BSc (Hons) MICROBIOLOGY
BSC (HONS) MICROBIOLOGY
In the midst of a pandemic, societal awareness of the importance of microbiology and microbiologists has never been more evident. However, beyond the pandemic, microbiology underpins many other major issues of our time and we need to train the next generation of microbiologists to be able to address these problems.
Microbes impact the health and wellbeing of humans and animals in a variety of ways. Problems include superbugs resistant to the majority of clinically available antibiotics and microbes as the causative agent of chronic diseases such as cancer. Microbes are also crucial factors in causing and solving major environmental issues such as production and consumption of greenhouse gases, climate change and the longevity of planet Earth through novel mechanisms of energy production.
Using the breadth of experience and research excellence at UEA and at research institutes across the Norwich Research Park join us to explore and research the diverse and critical impact that Microbiology plays in key aspects of our everyday lives. In the most recent Times Higher Education REF Analysis (2021), we were ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science.
About
The School of Biological Sciences brings a strong research-led ethos to every course we offer. Microbiology research topics range from the biochemical, molecular and cellular levels to ecological interactions and evolutionary processes. Our degree ensures that the full spectrum of microbiology and underlying concepts are established, alongside a basis in other related aspects of Biology including Biochemistry and Genetics. This foundation will be developedthrough a range of compulsory and optional modules, allowing students to specialise in specific areas of microbiology, as well as a Microbiology focused research project in the final year.
Our students benefit from our enviable position as an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park, which is also home to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and independent, world-renowned research institutes: the John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory, the Earlham Institute and the new £75-million Quadram Institute, all of which have microbiology related research programmes and internationally recognized microbiologists.
We’re 17th for research quality!
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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Placement Year and Study Abroad
A 4 year course, Microbiology with a Placement Year is also available. The course profile is similar to that of the 3 year course but with an extended placement taken in between the second and third year. A placement year makes an invaluable addition to your scientific knowledge and skills, increasing your employability and giving you the chance to put your first two years of learning into practice.
Students will be expected to seek their own work placement with a microbiology focus, and in the first two weeks of the second year will be asked to write a CV and make applications. We will offer our guidance and support whilst to identify and negotiate placement opportunities. During the placement year students will be supported by a placement supervisor and a mentor from the university. Before and during the placement, the UEA-based mentor will formally liaise with the placement supervisor to ensure the work carried out meets the learning objectives of the programme. Assessment is on a pass/fail basis following submission of a written report and presentation at the end of the placement. Students unable to secure a work placement by the end of the second year will have the option to transfer onto the 3-year degree. We predict microbiology facing placement examples will include academic research labs, industry, science communication or policy development.
We’re 17th for research quality!
After the Course
With our growing appreciation of the role of microbes in our world, microbiologists now work in a variety of contexts, including food production, environmental science, medicine and basic research. They work in hospitals, universities, non-profit organisations, private companies, and government. Our courses don't just provide you with scientific knowledge; they also develop your skills in the areas of research and communication, IT, data collection, analytics and critical thinking and this opens up a range of sectors where these skills are invaluable
The School of Biological Sciences Director of Employability alongside academic advisers work together with UEA’s Careers Service to offer you support at every stage of your course, from choosing a career through to applying for graduate jobs and further study. 
Career destinations
Example of careers that you could enter include: 
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Further study (PhD, MSc or equivalent) and an academic career track.
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Teaching.
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Pharmaceutical industry.
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Biotechnology
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Food industry.
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NHS Clinical Scientist.
We’re 17th for research quality!
Assessment for Year 1
Assessment:
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Feedback:
Feedback strategy focusses on provision of detailed information which is returned to students for both formative and summative assessments to be used as a basis for ongoing improvement. Different approaches are adopted depending on the challenge of the task and the amount of time that each requires. Given the progressive nature of the degrees and the themes involved there are opportunities to feed forward to subsequent years.
To provide rapid feedback in selected modules, comments are returned via Blackboard as soon as they are available. This is a very appropriate medium for returning detailed feedback in less standard formats, for example via audio recordings of comments on the work. This mechanism means that feedback is available quickly, often days before the written feedback and marks are available to students.
Feedback can also take the form of oral discussion and explanation in class, or individual feedback from a student’s adviser. Grid-based proformas that provide students with a profile of their individual performance is frequently employed so that they can see where they have done well and where improvement is required in specific areas. In some modules where oral presentations are being assessed, the student audience are invited to provide anonymous feedback on their peers.
Assessment for Year 2
Assessment:
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Feedback:
Feedback strategy focusses on provision of detailed information which is returned to students for both formative and summative assessments to be used as a basis for ongoing improvement. Different approaches are adopted depending on the challenge of the task and the amount of time that each requires. Given the progressive nature of the degrees and the themes involved there are opportunities to feed forward to subsequent years.
To provide rapid feedback in selected modules, comments are returned via Blackboard as soon as they are available. This is a very appropriate medium for returning detailed feedback in less standard formats, for example via audio recordings of comments on the work. This mechanism means that feedback is available quickly, often days before the written feedback and marks are available to students.
Feedback can also take the form of oral discussion and explanation in class, or individual feedback from a student’s adviser. Grid-based proformas that provide students with a profile of their individual performance is frequently employed so that they can see where they have done well and where improvement is required in specific areas. In some modules where oral presentations are being assessed, the student audience are invited to provide anonymous feedback on their peers.
Assessment for Year 3
Assessment:
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Feedback:
Feedback strategy focusses on provision of detailed information which is returned to students for both formative and summative assessments to be used as a basis for ongoing improvement. Different approaches are adopted depending on the challenge of the task and the amount of time that each requires. Given the progressive nature of the degrees and the themes involved there are opportunities to feed forward to subsequent years.
To provide rapid feedback in selected modules, comments are returned via Blackboard as soon as they are available. This is a very appropriate medium for returning detailed feedback in less standard formats, for example via audio recordings of comments on the work. This mechanism means that feedback is available quickly, often days before the written feedback and marks are available to students.
Feedback can also take the form of oral discussion and explanation in class, or individual feedback from a student’s adviser. Grid-based proformas that provide students with a profile of their individual performance is frequently employed so that they can see where they have done well and where improvement is required in specific areas. In some modules where oral presentations are being assessed, the student audience are invited to provide anonymous feedback on their peers.
Assessment for Year 1
Assessment:
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Feedback:
Feedback strategy focusses on provision of detailed information which is returned to students for both formative and summative assessments to be used as a basis for ongoing improvement. Different approaches are adopted depending on the challenge of the task and the amount of time that each requires. Given the progressive nature of the degrees and the themes involved there are opportunities to feed forward to subsequent years.
To provide rapid feedback in selected modules, comments are returned via Blackboard as soon as they are available. This is a very appropriate medium for returning detailed feedback in less standard formats, for example via audio recordings of comments on the work. This mechanism means that feedback is available quickly, often days before the written feedback and marks are available to students.
Feedback can also take the form of oral discussion and explanation in class, or individual feedback from a student’s adviser. Grid-based proformas that provide students with a profile of their individual performance is frequently employed so that they can see where they have done well and where improvement is required in specific areas. In some modules where oral presentations are being assessed, the student audience are invited to provide anonymous feedback on their peers.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 2
Assessment:
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Feedback:
Feedback strategy focusses on provision of detailed information which is returned to students for both formative and summative assessments to be used as a basis for ongoing improvement. Different approaches are adopted depending on the challenge of the task and the amount of time that each requires. Given the progressive nature of the degrees and the themes involved there are opportunities to feed forward to subsequent years.
To provide rapid feedback in selected modules, comments are returned via Blackboard as soon as they are available. This is a very appropriate medium for returning detailed feedback in less standard formats, for example via audio recordings of comments on the work. This mechanism means that feedback is available quickly, often days before the written feedback and marks are available to students.
Feedback can also take the form of oral discussion and explanation in class, or individual feedback from a student’s adviser. Grid-based proformas that provide students with a profile of their individual performance is frequently employed so that they can see where they have done well and where improvement is required in specific areas. In some modules where oral presentations are being assessed, the student audience are invited to provide anonymous feedback on their peers.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 3
Assessment:
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Feedback:
Feedback strategy focusses on provision of detailed information which is returned to students for both formative and summative assessments to be used as a basis for ongoing improvement. Different approaches are adopted depending on the challenge of the task and the amount of time that each requires. Given the progressive nature of the degrees and the themes involved there are opportunities to feed forward to subsequent years.
To provide rapid feedback in selected modules, comments are returned via Blackboard as soon as they are available. This is a very appropriate medium for returning detailed feedback in less standard formats, for example via audio recordings of comments on the work. This mechanism means that feedback is available quickly, often days before the written feedback and marks are available to students.
Feedback can also take the form of oral discussion and explanation in class, or individual feedback from a student’s adviser. Grid-based proformas that provide students with a profile of their individual performance is frequently employed so that they can see where they have done well and where improvement is required in specific areas. In some modules where oral presentations are being assessed, the student audience are invited to provide anonymous feedback on their peers.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
BBB/ABC, or BBC with an A in the Extended Project, including grade B in Biology or Human Biology. Science A-Levels must include a pass in the practical element.T Levels
No acceptable pathways for 2022 entry.BTEC
DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science). Excludes BTEC Public Services, Forensic Science, Uniformed Services or Business Administration.Scottish highers
AABBB including grade A in Biology.Scottish highers advanced
CCC including Biology.Irish leaving certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3, including Biology.Access course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Biology.European Baccalaureate
70% overall with grade 7 in Biology.International Baccalaureate
31 points including 5 in HL Biology.GCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.Additional entry requirements
A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.  Science A-Levels must include a pass in the practical element.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year.
INTO UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA 
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme:
International Foundation in Pharmacy Health and Life Science
Alternative Entry Requirements
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.   
INTO University of East Anglia  
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study: 
Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.  We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
We’re 17th for research quality!
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
See our Tuition Fees page for further information.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
View our information about Additional Course Fees.
We’re 17th for research quality!
How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option. 
UCAS Apply is an online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The application allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it is sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges. 
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14. 
We’re 17th for research quality!
