Microbiology (with integrated year in industry),BSc

The syllabus of our BSc Microbiology (C502) course with the integrated year in industry is identical to its sister course BSc Microbiology (C500). The year in industry is assessed, and the work must be relevant to the degree. You will be expected to organise this work experience yourself, under the guidance of our Director for Employability. There is no guarantee that the work will be paid, and if you cannot obtain a placement, you can transfer to BSc Microbiology (C500). During your year in industry, you will pay a discounted tuition fee.

You will learn a wide variety of techniques in areas such as microbial genetics, biochemistry and propagation. The study of microbiology requires expertise in immunology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology and research methods, and you will receive training in these throughout your degree. You will learn about worldwide concerns such as antimicrobial resistance and emerging pathogens, as well as the beneficial use of microbes in biotechnology for food production and agriculture. Throughout the course there is a strong focus on practical training in microbiological and molecular techniques, which will prepare you for a career as a professional scientist. There are practical modules in Years One and Two and an advanced research project makes up one third of your final year.

You will be taught by passionate teaching staff who are experts in their fields and who conduct research in all areas of microbiology. You will also have access to our state-of-the-art facilities that include a bio-imaging and microscopy suite, modern laboratories and fermentation facilities. In addition to these modern indoor facilities, Aberystwyth University has farms and woodlands for studying environmental microbes and those that impact on animal health.

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC with B in Biology

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh, Science and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDD-DDM in a specified subject

International Baccalaureate:
30-28 with 5 points in Biology at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Biology

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

Enhancing your career prospects with your year in industry

In recent surveys conducted by High Fliers Research Limited, research shows that around a third of graduate vacancies are taken by those who have previously worked for a company on a placement or an internship.

Completing a year in industry will allow you to:

• apply the learning from your course to the work environment
• make industry contacts
• develop practical skills related to your area of study
• apply your practical skills and technical knowledge after returning to study
• enhance your CV and better prepare yourself for a job after graduating.

What are our graduates doing now?

Our graduates have been working successfully as:

• research scientists
• clinical molecular geneticists
• nature conservationists
• educators.

Students from our department have also progressed to undertake training in Dentistry and Medicine.

What skills will I develop while studying BSc Microbiology?

Employability is embedded in our courses. Our students leave Aberystwyth University with skills in:

• research and data analysis
• enhanced mathematics and computing
• effective problem-solving and creative thinking
• a firm grounding in information technology
• independent working
• time management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
• expressing ideas and communicating information in a clear and structured manner when speaking and writing
• self-motivation and self-reliance
• working as part of a team, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.

What work experience opportunities are available to me while I study?

Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offers.

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and our Year in Employment Scheme.