BSc Hons Microbiology

at University College Cork

Year 1
Comprises core modules in the four main branches of science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. Biology (four modules), includes Microbiology, Plant Science, Biochemistry and Zoology.
 

Year 2
You will start to specialise but will still be able to choose modules that leave you with three or more degree choices at the end of the year.
 

If you plan to pursue a biological sciences degree you can take some core modules in molecular biology and statistics and then choose additional modules according to your interests.
 

For BSc Microbiology, you will take a dedicated course in microbiology that provides a foundation for all aspects of the discipline, as well as modules in biochemistry. You can then choose some elective courses from Zoology, Ecology, Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience.
 

Year 3
You will commit to your degree of choice. In Microbiology you will take a dedicated course of lecture and practical modules that provide a broad training in molecular, food, environmental and medical microbiology.
 

Year 4
You will take some obligatory courses and can also choose elective modules from the different branches of microbiology. This enables you to tailor your final degree to your interests and ambitions. An independent, supervised research project is an important aspect of the final year (25%).
 

Course Practicalities
 

Expected lecture hours

Lectures and practicals are conducted between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. You will have 288 lecture hours per year and these may include directed study/reading hours depending on the module.
 

Expected lab/practical hours

Your laboratory practical/tutorial hours will amount to approximately 216 per year. In Year 4, you will also complete a 10-week lab-based research project on a topic in the area of Microbiology, performed under the supervision of a member of staff. The project aims to enhance your laboratory skills and critical abilities in identifying, analysing and solving problems in scientific research and to develop your skills in communicating your results.
 

Assessment

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations.  Many modules use other types of assessment. 
 

Modules that contain practical components also assess this aspect by reviewing laboratory reports. Some year 3 and year 4 modules include assignments, dissertations and reports as part of the assessment methodology. The final year project is assessed by a combination of laboratory performance, written report and oral presentation.

Non-EU Candidates
Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
 

Minimum Requirements and Accepted English Language Tests & Examinations The minimum English language entry requirements for admission onto a postgraduate programme at UCC are outlined below. These requirements are for postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English. If Gaeilge (Irish) is your first language these requirements do not apply to you.There are a small number of programmes with a higher minimum English language entry requirement and we list these below under Programmes with a Higher Minimum English Language Requirement.IELTS*  
 

• 6.5 Overall
• 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version)
   

TOEFL iBT  

• 90 Overall
• Listening 20
• Reading 19
• Speaking 21
• Writing 20

The fees for BSc Hons Microbiology may vary from €20,000 to €35,000 anually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for international students.

The UCC BSc Microbiology degree provides excellent training for a career in the microbiology, biotechnology, food, environmental, medical, pharmaceutical and veterinary sectors.
 

Graduates have specialised skills in practical and theoretical microbiology that have direct relevance to industry, as well as additional skills in problem-solving, data-handling and presentation that can be applied in many different sectors.
 

About 50% of graduates go on to immediate employment, many in companies in the Cork area, but others in international locations. Other graduates choose to pursue higher degrees (MSc or PhD).