Biological Sciences (Microbiology) MBiolSci at University of Leicester

Microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa) play a crucial role in many of the Earth's physical and biological processes. They help to purify our waste water and clean up pollution, and humans have used them for thousands of years in the production of foods and drinks – but other types can cause new devastating diseases. Microorganisms are the oldest inhabitants of the Earth, yet we have only discovered a small fraction of all the microbes that exist. Now microbiology is at the forefront of a technical revolution: incredibly sensitive molecular tools, coupled with sophisticated computer informatics, provide powerful new approaches to unlocking the secrets of life.

On this course you will work alongside leading microbiologists who are investigating some of the most important questions in microbiology research in order to gain insight into the microbial world and develop broad appreciation of the biology and uses of organisms of microscopic size and of the mammalian immune response to infection. Microbiologists study these processes in all types of organisms and discover how errors in them can cause disease, and they help discover the impact of microbes across the biological sciences. You will also gain a broad understanding of fundamental biological processes, while developing analytical skills and gaining experience in handling complex information. By studying microbiology alongside options in other biological sciences, you will be able to apply your knowledge across the boundaries of traditional disciplines and gain a valuable and powerful asset in scientific environments and in many other walks of life.

This flexible and broad-based four-year degree allows you to shape your course to focus your study on microorganisms and their essential roles in good health and undesirable roles in disease. The first three years are the same as the BSc in Biological Sciences (Microbiology), including the option of a year spent abroad or working in industry. In your final year you will specialise further, upgrading your degree to an MBiolSci (Master of Biological Sciences) and experiencing a seamless transition to specialised higher level study with a focus on microbial research and transferable employability skills.