School of Biological Sciences

Microbiology is one of the three main pillars of the biological sciences and is the study of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria and fungi.  Many microorganisms are serious disease-causing agents while many others are beneficial components of the biosphere, essential for agriculture, health, food processing and recycling of waste.  The study of microorganisms has provided much of our basic knowledge about the molecular basis of life and it is from the study of their relatively simple genetic systems that the whole new field of genetic engineering has developed.

The selection of modules that we have chosen for the degree in Microbiology should provide the graduate with a wide range of employment opportunities in areas such as routine diagnostic laboratories in hospitals or food processing industries, running of large-scale fermentation plants in brewing and biotechnological industries etc.  Many of our graduates take up research careers in universities and research institutes.  The experience that you gain from applying the scientific approach to living organisms, solving numerical and practical problems, developing written and oral communication skills and using a wide range of sophisticated equipment will also help you to find employment in a variety of non-biological careers.  Many employers are looking for graduates in any discipline, provided they show academic confidence, the ability to communicate, handle quantitative data and solve problems, and have good social skills, a wide range of interests and a record of success.  We believe that studying for a degree in the School of Biological Sciences at Queen's will enable you to acquire and develop these qualities.

For more information on entry requirements and course content, please use the Undergraduate Course Finder.
Alternatively contact:

Head of School
The School of Biological Sciences
Medical Biology Centre
97 Lisburn Road
Belfast
BT9 7BL

Phone:  (028) 9097 5786
Email:  biosciences-ug@qub.ac.uk

Or use our on-line information request form.

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