Microbiology and Molecular Biology

Microbiology and molecular biology together form the scientific foundation for understanding life at its most fundamental level. Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, from bacteria and viruses to fungi and protozoa, and their role in health, disease, ecology, and industry. Molecular biology focuses on the mechanisms by which genetic information is stored, replicated, and expressed, and on how the molecules of life interact to produce the structures and processes that make cells work.

Together they address some of the most important questions in contemporary science, from how pathogens cause disease and how the immune system responds, to how genes are regulated and how biotechnology can be used to develop new medicines and materials.

At Manchester Metropolitan University, the four-year programme gives you a thorough grounding in both disciplines, developing your understanding of cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, and microbial ecology alongside the laboratory skills and analytical techniques that are central to modern biological research. You will learn to design and carry out experiments, interpret data, and communicate scientific findings clearly, all of which are essential capabilities in a field where the work is both technically demanding and intellectually rigorous. The programme builds progressively, giving you increasing depth and independence as you advance through your studies.

Graduates of microbiology and molecular biology programmes go on to careers across a wide range of sectors. Roles in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food science, and environmental industries are common, as are positions in clinical laboratories, public health, and research institutions. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study or research, working towards master's degrees or doctorates that allow them to specialise in areas such as infectious disease, genomics, or synthetic biology.

The combination of scientific rigour and technical competence the degree develops is also valued in science communication, regulatory affairs, and healthcare policy.