Course summary

Microbiologists study bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and their role in infectious diseases, humans, other animals and plants. You will also learn how microorganisms contribute to environmental nutrient cycling, brewing, food, and biotechnology industries, as you develop the scientific and analytical skills demanded in a broad range of professions. You will be taught by passionate teaching staff who conduct research in all areas of microbiology and have access to our fantastic bio-imaging and microscopy suite, modern laboratories and fermentation facilities. You will also benefit from having access to our range of farms and woodlands for studying microbes that impact on animal health and the environment. This four year integrated Masters degree in Microbiology allows you to integrate three years of undergraduate study in Microbiology with a further year of postgraduate level study, leading to the qualification of MBiol (Microbiology). The course is ideal if you aspire to a career as a research scientist in Microbiology or wish to take your Microbiology knowledge to a higher level. The advantage of choosing an integrated Masters degree is that you can apply for a four-year student loan for the full duration of the course, rather than seeking funding for a Masters after completing your first degree. You will study in a University that endeavours to provide you with an exceptional and memorable experience. The majority of teaching staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Institute has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact. You will be assigned a personal tutor who can guide you through your time at Aberystwyth and help you to settle in when you first arrive. We have invested heavily and over a number of years in our research facilities, and project students may get the opportunity to work in the research units on Penglais, or in our dedicated research facility at Gogerddan just outside Aberystwyth. In your first year, you will explore a wide range of topics from Biochemistry to Animal Diversity, from Microbial Diversity to Vegetation and Ecosystems. These are all designed to give you a firm footing in your second and third years and allow you to try out topics you might never have considered before. There is a wide range of modules on offer in years two and three, more so than in any other scheme we offer. In these years you can specialise, perhaps taking a more molecular or environmental route choosing modules such as Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics or Ecological Surveying. On the other hand, you can keep your options open by mixing and matching topics like Biochemistry and Pharmacology with Population and Community Ecology. Our students leave Aberystwyth University with skills including; research and data analysis skills, enhanced mathematical and computational skills, effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills; a thorough grounding in information technology skills; the ability to work independently, time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines; the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form; self-motivation and self-reliance and team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement. Our graduates are strong candidates in the following fields: Research scientist, Clinical molecular geneticist, Nature conservation officer and Education. Students who have completed a biology degree could also progress to further training in Dentistry, Medicine and Science writing.