MSci Medical Microbiology (C522)

2024 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

Our MSci course is ideal if you want to continue in research or to stand out when applying for a PhD.

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 are available to help you prepare for practical laboratory sessions in the first and second year.

You will take infection units and an optional unit in your third year.

The additional, fourth year includes an extended research project and advanced research skills training with an emphasis on enterprise. You will plan projects, communicate with a variety of audiences and learn to translate and commercialise research.

The School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine focuses on turning science into medicine and these courses aim to launch you into a research career with an emphasis on translational research.

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

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DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five required 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: Biology; Further Mathematics; Human Biology; Mathematics; and Physics
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: Biology; Further Mathematics; Human Biology; Mathematics; and Physics

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80% overall, with 8.0 in Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology; Further Mathematics; Human Biology; Mathematics; and Physics
Advanced Higher: AB (in any order) in Chemistry and another science/mathematics subject, and Standard Higher: AAABB. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology; Further Mathematics; Human Biology; Mathematics; and Physics
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

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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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