BSc Hons Immunology & Microbiology

Program Overview

The BSc Hons Immunology & Microbiology degree at the University of Strathclyde provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the immune system, microbiology, and their applications in various biomedical science fields. This flexible program allows students to specialize in areas such as immunology, microbiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology, preparing them for careers in healthcare, research, industry, and beyond. The program emphasizes hands-on practical experience, project work, and transferable skills, enabling graduates to pursue diverse career paths.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BSc Hons Immunology & Microbiology degree at the University of Strathclyde is a flexible program that allows students to specialize in biomedical science areas such as neuroscience, cardiovascular research, immunopharmacology, industrial immunology, drug research, biochemistry, microbiology, and bacteriology.

Outline:

Year 1

• Cells and their Molecules
• Organisms and Diseases
• Bio-organic Chemistry
• Being a Biomolecular Scientist 1

Year 2

• Introduction to Biochemistry
• Introduction to Immunology
• Introduction to Microbiology
• Introduction to Pharmacology
• Being a Biomolecular Scientist 2

Year 3

• Fundamental Immunology
• Fundamental Microbiology
• Biomedical Immunology
• Biomedical Microbiology
• Being a Biomolecular Scientist 3

Year 4

• Advanced Microbiology
• Advanced Immunology
• Optional modules (choose one):
• Clinical Immunology
• Clinical Microbiology
• Being a Biomolecular Scientist 4

Assessment:

Knowledge and understanding are assessed through written examinations, essays, presentations, and computer-aided learning (CAL) exercises and quizzes. Competence is assessed through practical tests, practical write-ups, project reports, and CAL exercises and quizzes. Communication skills are assessed through essays and oral presentations. Project work is assessed from project reports and oral presentations. There is an individual research project in the final year of the course where students demonstrate research skills, approaches, and problem-solving.

Teaching:

Students gain knowledge and understanding through around 240 hours of lectures, including review-type lectures, practical classes, tutorials, and computer-aided learning. Class handouts are available in advance from Myplace to allow students to prepare. Quantitative skills are taught by the Department of Maths & Statistics, the Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry, and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences. Most laboratory classes, including the chemistry classes in Year 1, include number, numeracy, and statistical skills that are used in the Institute. Communication skills are taught throughout the course. Information retrieval, interpretation, and research skills are gained through project work, which also develops team-working skills.

Careers:

Graduates of the BSc Hons Immunology & Microbiology program have found jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and agrochemical industries, hospitals and public service laboratories, environmental centers, analytical and forensic science labs, universities, the scientific civil service, and teaching at all levels. Many students also continue onto postgraduate studies and research. The transferable skills gained from this course will not only prepare students for a career in science but also in areas such as finance, management, marketing, sales, business, and media.

Other:

• The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
• The department holds a Silver Athena Swan award, recognizing its exceptional commitment and excellence in the advancement of gender equality.

• UK (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland): £9,250
• Scotland: £1,820
• International: £25,250
• Students from Scotland may be eligible for funding from the Scottish Funding Council to cover tuition fees.
• Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.
• International students may have associated visa and immigration costs.