Biological Sciences (Microbiology) BSc (Hons)

Overview

This course provides a thorough general training in the physiology, ecology and biotechnological applications of microorganisms. We focus particularly on microbes as producers, as spoilage agents of food, as components of the environment, and as agents of disease, with emphasis on new and emerging diseases.

The course aims to provide knowledge and understanding of the microbiological sciences, and sufficient training in scientific methods and procedures to advance to a career in relevant industries, postgraduate training or other spheres of research.

Teaching and Learning

The requisite competencies in this course are developed through lectures, tutorials, coursework (assignments, individual projects, group projects, essays, reports, presentations, posters and dissertation) self-study and the research project. The laboratory based practical components of the course (structured classes and research project) serve to reinforce the development of subject-specific skills.

The course aims to: • provide students with the knowledge and subject-specific skills relevant to the practice of modern microbiology and related biological sciences • provide students with a sufficiently broad range of fundamental principles in the underpinning disciplines that they can apply current knowledge and recent developments in an innovative way within microbiology and related areas • allow students to maximise their academic and professional potential by developing their transferable skills e.g. in team-working, communication, presentation and IT, alongside subject–specific skills • produce high quality graduates with the understanding, knowledge, skills and personal qualities required to undertake a wide range of careers within the scientific or other employment sectors.

Assessment

The assessment policy for the course incorporates a range of assessment types. Formative tests and other assignments are scheduled to provide feedback on performance and are used to inform further development. Coursework (continuous assessment) during modules and summative assessment at the conclusion of modules both contribute to the overall assessment and are used to measure the achievement in specified learning outcomes.