BSc (Hons)

Microbiology

Glasgow Caledonian University is a registered Scottish charity, number SC021474Designed and printed by Print Design Services, Glasgow Caledonian University© Glasgow Caledonian University 2013

“��We�have�received�national�and�international recognition�for�the�quality�of�research and�teaching.”

UCAS ApplicationsAll applications should be made through UCAS and submitted by 15th January. Applications received after this date may not be considered. Applications forms are available online at www.ucas.co.uk

Further Study OpportunitiesThe Honours degree provides the foundation for continuing professional development through various specialised MSc programmes such as Biotechnology, Forensic Science, Immunology and Medical Microbiology.

Since a PhD offers greater career opportunities, many graduates choose the option of a higher degree before seeking employment.

Postgraduate ProgrammesMSc and PhD opportunities by research.

Quick ReferenceUCAS Code: C510 Duration: 4 years

Going RateHigher: BBBC (one sitting)/BBBB (two sittings), A-Level: BCC, ILC: BBBC

Essential Subjects Chemistry (Higher), Maths, English, Biology (S Grade 2/Int 2 grade B)

Recommended Subjects Biology/Human Biology, English, Maths (Higher)

FE College StudentsYear 1 entry: Access to Science or HNC in a related subject (B in Graded Unit) & interview

Year 2 entry: HNC in a related subject 15/16 credits (A in Graded Unit & no remediation) & interview, HND (min BB in Graded Unit & no remediation) & interview

Year 3 entry: HND in a related subject (AB in Graded Units & no remediation) & interview

English LanguageIf English is not your first language, proof is required. IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no element below 5.5

Department of Life SciencesGlasgow Caledonian UniversityCowcaddens RoadGlasgow, G4 0BAScotland, United Kingdom

UK/EU Enquiries:Dr Fiona AndersenT: +44 (0) 141 331 8516E: f.andersen@gcu.ac.uk

www.gcu.ac.uk/hls

School of Health and Life Sciences

Common human contagious diseases such as influenza and fungal infections are identified by microbiologists who work to prevent and treat such conditions. However many microorganisms are beneficial to mankind and are exploited in the preparation of food and drink, such as the brewing industry. Also microorganisms are vitally important in the rapidly developing field of biotechnology. Many microbiologists devote their careers to research, for example in the physiology, genetics, ecology, biochemistry or molecular biology of microorganisms. This type of research is carried out in universities, government and private research institutes or industry.

CareersAlthough microbiology is a specialised subject, it has applications in a large number of working situations. So in practice a degree in Microbiology gives you a range of career options. The following are just a sample of the possible career paths that you may choose.

• In university and industrial research laboratories where all aspects of microbiology are under investigation

• In public health laboratories, where microbiologists detect the organisms causing illness and advise on appropriate treatment

• In the pharmaceutical industry where many important processes such as antibiotic and enzyme production are dependent upon microbes

• In the food and beverage industries where microorganisms such as yeasts are used to make products such as beer. Microbiologists also ensure that foods are safe by detecting and eliminating unwanted microbes

• In the water industries, in monitoring water purification processes

• In a variety of environmental situations such as the use of microorganisms to clean up pollution, research into diseases of crops or farm animals, or developing microorganisms to help control insect pests

• Other career paths may include: teaching, management, medical sales, information science.

Microbiology�is�the�study�of�microorganisms:�Bacteria,�viruses,�fungi,�algae�and�protozoa.�Many�of�these�organisms�cannot�be�seen�with�the�naked�eye�as�they�are�too�small;�however�they�have�a�profound�effect�on�life�on�earth.

BSc(Hons)�Microbiology

L Trimester�1 Trimester�2

1 Cell Structure and Function Physiology A Practical Skills

for Biosciences 1Cells and

Biomolecules Introductory

GeneticsPractical Skills for

Biosciences 2

ChemistryMathematics

and Statistics of Experimentation

Chemistry Mathematics and Statistics of Experimentation

2

Cellular Metabolism

and Regulation

Introduction to

MicrobiologyPhysiology B Fundamental

Cell Biology Immunology

Practical Skills in

Biomolecular Sciences

The Microbial

World

3 Applied Microbiology

Clinical Microbiology

Essential Molecular Biology

Cellular Signalling and

Trafficking

Microbial Genomes

< and one from the three subjects below >

Pharmacology of Chemical mediators

Human Development

and Aging

Microbiology Workplace Experience

4

Bacterial Pathogenicity

Emerging and Re-emerging Infections

Cell Interactions and Networks Molecular Microbiology

Workshop Project

Contact details Dr Fiona AndersenT: +44 (0) 141 331 8516E: f.andersen@gcu.ac.uk

The Importance of Microbiology in the FutureUntil recently, many clinicians thought of the diseases caused by microorganisms as problems largely solved. However it is now clear that this assessment was too optimistic. Microbiology is re-emerging as a critical science to face new challenges from organisms that no longer respond to conventional antibiotic treatment or vaccination programmes.

Details of the Degree ProgrammeThe microbiology staff at Caledonian combine the long term experience of running

a successful and well-respected course with the contemporary knowledge derived from active research.

The Microbiology degree programme is modular in nature. Microbiology is very much a practical science, and consequently this programme incorporates a substantial element of laboratory work to ensure that graduates are able to compete successfully for a range of microbiology careers. The course structure aims to combine a broad base in bioscience with in-depth specialist knowledge in later years.

In�Scotland,�expansion�of�employment�opportunities�in�the�biohealth/biotechnology�sector�is�currently�out-stripping�the�availability�of�graduates.�Source: Scottish Enterprise��