BSc Medical Microbiology (C521)

2025 entry

Course summary

In your first year, you will gain a broad understanding of biomedical science and take units in microbiology and diseases caused by microorganisms. In addition to learning about the immune system, you will also study pathology and biochemistry.

In year two you will study the cellular and molecular basis of human diseases caused by microorganisms, such as shigella and tuberculosis, and viruses including SARS-CoV-2. As well as learning about the immune response to a variety of infectious microbes, you will investigate how bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance.

Our eBiolabs online resources will help you prepare for practical laboratory sessions in the first and second year.

In your final year, you will take infection units and an optional unit. You will also undertake a research project or scientific dissertation working in a research or teaching laboratory within the Biomedical Sciences Building or in one of the hospitals. Your work may even be published in scientific literature.

The four-year BSc Medical Microbiology with Study in Industry course is available via transfer after securing a placement during your second year.

This course is available as an intercalated degree for current medicine, dentistry or veterinary students from the University of Bristol or other universities. Find out more about our intercalated degrees and eligibility criteria.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAB including Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics
BBB including Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics

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DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five specified Chemistry units

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34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 (in any order) at Higher Level in Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics
31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher Level in Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics

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80% overall, with 8.0 in Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics
Advanced Higher: AB (in any order) in Chemistry and another science/mathematics subject, and Standard Higher: AAABB. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: 24 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from Chemistry units and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from units in another science. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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