Biological Sciences

Microorganisms may be small, but they tell us more about life on Earth than almost any other life form. On this degree you will learn how and why microorganisms cause disease and how microbes have been used for millennia in everything from food production to sewage treatment. The browser you are using is no longer supported and for that reason you will not get the best experience when using our website.

Microorganisms may be small, but they tell us more about life on Earth than almost any other life form. On this degree you will learn how and why microorganisms cause disease and how microbes have been used for millennia in everything from food production to sewage treatment. On the MBiolSci, you will hone your research and laboratory skills and extend your medically specialised BSc programme into a fourth year of masters level study.

Microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa) play a crucial role in many of the Earth's physical and biological processes. They help to purify our waste water and clean up pollution, and humans have used them for thousands of years in the production of foods and drinks – but some types can cause new and devastating diseases. Microorganisms are the oldest inhabitants of the Earth, yet we have only discovered a small fraction of all the microbes that exist.

Now microbiology is at the forefront of a technical revolution: incredibly sensitive molecular tools, coupled with sophisticated computer informatics, provide powerful new approaches to unlocking the secrets of life.