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
- CHEM1011 Chemistry A (6 UOC) or CHEM1031 Higher Chemistry A (6 UOC)
- CHEM1021 Chemistry B (6 UOC) or CHEM1041 Higher Chemistry B (6 UOC)
- MATH1031 Mathematics for Life Sciences (6 UOC) or MATH1131 Mathematics 1A (6 UOC) or MATH1141 Higher Mathematics 1A (6 UOC)
- MATH1041 Statistics for Life and Social Sciences (6 UOC) or MATH1231 Mathematics 1B (6 UOC) or MATH1241 Higher Mathematics 1B (6 UOC)
Stage 2
- BABS2202 Molecular Cell Biology 1 (6 UOC)
- BIOC2201 Principles of Mol. Biol (Adv) (6 UOC)
- MICR2011 Microbiology 1 (6 UOC)
Plus 6 UOC from:
- BIOC2101 Principles of Biochem (Adv) (6 UOC)
- BABS2204 Genetics (6 UOC) or BABS2264 Genetics (Advanced Level) (6 UOC)
Stage 3
- BABS3081 Bacteria and Disease (6 UOC)
- MICR3061 Viruses and Disease (6 UOC)
- MICR3071 Environmental Microbiology (6 UOC)
Plus 6 UOC from:
- BABS3041 Immunology 1 (6 UOC)
- BABS3021 Microbial Genetics (6 UOC) or MICR3621 Microbial Genetics (Advanced) (6 UOC)
Honours
For information about Honours in Microbiology see the Microbiology Honours plan or contact the School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences (BABS).
