BSc (with Honors) in Microbiology

Key Points

  • Work permit while you study

  • Post Graduation Work Permit for 12 months

  • Start dates: September
    Please note that applications for the 2020/2021 academic year will open in December 2020 and close on May 31, 2021.

  • Duration: 4 years
  • Level 8 qualification

  • Type: Full Time
  • Hours: Daytime
  • Enrollment Fee: From 22,130 € / year

Write to us for more information

Program description

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms that include fungi, bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. These microbes are of crucial importance in medicine, biology, agriculture, biotechnology and the environment.

Microbes are beneficial in processes such as food production, human health promotion, biotechnology, agriculture, and waste treatment. Rather, some are responsible for causing disease in humans and animals or causing food spoilage and crop loss in agriculture.

As one of the classical disciplines, microbiology combines fundamental biology with applications and therefore provides excellent training and opportunities for students interested in different aspects of science.

The microbiology course at UCC is varied and comprehensive, but has a special focus on our areas of special strength, namely, medical, food and environmental microbiology.

Many modern scientific disciplines, such as genetic engineering, genomics, microbial biotechnology, immunology, and molecular biology, originated in classical microbiology and are an integral part of our degree. in modern microbiology.

The entry route to the Bachelor of Microbiology at UCC is through the general entry of Bachelor of Biological and Chemical Sciences. At the end of the degree, you will have a broad knowledge of microbiology, specialized knowledge of the aspects that interest you, and a set of knowledge acquisition skills, practical techniques and problem-solving skills that will prepare you for your future career.

Why choose this course

Microbiology sits perfectly at the interface between fundamental science and applied science / biotechnology, and our degree is aimed at students with diverse interests.

Possibly the most important aspect of the title is its relevance: whether in industry or medicine, microbiology is vitally important to society and is rarely far from be news. This relevance in various fields means that our graduates have little difficulty pursuing careers in research and industry after their degree.

  • Microbiology graduates have the option of working in various industries, pursuing training or research careers.
  • 95% of UCC microbiology graduates get a job or start higher education shortly after graduation.
  • The School of Microbiology has the highest research reputation of any microbiology department in Ireland. Students are taught by academic staff who are international experts in their field of research.
  • A degree in microbiology is the foundation for a future career in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, cell biology, or biotechnology.

Information about skills and careers

UCC’s Bachelor of Microbiology provides excellent training for a career in the microbiology, biotechnology, food, environment, medical, pharmaceutical and veterinary sectors.

Graduates have specialized skills in practical and theoretical microbiology that have direct relevance to industry, as well as additional skills in problem solving, data management, and presentation that can be applied in many different sectors.

About 50% of graduates get immediate employment, many in companies in the Cork area, but others in international locations. Other graduates choose to pursue higher degrees (MSc or PhD).

Program structure

It comprises basic modules in the four main branches of science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. Biology (four modules), includes microbiology, plant science, biochemistry and zoology.

You will begin to specialize, but you will still be able to choose modules that will leave you with three or more title options at the end of the year.

If you plan to pursue a degree in life sciences, you can take some basic modules in molecular biology and statistics and then choose additional modules according to your interests.

For BSc Microbiology, you will take a dedicated course in microbiology that provides a foundation for all aspects of the discipline, as well as modules in biochemistry. Then you can choose some elective courses in Zoology, Ecology, Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience.

You will commit to the title of your choice. In Microbiology, you will take a dedicated course of lectures and hands-on modules that provide extensive training in molecular, food, environmental, and medical microbiology.

You will take some compulsory courses and you will also be able to opt for optional modules from the different branches of microbiology. This allows you to tailor your final title to your interests and ambitions. An independent and supervised research project is an important aspect of the last year (25%).

Admission requirements

  • The minimum requirement 1 x H4, 1 x H5, 4 x O6 / H7; Math and lab science courses are required.
  • For international candidates, the foreign equivalent is required. In addition, an official degree translated into English will be required.
  • IELTS 6.5, with no less than 6 in any component (or its internationally recognized equivalent).

Learn more about our educational offer

Request your quote

An advisor will contact you by phone and email within the following hours