Microbiology in Public Health (Taught)

On this progressive course, you focus on the science of microorganisms and the rapidly developing challenges they bring to public health, exploring areas such as epidemiology, antimicrobial chemotherapy and outbreak investigation. By giving you an in-depth understanding of both microbiology and public health while building your practical and transferable skills, the course opens up a range of exciting career directions.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Modern STEM building with specialist facilities and bespoke study spaces.

• State-of-the-art cell culture lab and analytical science suite.

• Industry-standard equipment, including high-tech HPLC, FTIR and GC-MS machines and advanced qPCR and protein analysis facilities, to mirror the professional workplace.

Career-powered links
Our Life Sciences Liaison Board draws in industry-wide experts such as Pharmaron, Life Science Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the NHS. The Board’s close collaboration with real-world organisations ensures our course aligns with UK QAA standards as well as preparing you to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Your student experience
Study under a team of international experts at a University with 30-plus years of experience teaching biological sciences.
Our school’s active involvement in course-relevant research and consultancy feeds directly into course delivery, ensuring you’re up to date with the latest advances in the field.
Benefit from practical laboratory sessions and research-based projects, equipping you with both technical knowledge and skills as well as hands-on experience.
Tackle a prevailing issue in an area of your choosing with a microbiology research project.
Immerse yourself in interactive seminars and masterclasses from guests such as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Ministry of Defence (MoD), Rothamsted Research and GSK.
Take part in our annual STEM Careers Expo, which brings together employers and students through presentations, workshops and networking sessions
Develop your transferable skills, including sought-after competencies such as scientific communication; analysis and evaluation; problem solving; and effective leadership.
Fulfil your potential with guidance from your own personal academic tutor.

Course Modules

Control of infectious disease – Study the scientific principles and practical strategies used to control infectious disease including vaccines, antibiotics and surveillance.

Microorganisms in health and disease – Explore aspects such as the growth of microorganisms, microbial diversity, virulence and the role of the immune system.

Molecular and diagnostic microbiology – Up-to-the-minute examination of how molecular biology techniques are used to diagnose infections.

Epidemiology in public health – An introduction to the key concepts and principles of epidemiology with a focus on research analysis.

Public health protection – Explore the role public health plays in protecting the population from infectious diseases and the effects of environmental hazards.

Principles, policies and issues in public health – How principles, policies and research issues have influenced public health in the UK and internationally.

Microbiology and public health research methods – Develop your understanding of research in microbiology and public health as well as building your data-analysis skills.

Microbiology research project – Undertake an independent research investigation in an area of interest, from planning through to presentation.

Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate at the point of publication on the UCAS website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website.