BSc Hons Immunology at University of Strathclyde

Study with us

• learn at our Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS), a leading centre for research focused on new medicines, better medicines and better use of medicines
• immunology is the study of the immune system and is a very important branch of the medical and biological sciences
• students on all the biosciences degrees study the same classes in the first two years
• defer your ultimate choice of degree until the end of Year 2
• we're ranked in the UK top 10 for Biological Sciences (Complete University Guide 2020)

Why this course?

The immune system protects us from infection through various lines of defence. If the immune system is not functioning as it should, it can result in disease, such as autoimmunity, allergy and cancer.  It is also now becoming clear that immune responses contribute to the development of many common disorders not traditionally viewed as immunologic, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

From Edward Jenner’s pioneering work in the 18th Century that ultimately lead to vaccination in its modern form (an innovation that has likely saved more lives than any other medical advance), to the many scientific breakthroughs in the 19th and 20th centuries that developed safe organ transplantation, identification of blood groups, and the use of monoclonal antibodies throughout science and healthcare, immunology has changed the face of modern medicine.

Immunological research continues to extend horizons in our understanding of how to treat significant health issues, with ongoing research efforts in immunotherapy, autoimmune diseases, allergies, cancer treatments and vaccines for emerging pathogens, such as Ebola.  Advancing our understanding of basic immunology is essential for clinical and commercial application and has facilitated the discovery of new diagnostics and treatments to manage a wide array of diseases.

The degree is suitable for those who want to specialise in a single biomedical science. It’s particularly relevant if you want to pursue a research career.

Learning & teaching

You’ll gain knowledge and understanding through lectures, including review-type lectures, practical classes, tutorials and computer-aided learning.

To allow you to prepare, class hand-outs are available in advance from Myplace. Hand-outs will also be supported by guided reading and tasks such as essays, oral and tutorial/workshop presentations.

Careers

Many of our graduates are involved in the development of drugs, food processing, protecting the environment, fighting disease or even slowing down the ageing process.

Our graduates find jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotech and agrochemical industries, hospitals and public service laboratories, environmental centres, analytical and forensic science labs, universities, the scientific civil service and teaching at all levels.

Many students also continue to postgraduate studies and research.

The transferable skills you gain from this course will not only prepare you for a career in science but also areas such as finance, management, marketing, sales, business and media.