BSc Virology and Immunology (C540)

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Virology and Immunology (C540)

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Course summary

Years one and two provide a broad background in biomedical sciences as well as information about viruses and the diseases they cause.

You will study the immune system and how it controls infection. You will also learn about autoimmune diseases that can occur if the immune system attacks the body's own tissues rather than an infectious agent.

In your third year, you will progress to review the main viral diseases of humankind in terms of their natural history, biology, molecular biology, immunology, pathogenesis and epidemiology. These include HIV, hepatitis B and C, papilloma, influenza and measles, among others.

You will learn about cutting-edge issues in virology and immunology, including zoonotic viruses of bats, Ebola, Hendra, Nipah, MERS, and emerging viruses including SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19.

You will also learn about the problems associated with the production of vaccines. You will normally work on a research project in either virology or immunology.

The four-year BSc Virology and Immunology with Study in Industry is available by transfer after securing a placement during the second year.

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 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: 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. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
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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