Microbiology in Relation to Medicine, BSc, University of Leeds

Course content

Covering a broad range of topics including bacteriology, virology and immunology, Microbiology provides a strong basis for almost any career in Medicine.

This course provides you with an opportunity to improve your scientific understanding and technical skills in relation to Microbiology, and to obtain an honours degree in a subject of relevance to your career in Medicine.

In addition to an individual research project on a Microbiological topic, you'll be given an introduction to Microbiology with the benefits of microorganisms being highlighted along with the problems that they cause. For example, the role of microorganisms in food production as well as food spoilage and food poisoning is explored. Emphasis is placed on acquisition of practical skills.

In the first semester, you'll be taught how to handle microorganisms and how to dispose of them safely. We then explore microorganisms in the natural environment, clinical samples and food. In the second semester, emphasis is on separating microorganisms from mixtures and identifying the isolates.

The material covered in the course will include coverage of topics in bacteriology, virology, and immunology.

The course provides:

Research Project

A medical research project will be undertaken under the direct supervision of a member of the Academic Staff of the Faculty, and may involve guidance offered by post-doctoral scientists, graduate students and technicians as appropriate. Example topics include:

• Are bacteria suitable vectors for anti-cancer therapies?
• Is bacteriophage therapy a viable alternative to antibiotic therapy?
• Does the gut microbiota influence the development of disease and pre-disease states?
• The future of successful hepatitis C virus therapy requires direct acting antiviral regimens which do not include Telaprevir and Boceprevir
• Gonorrhoea with no cure
• Are men the forgotten victims of STIs.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  
  

  Successful completion of the first two years of an MBChB programme at UK Universities or international equivalent. For international students proof of English Language proficiency will be required. In line with undergraduate medicine we require a minimum of English GCSE grade B or IELTS 7.5.

  International Foundation Year Programme

  International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

  How to apply

  Read about applying for intercalation on the School of Medicine website.

  Fees

  UK/EU: See fees section below

  International: £21,500 (per year)

  For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2018, the fee for 2018/19 will be £9,250. 

  The fee for undergraduate students starting in 2019 will be confirmed in September 2018.

  The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government's forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.

  The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students in 2018-19 will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

  Additional cost information

  There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

  Financial support

  If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

• Career opportunities

  The course is designed to give you a challenging, enjoyable and rewarding year which will add significantly to your skills, knowledge, and enhance your career opportunities on graduation.

  The course allows full integration with existing science based BSc courses and the chance of a substantive research project.

  In addition to providing subject-specific knowledge, we equip you with the best possible skills for future careers. There is a strong emphasis on practical-based teaching, small-group teaching, online learning and problem solving. You will gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. You will be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your intercalating year.

  Careers support

  We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

  Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

  The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.