Microbiology (with integrated year in industry)

Program Overview

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This BSc Microbiology program with integrated year in industry offers a comprehensive study of microbiology, blending scientific knowledge with practical experience. Students gain a deep understanding of bacteria, fungi, and viruses while developing sought-after skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and teamwork, preparing them for success in research and various professional fields. The year in industry enhances employability and provides a competitive edge in the job market.

Program Outline

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Microbiology (with integrated year in industry) BSc - C502

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Degree Overview:

This four-year BSc Microbiology degree with an integrated year in industry is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fascinating world of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The program aims to equip students with the scientific and analytical skills highly sought after in various professions. The integrated year in industry offers valuable practical experience, enhancing job prospects and providing a competitive edge in the job market.

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Outline:

The syllabus for this program is identical to the BSc Microbiology (C500) program, with the addition of an assessed year in industry. Students are expected to organize their work experience independently, guided by the Director for Employability. The year in industry is not guaranteed to be paid, and students who cannot secure a placement can transfer to the BSc Microbiology (C500) program. During the year in industry, students pay a discounted tuition fee.

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Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Cell Biology (BR17520) - 20 credits
• Ecology and Conservation (BR19320) - 20 credits
• Genetics, Evolution and Diversity (BR17120) - 20 credits
• Microbial and Plant Diversity (BR19920) - 20 credits
• Skills for Biologists (BR16820) - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Biological chemistry (BR17320) - 20 credits
• Disease Diagnosis and Control (BR15420) - 20 credits

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Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Environmental Microbiology and Monitoring (BR26020) - 20 credits
• One Health Microbiology (BR26520) - 20 credits
• Practical and Professional Skills in Microbiology (BR24720) - 20 credits
• Research Methods (BR27520) - 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics (BR20620) - 20 credits
• Cell and Cancer Biology (BR25920) - 20 credits
• Immunology (BR22220) - 20 credits
• Proteins and Enzymes (BR26620) - 20 credits

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Year 3:

• Core Module:
• Integrated Year in Industry (BRS0060) - 60 credits

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Year 4:

• Core Modules:
• Microbial Pathogenesis (BR33720) - 20 credits
• Biotechnology (BR35520) - 20 credits
• Research Project (BR36440) - 40 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics (BR37120) - 20 credits
• Molecular Pharmacology (BR36120) - 20 credits
• Terrestrial Ecology Fieldcourse (BR36620) - 20 credits
• Veterinary Infectious Diseases (BR34120) - 20 credits

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary across modules and include:

• Essays
• Practical exercises
• Oral presentations
• Worksheets
• Reports
• Statistical exercises
• Portfolios
• Wikis
• Magazine articles
• Field notebooks
• Exams

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Teaching:

• The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, tutorials, and practical sessions.
• Teaching staff are experts in their fields and actively conduct research in all areas of microbiology.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a bio-imaging and microscopy suite, modern laboratories, fermentation facilities, farms, and woodlands for studying environmental microbes and those impacting animal health.

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Careers:

Graduates from this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers, including:

• Research scientists
• Clinical molecular geneticists
• Nature conservationists
• Educators
Students have also progressed to undertake training in Dentistry and Medicine.

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Other:

• The program emphasizes employability, equipping students with skills in research, data analysis, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and time management.
• The Careers Service offers various work experience opportunities, including the GO Wales and Year in Employment Scheme.
• The Department of Life Sciences has a large number of research-only staff with whom students may have contact.