 320 points from a maximum of three  A levels and one AS level. Total points exclude Key Skills and General Studies.

Subjects: Minimum grade B in Biology and a grade C in another Science (Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science or Geology).

GCSE Grade C in Maths, Science and English

International Baccalaureate: 6,6,5 in three higher level subjects including 6 in Biology and at least 5 in another science

 

Applicants with other equivalent qualifications will also be considered.

Those holding offers are invited to attend School Information Days, December 2011 - March 2012.

Deferred Entry available.

 

Visit Us at the University of Reading.

 

 

Follow us

 

Search Form

A-Z lists

Main navigation