Microbiology with Foundation Year

Why choose this course
Study a curriculum that explores some of society’s biggest challenges, from emerging disease threats to the increase of antibiotic resistance.

• Access our £12.5 million Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory and use equipment found in the NHS and research labs worldwide.

• Gain industry experience through our Professional Training placements scheme, where you work for an organisation or in one of our partner laboratories across the world.

• Learn from lecturers who are active researchers in virology, bacteriology, antimicrobial resistance and systems biology, whose work is used by governments, health professionals and industry.

We’re preparing you for the future by integrating AI into every course, building digital skills, confidence and creativity that employers value in tomorrow’s workplace.

What you will study
In your first year, you’ll be introduced to the microbial world. You’ll study topics that are fundamental to microbiology, including bacteriology, biochemistry and cell biology, as well as learning important hands-on lab techniques.

During your second year, you’ll get the option to study modules including Cellular Microbiology and Virology, Food Microbiology, Introduction to Immunology, and Pathology and Medicine. On these modules, you’ll explore topics such as adaptive immune response and cellular injury, as well as the characteristics of the major groups of bacteria, protozoa and viruses.

In your final year, you’ll study biomedical microbial products and the epidemiology of infectious diseases. You can also choose to explore topics such as advanced virology, animal infectious diseases, gene expression, clinical immunology, and pathogenesis and therapeutics of cancer. You will also complete a research project, bringing together all the practical, analytical and presentation skills you’ve developed.

Foundation courses
A foundation year can develop your skills and make it easier to get started at university. It is an extra year of study at the start of your course that leads in to a full degree programme. Foundation courses are a great option if:

• You don’t have the grades for a full degree course.

• You have non-traditional qualifications or experience.

• You’re starting university after some time away from education.

• You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study.

Life as a foundation year student
During a foundation year, you’ll learn about your chosen subject, develop your study skills and get used to university life. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree course.

As a foundation year student, you’ll be a full student of the University and part of our community. You’ll have access to all our campus facilities and support.

Course Modules

To see the full range of modules for this course please visit our website – the link is under the Course contact details. You will also find full details of the programme, including programme structure, assessment methods, contact hours and Graduate prospects.