Microbiology
Factfile
| Typical Entry Requirements | A level grades ABB-BBB (320-300 points) |
|---|---|
| Required Subjects | At least one science A level, preferably Biology. |
| English Language Requirements | An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent for non-native-English-speaking applicants. |
| Other Suitable Qualifications | BTEC National Diploma - DDD-DDM (in an appropriate science subject) A wide range of other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis such as HND, Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish qualifications, Access Diplomas and Foundation courses. |
|---|---|
| Selection Process | Offers are made in terms of grades. We do not include General Studies in our offers. We may invite candidates for interview. We invite suitable candidates to visit the University to find out more about the programme and meet staff and students. |
Microbiology is the study of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Microbiology degrees offer the opportunity to study microbes at a cellular level and learn about their interactions with higher organisms, including the way in which microbes cause disease, the spread of infections through a population, and strategies for preventing and treating diseases caused by microbes.
Biotechnology is the study of the systems that govern gene expression and metabolic pathways, and how manipulation of these systems can be applied to the use of microbes as 'cell factories' to make gene therapies, replace missing components in defective cells, and synthesise therapeutic drugs from by-products of microbial metabolism.
The Microbiology and Biotechnology degree programmes will enter you into an exciting field of science that is progressing rapidly. As such, these degree programmes benefit from a strong emphasis on laboratory-based practical work, and modules that focus on the cutting-edge aspects of this area of science.
Would you like to discover what our practical laboratory sessions are really like? Click here to preview a video of a first year Microbiology practical lesson which features interviews with students from Microbiology, Biotechnology and Veterinary Biosciences.
Further information
Degree Programmes
BSc (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BSc (Hons) Microbiology | C500 | 3/4* years |
| BSc (Hons) Microbiology (Medical) | C502 | 3/4* years |
| BSc (Hons) Biotechnology | C560 | 3/4* years |
| BSc (Hons) Food Science and Microbiology | CD56 | 3/4* years |
Our Degrees
In addition to Microbiology and Biotechnology, we offer degrees in Medical Microbiology, and Food Science and Microbiology. Many modules from the Biochemistry, Nutrition, Food Science and Biomedical Science programmes are available to you in order that you can broaden your understanding of related fields. All degree programmes include the option to undertake a professional training year.
You can transfer between different Microbiology and Biotechnology programmes during your first year if you decide upon a different specialisation. It is usually possible to transfer at any stage up to the start of your third year. Transfer to other degree programmes is also possible during the earlier stages of your degree.
Our Microbiology and Biotechnology programmes encompass a broad range of biological science, covering everything from molecular biology to biochemistry of microorganisms, and pathogenesis of disease to the creation of pharmaceutical agents via microbial exploitation.
After graduating in Microbiology or Biotechnology you are likely to find employment in either the medical, pharmaceutical, environmental or food industries, or alternatively go on to do a PhD before embarking on a career in research. The Times Higher Education league table has frequently rated Surrey as the very best in terms of employment prospects for Bioscience graduates, and we have always been rated among the top ten universities for this criterion.
BSc (Hons) Microbiology (C500)
This programme will give you a good grounding in all aspects of microbiology without having to specialise in one specific area. In addition to learning about the importance of microbes as agents of disease, you will also study microbial physiology and genetics and their applications in the production of antibiotics, chemicals, pharmaceutical products and vaccines. Genome sequencing is revolutionising our understanding of microorganisms, and molecular techniques have allowed a profound understanding of gene function and gene regulation in microbes.
For their research project, students have recently chosen to investigate diseases caused by feline viruses, microbial production of antibiotics, bacteria involved in food poisoning, molecular biology of avian viruses, microbial genetics and metabolism, and evolutionary genetics.
Microbiologists who choose this degree pathway are highly sought after by employers as they have a broad range of skills. This enables them to be highly adaptable employees capable of working in a wide variety of settings.
BSc (Hons) Microbiology (Medical) (C502)
Despite the development of antibiotics and vaccines, infectious diseases remain the world’s biggest killers. The programme explores how microbes infect us and overcome the protective armoury of our immune system. You will learn how antibiotics and antivirals work and how vaccines activate our immune system. You will discover how new technologies are being harnessed to monitor disease transmission, learn how to diagnose disease or design new drugs and vaccines.
Students have conducted research projects investigating the immune response to meningitis and tuberculosis, microbial production of antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance.
Many of our graduates work for agencies responsible for infectious disease surveillance, prevention and control. Our graduates have also pursued research careers in academia, public health agencies and pharmaceutical companies.
BSc (Hons) Biotechnology (C560)
The introduction of gene analysis and other developments from the ‘post-genomic era’ are continuing to provide technologies that enable manipulation of microbial genes to enhance the production of valuable metabolites that can be used, for example, as medicines or as fuels.
Microbial ‘cell factories’ are used to produce drugs for treating such diverse conditions as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, haemophilia and cancer, as well as curing infections. A fungal mating factor is even used for preventing tissue rejection after transplant operations. Of course, microorganisms have evolved to survive effectively in the environment rather than to make products for the benefit of humans. Therefore, much ingenuity has been expended in persuading microbes to ‘overproduce’ such products. Traditional products such as fermented foods and beverages have also benefited from modern, high-tech applications developed by biotechnologists.
For their research project, students have recently chosen to investigate alcohol production, microbial production of antibiotics and useful pharmaceuticals produced by eukaryotes.
BSc (Hons) Food Science and Microbiology (CD56)
There is an important association between microbes and food. Not only can they spoil food and cause disease, but they are also a means of food processing, preservation and enrichment. Coupled with opportunities arising from developments in genetic engineering, these features combine to provide exciting careers for microbiologists. Our graduates are much in demand by the food and beverage industries. The combination of modules in Microbiology with modules in Food Composition, Food Analysis, Quality Control and Food Processing provided by this degree programme equip you admirably for such a career.
For their research project, students have recently chosen to investigate the molecular biology of Campylobacter and associated food poisoning mechanisms, the effect of water on microbial development in food, microbes used in probiotic yogurts, bacteria in meat and microbial contaminants of baby milk formula.
Our Food Science and Microbiology graduates now qualify for membership of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), after gaining suitable postgraduate experience.
Programme Overview
The modular structure of our programmes allows the study of a broad base of topics during the first two years of the degree. More specialised topics are studied in the final year, together with the completion of a research project that will give you the opportunity to explore a research area you are especially interested in and develop lab-based skills and experience in that area. Together with the professional training year this means that our graduates are well-rounded, knowledgeable and eminently employable.
At Level 1 you will study a broad range of microbiology and biotechnology topics to allow you to develop a strong foundation of knowledge in the subject. Laboratory practical sessions will complement your study of theoretical modules in topics such as The Microbial World as well as Cell Biology and Molecular Biology and Genetics. You will also study some Biochemistry modules in order to refine your understanding of biochemical aspects of microbiology.
During Level 2 you will study aspects of microbiology and biotechnology in greater depth, and will apply basic theories to more complex scenarios and scientific phenomena. Specifically, areas such as cellular microbiology, immunology and virology are explored. A specific focus of your studies at Level 2 is on preparing you for your professional training year. You will undertake a Key Skills module which will help you not just on placement, but in your future employment. This will cover a broad range including management and communication, scientific writing, ethics in industry, CV design and interview techniques.
At Level 3 the core taught modules you will study vary depending on your specialist pathway. Examples include Food Microbiology, Clinical Immunology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Human Virology, and Metabolic Engineering. The largest single component of the year is the research project (equivalent to three modules) carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
Programme Structure
Level 1
Modules include:
- Biochemistry: Metabolism
- Practical Biochemistry and Chemistry
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Cell Biology
- Practical Cell and Molecular Biology
- Physiology
- Microbiology: Microbes and Man
- Practical Bacteriology
- Practical Microbiology 1: The Microbial World
- Key Skills 1
Level 2
Modules include:
- Practical Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Pathology and Medicine
- Food Microbiology
- Introduction to Immunology
- Animal and Plant Virology
- Key Skills 2
- Microbiology Systems
- Current Topics in Microbiology
- Cellular Microbiology
Level P
- Optional professional training year
Level 3
Modules include:
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Clinical Immunology
- Human Virology
- Bacterial and Protozoal Infections
- Pathogenesis of Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases
- Regulation of Metabolism, Lipoproteins and Diabetes
- Immunohaematology and Transfusion Science
- Food Microbiology
- Biomedical Microbial Products
- Systems Biology: Genomes in Action
- Practical Food Microbiology
- Practical Microbial Product Discovery
- Metabolic Engineering
- Research Project
Professional Training
The vast majority of our students choose to undertake a professional training year. We take great pride in our professional training programme, which is one of the very best available. Our experienced tutors help you to choose suitable placements from a strictly vetted selection of excellent industrial, hospital and academic institutions. Many of our professional training year partners have taken Surrey students regularly for many years.
Most of our placements provide a salary, and to ensure their success students are visited by a tutor three times during the year. We have placements across the UK, including major pharmaceutical, food and biotechnology companies, and research institutes.
We also provide placements outside the UK. Examples of organisations that have participated in the scheme include the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, Solvay Pharmaceuticals (the Netherlands), the University of Turku (Finland), Okayama University (Japan), and Cornell University Medical School (USA).
Ten reasons to study Microbiology at Surrey
- An uncompromising commitment to teaching practical laboratory skills
- A wide range of paid professional training year placements in the UK and abroad
- Taught by nationally and internationally recognised researchers
- A flexible modular programme
- An outstanding employment record
- Transferable skills developed in preparation for employment
- A broad range of subjects to suit a variety of graduate settings
- Obtain a better understanding of health and disease
- The Complete University Guide placed Surrey seventh in the UK for biological science degree programmes
- Rated as one of the top research faculties in the country by the latest Research Assessment Exercise
Top for Jobs
Graduates over the last few years entered employment in roles such as:
- Covance – Clinical Trials Associate
- Forensic Science Service – Assistant Forensic Scientist
- Procter & Gamble – Microbiology Researcher
- GlaxoSmithKline – QA Scientist
- Pfizer – Scientist
- Sanofi Aventis – Microbiology Analyst
- Schwarz Pharma – Clinical Research Associate
According to The Times Higher Education league table, Surrey is in the top ten in terms of employment prospects for Bioscience graduates.
Career Opportunities
University of Surrey Microbiology graduates are employed in academic and industrial research laboratories throughout the world. Look for Surrey amongst the top universities for employment in general and subject-specific league tables. The majority of our graduates go immediately into the job market, and many others choose further study such as MSc degrees and PhD studentships. The many transferable skills that you will gain during your studies ensure that you will be a suitable candidate for a career as a laboratory manager, science teacher, science journalist, amongst many others. Graduates of the Medical Microbiology programme have also gone on to study medicine.
Teaching
We offer a modular degree based on a structured programme of advanced study which allows you to pursue the subjects essential to your particular degree, but at the same time offers you the flexibility to study other subjects of interest. During your first year, almost a third of your time is spent in laboratory classes.
In your second year the study becomes more specialised and you will focus on many different aspects of microbiology. In your final year, you will be performing your own scientific research project, usually in one of our research laboratories. Throughout your degree, we provide support to some of the core modules in an electronic format, to complement the excellent facilities offered by the Library.
Facilities
Our degree programmes are enhanced through the use of cutting-edge laboratory facilities. Our commitment to the development of your practical skills means that you will use equipment allowing you to analyse the genetic make-up of different types of microbes, and specialist computer software allowing the modelling of microbiological systems and metabolic pathways. For your research project at Level 3, you will work within our research laboratories alongside active researchers, and will have the opportunity to contribute to established research projects being undertaken by the Department.
Assessment
Each module is assessed individually and credits are awarded for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and practical reports as appropriate. Credits are accumulated towards the award of Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Honours.
On average you will have approximately 24 hours of contact time each week (lectures, practical classes and tutorials), and you will also be expected to undertake private study such as laboratory write-ups, essays and other coursework for a similar amount of time.
Academic Support
You will be allocated a personal tutor during your first week at the University and will normally keep this tutor throughout the degree programme. They will provide advice to you on personal and academic matters, including reviewing your progress on the programme, advising on module, placement and career options and providing information about wider support services at the University.
Contact Details
T: 0800 980 3200 or +44 (0)1483 681681
What our students say
Graduate Profile: Doug Hodgson
BSc Microbiology (Medical)
I chose to come to Surrey for my degree because of the professional training scheme which allows you to work for a year within a scientific discipline which provides excellent experience and looks great on your CV.
For my placement I spent twelve months working at UCL’s Cancer Institute in central London, researching monoclonal antibody therapies for breast cancer. This gave me a unique insight into the lifestyle of a PhD student and is the reason why I am undertaking a PhD studentship now. I was also required to write up a report on the research I undertook which was great practice for my final-year dissertation.
Another reason why I went to Surrey was because Guildford is only 40 minutes away from London by train, perfect for day trips to the capital and the University itself has a great nightlife. Surrey is also a pretty sporty university, with many sports clubs and facilities at Surrey Sports Park including a great gym and a 50-metre swimming pool!
I would highly recommend Surrey to anyone wishing to do a degree in biological sciences as I greatly enjoyed my four years here; in fact I am staying on to do my PhD here in antibiotic research!
Graduate Profile: Eleanor Tyler
MSc Microbiology (Medical)
I chose Surrey for the modular programme which provides the flexibility to choose subjects you’re particularly interested in, and because I was keen to participate in the professional training scheme.
For my professional placement, I spent 14 months researching Myocardial Ischaemia in a pharmacology laboratory at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York. I independently planned, conducted and statistically analysed experiments, gaining expertise in a number of techniques that I would otherwise not have been exposed to during the ‘normal’ degree course.
The skills I learnt during my placement year also really helped me with my Level 3 research project, in which I investigated the immune response to Neisseria Meningitidis infection.
Early in my final year I was elected as the Students’ Union Executive Events Officer and Societies Editor for the student newspaper. I would definitely recommend getting involved with the non-academic services available at Surrey. There are sports, societies and events that cater for everyone here.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Surrey and feel that it has prepared me well for a future in medical research. I am returning to Cornell to do a PhD in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis.
