Microbiology - MICRB13970
Stream Summary
Faculty: SCI - Faculty of Science
School: School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science
Contact: www.babs.unsw.edu.au
Program: 3970 - Science
Award(s):
Bachelor of Science (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
Choose 24 units of credit from the following courses:
- BABS3081 Bacteria and Disease (6 UOC)
- MICR3061 Viruses and Disease (6 UOC)
- MICR3071 Environmental Microbiology (6 UOC)
- BABS3041 Immunology 1 (6 UOC)
- BABS3021 Microbial Genetics (6 UOC) or MICR3621 Microbial Genetics (Advanced) (6 UOC)
- BABS3061 Medical Biotechnology (6 UOC)
- BIOT3081 Environmental Biotechnology (6 UOC)
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:
- BABS3081 Bacteria and Disease (6 UOC)
- MICR3061 Viruses and Disease (6 UOC)
Plus 12 UOC from:
- BABS3041 Immunology 1 (6 UOC)
- BABS3021 Microbial Genetics (6 UOC) or MICR3621 Microbial Genetics (Advanced) (6 UOC)
- BABS3061 Medical Biotechnology (6 UOC)
- MICR3071 Environmental Microbiology (6 UOC)
Suggested course choice for students interested in Environmental Microbiology:
- MICR3071 Environmental Microbiology (6 UOC)
- BABS3021 Microbial Genetics (6 UOC) or MICR3621 Microbial Genetics (Advanced) (6 UOC)
Plus 2 from:
- BABS3041 Immunology 1 (6 UOC)
- BABS3081 Bacteria and Disease (6 UOC)
- BIOT3081 Environmental Biotech (6 UOC)
- MICR3061 Viruses and Disease (6 UOC)
Honours
For information on Honours in Microbiology and Immunology, please see the Microbiology Honours entry in this Handbook.
