Degrees Offered

• BSc Honours Microbiology (UCAS Code: C500)
• BSc Honours Microbiology with Professional Studies (UCAS Code: C504)

Contact Information

For entrance requirements
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838

For course information
The School Manager
School of Biological Sciences
T: +44 (0)28 9097 5786
E: e.purdy@qub.ac.uk
W: http://www.qub.ac.uk/bb

Entrance Requirements

BSc Honours
Microbiology 3 yrs (C500)
Microbiology with Professional Studies 4-yr SW (C504)


Entrance Requirements

A-level: BBB including Biology and Chemistry + GCSE Mathematics.
Note: AS Chemistry grade C would be acceptable in lieu of A-level Chemistry.

Irish Leaving Certificate: B2B2B2B2CC/B2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Biology and Chemistry + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics.

For students whose first language is not English
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you are an international student and you do not meet the entrance requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study on these degree courses. INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses including: International Foundation in Engineering and Science

The Subject

Microbiology is the study of bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses, and is of immense importance in relation to the environment, agriculture and food, biomedical sciences and biotechnology.

Micro-organisms play a central role in the biosphere through environmental processing or recycling of elements and waste products. They are also crucial in the manufacture of fermented foods and beverages. Viruses, bacteria and fungi play major roles in the diseases of man, animals and plants. Microbiologists have been central to their diagnosis and in combating such diseases through the discovery of effective therapies.

Course Content

The syllabus offers a unique opportunity for students to choose to study the fundamental science underpinning the subject and also to develop applied aspects in biomedical science, biotechnology and the environment.

Stage 1
Biochemistry
Genetics and Molecular Biology
Introductory Skills for Biosciences
Micro-organisms
Plus two further modules out of Chemistry, Environmental Biology and Biological Diversity
All are relevant in developing a sound basis for further studies in Microbiology.

Stage 2
The science behind the roles of viruses and bacteria in the diseases of animals and plants and the ecological, environmental and industrial aspects of microbiology is studied. Required modules are:

Environmental and Applied Microbiology
Genetic Systems
Microbial Metabolism and Physiology
Molecular Genetics
Virology
And one other module, eg Cell Biology, Biochemical Methods or an optional Work Placement.

Stage 3
During the final year, students in Microbiology take a two-module research project carried out under the supervision of one or more members of the academic staff, and choose four modules from:

Genetic Manipulation and Bacterial Genetics
Infections
Microbial and Environmental Biotechnology
Parasitology
The Immune System
Virology

'As a mature student, I was a little uncomfortable at the idea of going to university, but as it turns out I had nothing to worry about. My fellow students are a lot of fun and my lecturers are very supportive. I have gained a greater appreciation of how something as little as a virus, bacterium or fungi can influence our environment and our lives.'

Denver Mooney, Belfast
Currently undertaking a PhD in the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.  On the BSc (Hons) in Microbiology we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.   Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures:introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading.  Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

• Practicals: Microbiology is a laboratory based discipline and as such Queen’s puts a significant emphasis on technical training.  Within practical sessions you will have opportunities to develop laboratory skills in a range of microbiological, biochemical and molecular biology techniques, and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts.

• E-Learning technologies:   Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online.  A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example; IT and statistics modules; interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project- based work etc

• Seminars/tutorials:  Small group teaching (typically involving 10-20 students) provides significant opportunities to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess your own progress and understanding with the support of peers.  You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.

• Self-directed study:  This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

• Work placements:  Students taking Microbiology with Professional Studies undertake a work-placement after Level 2.  This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity.

• Supervised projects:  In final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology that you have chosen.  You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you during the write up stage.
• Personal Tutor:  Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.  Further details are shown in the section on the Student Guidance Centre.

Assessment and Feedback

Assessment (general):  The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module.  Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments.  Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.  Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback (general):  As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers.  University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted. 
• Face to face comment.  This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid.  In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time. 
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work. 

Careers

Microbiology is an interdisciplinary subject with key links to the other Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering and Medicine. Graduates are qualified to take up both scientific and nonscientific careers. Many job opportunities are available in biomedical, industrial and government organisations, and in universities and colleges of higher education. These jobs cover innovative research, the development of new products, advisory and consultancy work or teaching. All are aimed at improving the health, environment and economy of countries in both the developed and developing world. In particular, companies and organisations concerned with animal and plant health, food and beverage processing, water quality, environmental management, pharmaceutical products and biotechnology require graduates in Microbiology.  As there is currently a shortage of microbiologists, job opportunities exist across a number of areas including:

Healthcare:  Microbiologists are essential in the fight against infectious diseases working in hospitals and Health Protection Laboratories.  Here they diagnose infections, monitor treatments, develop vaccines, provide advice or track disease outbreaks.

Basic research: In order to either solve the problems caused by microorganisms or exploit their capabilities fundamental research on their biochemistry and genetics is required.  Many microbiologists work in universities and research institutes exploring the detailed workings of microbial cells.

Environment:  One of the greatest challenges currently facing society is that of climate change and environmental protection.  Microbiologists are key players in the development of waste treatment technologies, recycling processes, pollution warning systems and in the production of green energy.

Agriculture:  Pest management is an essential component of modern agricultural practice.  Microbiologists have key roles to play in the development of pest control systems and in the diagnosis and treatment of animal pathogens.

Business:  Microbiologists work in many bioscience and food companies, carrying out research, developing new products or carrying out quality control of manufacturing processes to ensure the microbiological safety of goods such as medicines, cosmetics, food, drink etc.

Outside the lab:  Many trained microbiologists never go on to work in the microbiology field.  However, they  can use their skills and knowledge to pursue careers in marketing, technical support, regulatory affairs, education, as patent attorneys, and in public relations, journalism and publishing.

The combination of courses within the Microbiology degree in part fulfils many of the requirements for accreditation by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences in the UK:  Accreditation may be achieved through some additional postgraduate training.

Employer Links

The School of Biological Sciences employs a dedicated careers advisor who has developed an extensive portfolio of employers, both nationally and internationally, within the science sector.  Advice is also provided on CV preparation, interview techniques and securing summer work or longer placements.

Placement Employers

Our past students have also gained work placement with organisations such as:

Graduate Careers

The Prospects and Microbiology Careerswebsites provide further information aboutthe types of jobs that attract Microbiology Graduates.

Further study is also an option open to Microbiology graduates. Students can choose from a wide range of Masters programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics as shown on the School website.

Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers.  Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plusinitiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer.  See Queen’s University Belfast fullEmployability Statementfor further information.

Degree Plus and other related initiatives:  Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s.  Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports. 

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students).  Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts.  As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies.  These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.

Special Features

Accreditation: the degrees follow the National Subject Profile for Higher Education Programmes in Microbiology as published by the Centre for Bioscience (Higher Education Academy). The degrees also adhere to the core curriculum in Microbiology as described by the American Society of Microbiology. The combination of modules provided in part fulfils many of the requirements for accreditation by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences in the UK. Accreditation may be achieved through some additional postgraduate training.

Placement: students can complete an optional 16-week work placement period as a component of Stage 2. Microbiology with Professional Studies students, on completion of Stage 2, are required to undertake a compulsory 46-week period of work experience, including a project agreed between the student, the School and the employer. Past students have gained work placement with organisations such as NI Water Ltd, the NI Environment Agency, the Forensic Service, the NHS, Norbrook Laboratories, Randox Laboratories, the Almac Group, and Moy Park.

Last updated: 11.09.13