Stream

Microbiology - MICRB13966

Stream Summary

Faculty: SCI - Faculty of Science

School: School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science

Contact: www.babs.unsw.edu.au

Program: 3966 - Life Sciences

Award(s):

Bachelor of Life Sciences (Major)

View stream information for previous years

Stream Outline

Microbiology is the scientific study of the smallest forms of life namely, bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi and protozoa. These fascinating organisms impact on our lives in many ways. On the negative side, they cause disease in humans, animals and plants, and they spoil our food. However, microorganisms are also of great benefit. Indeed, microorganisms are the key participants for the turnover of nutrients and elements and they are the main producers of carbon and biomass. They turn the biological wheels on this globe and are responsible for sustainability of life. They also contribute to a better environment via recycling of organic wastes, maintenance of soil fertility and biodegradation of pollutants. Many foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceuticals and other products of biotechnology are products of microbial action. The genetic engineering of microorganisms is a fundamental aspect of molecular biology and the way of the future.

Stream Structure

A major in Microbiology is comprised of 84 units of credit of courses as follows:

Stage 1

Stage 2
Plus 6 UOC from:

Stage 3

Choose 24 units of credit from the following courses:


Suggested course layouts for your Microbiology major

Depending on your area of interest within Microbiology, you may like to consider the following course choices when planning Stage 3 of your major.

Suggested course choice for students interested in Medical Microbiology:
Plus 12 UOC from:

Suggested course choice for students interested in Environmental Microbiology:
Plus 2 from:

Honours

For information on Honours in Microbiology and Immunology, please see the Microbiology Honours entry in this Handbook.
science

Study Levels

UNSW Quick Links