Molecular Biosciences (Microbiology)

Learn about the application of contemporary microbiology in health, food biosecurity and environmental sustainability to help address the world’s biggest challenges.

Biosciences research has a huge impact on helping people live longer and healthier lives. With the World Economic Forum identifying healthcare as one of the top 10 Global Challenges for 2030, there is a growing demand for specialists in this field.

This course provides you with a broad understanding of the molecular basis of biological systems, with a focus on microbes and their role in disease, developing new medicines, improving food biosecurity and environmental sustainability.

Specialise in microbiology

Microbes present global challenges, such as the rise in antibiotic resistance, as well as opportunities, such as in food biosecurity or human health. We'll equip you with the skills and knowledge to help harness the power of microbes to address these issues.

• You’ll be based primarily within the Infection and Immunity research group at Bath where you’ll work with researchers at the forefront of microbial research, strengthening your ability to work as a scientist.
• You’ll focus on the molecular principles underlying the biology of microorganisms, including their epidemiology, pathogenicity, virulence in the context of medicine, public health or agricultural biosecurity.
• You’ll also have the opportunity to use our specialist facilities, including computational methods to analyse large biological datasets to answer the ‘big’ questions in microbiology, from bacterial epidemiology to evolution.

Optional professional placement

This course gives you the option of extending your course by a year to go on a placement.

Going on placement gives you the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge working in industry. You’ll be employed full-time in a role to match your future career ambitions, broadening your experience and transferable skills. We have links with companies of all sizes from household names to start-ups.