MBiol (Hons) Microbiology Integrated Master's degree at the University of Leeds

You'll be trained in data collection and experimental techniques relevant to the biological sciences. You'll learn how to use laboratory equipment, design and execute simple experiments, understand approaches used to study biochemical and molecular processes and analyse and interpret numerical data.

You'll focus on data collection and laboratory techniques relevant to microbial sciences, as well as further developing your skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. You'll engage with a mix of practical classes, tutorials and computer-based classes, and will learn about aseptic technique, bacterial culture, microscopy, PCR, electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing, applying theoretical knowledge gained from your lecture modules.

You'll learn about the fundamental processes of life, identifying the key concepts that underpin the biological processes in all living organisms, from bacteria to mammals. On completion, you'll have a comprehensive grounding in the molecular basis of life from the atomic scale up to cells.

You'll be introduced to a wide range of microscopic life forms and viruses. You will learn about microbiology in a broad sense and explore the diversity of microbial life with emphasis on how we interact with microbes that are responsible for infections as well as those that do not normally cause disease. You'll also learn how microorganisms interact with each other and influence more complex organisms, including their impact on human life.

You'll explore the different meanings of 'genetics' and how this concept has changed over time. More importantly, you will explore what genetics means for us as organisms. To what extent do genes determine our inheritance? How do our genes make us the distinct and unique organisms we are?

You'll review fundamental immune mechanisms with particular emphasis on human immunology and its relationship to health and disease. You'll discover how we protect ourselves from infection through our immune defences, learning about the roles played by the different types of leukocytes, antibodies and complement.

You'll be provided with an overview of the evolution and diversity of life, the key features that define each group and the role of those taxa in ecological processes. Each group of organisms will be linked to a major global challenge including food security, disease, and wildlife conservation, to demonstrate how fundamental science informs important societal issues.

You'll be provided with an overview of the evolution and diversity of life, the key features that define each group and the role those take in ecological processes. Each group of organisms will be linked to a major global challenge including food security, disease and wildlife conservation, to demonstrate how fundamental science informs important societal issues.

This module introduces the core concepts underpinning the structure and function of human body systems, with an emphasis on how systems are structured, operate and interact. The idea that the environment, exercise or disease can disturb these systems will be introduced.

As well as the compulsory and optional modules that make up your programme of study, you may be able to choose something different to your main subject as a Discovery Module.

This module develops core laboratory skills in molecular biosciences through a continuous research project. You'll design, troubleshoot, and analyse experiments, focusing on gene cloning and protein production. With workshops and practical sessions, you'll gain expertise in data interpretation, software tools, and scientific communication, providing a strong foundation for carrying out research professionally.

This module provides advanced laboratory training in microbiology, focusing on diagnostic bacteriology, molecular virology, and immune response analysis. A unique feature of this module is the opportunity to isolate your own bacterial strain for next-generation sequencing, process sequencing data, and prepare it for publication on a public database. Alongside bioinformatics and communication workshops, you'll refine your ability to analyse and interpret experimental data, document findings, and

You'll be introduced to omics-based approaches at the forefront of equipping biologists to overcome global challenges. You'll also develop practical data-science skills in comparative genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics in order to conduct group-based and individual research projects.

This module provides a detailed exploration of the microorganisms that cause human disease, focusing on bacteria, viruses, and fungi. You'll learn about the clinical presentation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases, building on foundational microbiology concepts introduced in your first year. The module explores why and how microorganisms cause disease, alongside the strategies used to prevent and treat infections. You'll develop the skills to interpret case-based scenar

You'll be introduced to techniques used for the study of viruses, the structure of viruses and the processes of their replication and evolution. You'll also learn how virus biology can be exploited for gene expression and gene therapy.

As well as the compulsory and optional modules that make up your programme of study, you may be able to choose something different to your main subject as a Discovery Module.

You'll gain detailed knowledge of the immune system, focusing on human health, from infectious and auto-immune diseases to treatment.

This module provides an introduction to human cell biology and the molecular basis of cancer. You'll begin by studying the key structures and processes within a normal cell, exploring how components work together to maintain cellular function. The module then examines how these processes can become disrupted, leading to the development of cancer. Finally, you'll learn about therapeutic strategies for combating cancer, including the development and action of targeted treatments.

In this module, you will learn about human populations and their relationships with the environment. Human evolution will be explored, including the underlying principles that lead to genetic differences between individuals and populations. Epidemiological aspects cover the analysis of infectious diseases and cancer. In addition, genetic diseases are investigated in the context of genome organisation, mutation and gene expression, including clinical approaches to diagnosis of cytogenetic abnorma

This module explores a range of human diseases, both inherited and environmentally linked, including heart and vascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, dermatitis, and conditions related to dietary deficiencies. You'll examine the underlying mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases, developing an in-depth understanding of their biological basis and real-world impact.

You'll be introduced to the basics of bioinformatics and the application of bioinformatics to many biological questions. The module shows how genomic data is stored and accessed to learn about any characterised gene or protein and how it links to resources on research. The approaches to modern phylogenetics are introduced and how bioinformatics is applied to drug discovery.

In preparation for your research project in year 4, you will be required to carry out a literature review in a scientific area that is relevant to their degree, of interest to them, and being actively researched by a group(s) within the School. In addition to developing skills required of a researcher, a major objective is to identify questions or hypotheses that can be answered or tested as part of an extended research project.