BSc Medical Microbiology

Institution University of Sheffield
Method At the institution
Location Sheffield
Type Undergraduate
Course fee By request

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BSc Medical Microbiology

Objectives Microbes (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses) are perhaps most apparent when they cause disease. Microbes are the causative agent of epidemics - plague, tuberculosis, foot-and-mouth disease, meningitis and a host of other diseases across the world. Our well-being depends in a large part on the ability to understand how microorganisms live, for example through the use of antibiotics. Our programme in Medical Microbiology is designed to provide a broad grounding in microbiology and the other molecular biosciences, together with a range of advanced modules that emphasise topics of medical relevance. This course is one of a range of courses in the molecular biosciences offered by the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. In their first year all students in the department take a broadly based programme, gaining experience in a range of areas in the molecular biosciences. At the end of the first year, you may transfer between the different courses taught by the department as your specific interests develop. In your second year, you will consider your chosen subjects in more depth and hone your practical skills. In your third year you have the opportunity to carry out an individual research project in one of the department research groups or in the Medical School. You may graduate after three years with a BSc degree, or you may choose the optional fourth year, leading to an MBiolSci qualification. This involves additional training in skills relevant to a career in research, and an extensive research project, which may be carried out in industry. Transfer between the three and four year programme is possible in either direction during years one to three.
Entry requirements Entry requirements GCE/VCE A Levels - ABB Two GCE A Levels plus two GCE AS Levels - AB+BB Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers - AAAB/ABB Irish Leaving Cert. - AABBB BTEC Level N - 2 Distinctions + 1 Merit International Baccalaureate - 33 points Core Requirements - 12 science units (not including Geography). We require Chemistry at GCE A Level or AS Level or equivalent.
Academic title BSc Medical Microbiology
Course description Our students usually select from a range of compulsory and optional modules to add up to 120 credits.

Some departments offer courses that don't feature optional modules whereas other courses are fully flexible.

Important notice :
This is a list of modules that have been offered in the past. We expect similar modules to be offered for courses starting in 2009.

This information is provided for illustration only and you should check with the department directly when applying to confirm module options.

Typical First Year Modules

Module/Unit Credits
Biochemical Basis of Life 20

From Cells to Organisms 20

Genetics 20

Molecular Biology of the Gene 20

The Diversity of Life 20

Practical Molecular Biology 1 10

Practical Molecular Biology 2 10

Typical Second Year Modules

Module/Unit Credits
Analysis of Genomes 10

Biological Energy Transformations 10

Biological Membranes 10

Gene Expression and Regulation 10

Genetics of Higher Eukaryotes 10

Macromolecular Structure and Function 1 10

Metabolism: Control and Manipulation 10

Micro-Organisms in Human Disease 10

Microbial Genetics 10

Microbial Growth, Structure and Function 10

Practical Molecular Biology 3 10

Practical Molecular Biology 4 10

Typical Third Year Modules

Module/Unit Credits
Laboratory Project 20

Bacterial Pathogenicity 10

Library Project 10

Microbial Sensing of the Environment 10

Microbiology Data Handling 10

Molecular Immunology 10

Virus Infections of Humans 10

Bacterial Molecular Genetics and Differentiation 10

Biochemical Basis of Human Disease 10

Functional Genomics 10

Genetics of Cell Growth and Division 10

Human Genetics I 10

Membrane Protein Structure and Function 10