Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of life at its smallest and most ancient scales, examining the bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that inhabit every environment on Earth, including the human body. It is a discipline with enormous practical importance: understanding how microorganisms cause disease, how the immune system and pharmaceuticals combat them, and how they can be harnessed for beneficial purposes in medicine, agriculture and industry is central to some of the most significant challenges in modern science and public health. The field combines molecular biology, genetics, immunology, ecology and biochemistry into a rigorous account of microbial life.

At the University of Glasgow this four-year full-time programme provides a comprehensive overview of modern microbiology research. You will study the biology of bacteria, viruses and parasites across a range of contexts, from clinical and veterinary pathogens to the microorganisms that shape environmental systems and drive industrial processes. The curriculum covers the molecular and cellular principles that govern microbial behaviour, the mechanisms by which infectious diseases are controlled by immune responses and pharmaceutical interventions, and the broader ecological and industrial significance of microorganisms.

The degree includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to develop your scientific training in an international research environment.

Microbiology graduates are well prepared for a wide range of careers. Many go on to work in clinical laboratories, public health agencies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, food science and agricultural sectors, and environmental monitoring organisations. Others pursue research, either in academic settings or within the life sciences industry.

The degree also provides strong preparation for postgraduate study in microbiology, infectious disease, immunology, molecular biology or biomedical science, and the quantitative and laboratory skills you develop are valued in a growing range of science-adjacent professional fields.