electiveHQ

This module is part of the second year core curriculum in the BSc degree programme in Microbiology. The course is divided into two sections. Section A provides the student with an introduction to Microbiology including the history of Microbiology, the domains and origins of life, the structure and diversity of the microbial cell, the habitats of microbes, microbial metabolism and communication between microbes. Section B focuses on the role microbes play in the environment, in biotechnology and in human and veterinary medicine. The importance of microbes in biogeochemical cycling of nutrients, their application in biotechnology to produce foods (beer, wine), antibiotics, and many other products and the role microbes play in health and disease and their interaction with the immune system are discussed. Environment, Biotechnology and Medicine reflect the general areas most Microbiologists pursue careers in following their graduation.