BSc Hons Microbiology & Pharmacology
ApplyKey facts
- UCAS Code: C502
Accreditation: Royal Society of Biology
1st in the UK for Pharmacology & Pharmacy (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023) / 3rd for Pharmacology & Pharmacy (Complete University Guide 2024)
Flexible degree: flexibility to change to other Biomolecular Science courses throughout your studies
Study with us
- study of the smallest living organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa
- understand how drugs and other chemicals affect the functions of the body and underpin the development of new or improved medicines and the treatment of disease
- our courses are underpinned by our strong research base, links with industry, the NHS and international partners
Why this course?
Pharmacology is the study of how drugs and other chemicals affect the body in health and disease. This area explores the development of new and improved medicines and the treatment of disease.
Microbiology is the study of the smallest living organisms (micro-organisms or microbes) and includes viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa. Microbes are a major cause of disease in humans but they can also be useful in industrial processes from pollution control to the production of important therapeutic compounds.
The opportunity to choose specific degree combinations will allow you to go into specialist biomedical science areas such as neuroscience, cardiovascular research, immunopharmacology, industrial immunology, drug research, biochemistry, microbiology and bacteriology.
What you'll study
Years 1 & 2
Students on all the biosciences degrees study the same classes in the first two years. This means you can defer your ultimate choice of degree until the end of Year 2.
In Year 1, you’ll study classes in cells and their molecules, organisms and diseases and Bio-organic chemistry. These are all underpinned by the ‘Being a Biomolecular Scientist’ class which begins with basic laboratory skills, statistical and data analysis and presentation, report writing, health and safety and ethics.
You also choose 20 credits of elective subjects from across the University.
In Year 2, you’ll gain an introduction to each of the four disciplines: biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and pharmacology again supported by the ‘Being a Biomolecular Scientist’ class which develops various skills gained in Year 1.
Years 3 & 4
You'll specialise in the area in which you plan to graduate. In the Honours year, you’ll carry out a research project in either subject and present a dissertation of your work. This could be lab-based research.
You can also take part in enterprise projects of commercial significance for a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company in the west of Scotland. Student exchange programmes offer the chance to study and take part in lab-based research abroad.
Transfer to the MSci Pharmacology or Microbiology may be possible at the end of Year 4, subject to performance.
Work placement
We offer opportunities for you to engage with research full time in the summer preceding your final year. Since 2010, 47 undergraduate students have benefited from summer internships, of which 27 were funded by external organisations (including the Wellcome Trust, Nuffield Foundation, Carnegie Trust and professional societies) and others received internal funding (including the University's ResearchInterns@Strathclyde).
You'll receive in-depth training through the host lab as well as skills development workshops on public engagement, networking and poster/presentation preparation. Additionally there are opportunities for students to participate in the ERASMUS scheme. Students have worked in universities from Poland to Portugal, from the Czech Republic to Spain.
Major projects
You'll have the opportunity to take part in a Vertically Integrated Project – VIP@Strath. These projects give students from first year through to postgraduate level the opportunity to work with staff in multi-disciplinary teams on cutting-edge research and development projects.
By taking part in the VIP project, you'll be able to:
- learn & practice many different professional skills
- make substantial technical contributions to a project
- experience many different roles on a large design team
- interact & receive support from more senior students &, in some instances, receive mentoring from PhD students involved in the project
- contribute to the completion of large-scale design projects that are of significant benefit to the research programmes of staff members
Our department holds a Silver Athena Swan award, recognising our exceptional commitment and excellence in the advancement of gender equality.
Postgraduate study
Students from these courses have gone on to Masters postgraduate studies including MSc in Biomedical Science, Industrial Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Analysis and Forensic Science. A number of students have pursued PhDs at a number of universities. Many students also go on to study for a PGDE in order to qualify as future science teachers.
Student competitions
Prizes for the best students are awarded each year by a number of societies including British Society of Immunology, British Physiological Society, the Institute of Biomedical Science and the Royal Society of Biology. Students are encouraged to enter a number of competitions such as Findacure Essay competition and Life Sciences CV Competition.
Course content
In Year 1, you’ll study classes in cells and their molecules, organisms and diseases and Bio-organic chemistry. These are all underpinned by the ‘Being a Biomolecular Scientist’ class which begins with basic laboratory skills, statistical and data analysis and presentation, report writing, health and safety and ethics.
In Year 2, you’ll gain an introduction to each of the four disciplines of biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and pharmacology, again supported by the "Being a Biomolecular Scientist” class which develops various skills gained in Year 1. There’s a strong emphasis on practical laboratory skills and the development of generic skills such as scientific writing and problem-solving.
Being a Biomolecular Scientist 1 - 40 credits
This module aims to give you:
- the foundation practical skills required for a biological biochemistry
- the foundation practical skills based around 'health and the body'
- foundation presentation skills
Cells & their Molecules - 20 credits
The aims of this module are to:
- provide you with Foundation level knowledge relating to basic functions of cells
- set out the principles of biological action and function that you will encounter through all four years
- expose you to the basic suite of teaching, learning and assessment paradigms used throughout your degree with a particular focus on oral communication and presentation
Organisms & Disease - 20 credits
From this module, you will gain:
- foundation-level knowledge relating to basic evolution, species diversity, development, homeostasis, and infectious disease
- the principles of biological action and function that you will encounter through all four years
- knowledge about methods of teaching, learning and assessment used throughout the degree, with particular focus on teamwork and finding, citing and using information
Bio-Organic Chemistry - 20 credits
The aims of this module are to:
- understand nucleotide/nucleic acid molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation as the foundation of nucleic acid chemical and biological potential
- learn about amino acid/protein molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation as the foundation of protein chemical and biological potential
- study monosaccharide/polysaccharide molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation as the foundation of carbohydrate chemical and biological potential
- understand the chemistry, stereochemistry and biological roles of polyketide/polyisoprene natural products and their biosynthetic origins
Being a Biomolecular Scientist 2 - 40 credits
The aims of this module are to give you the fundamental:
- practical skills required for a biochemist
- practical skills required for an immunologist
- practical skills required for a microbiologist
- practical skills required for a pharmacologist
- skills in presentation and teamwork
Introduction to Biochemistry - 20 credits
The aims of this module are for you:
- to understand gene structure and function and the regulation of gene expression
- to understand how human genetic variation arises and its uses in medicine and forensics
- to understand the basic structure and function of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates
- to appreciate the key metabolic pathways in the absorptive and post-absorptive states
- to understand the pathways involved in cell growth and cell death
Introduction to Immunology - 20 credits
By studying this module, you'll be able to demonstrate an understanding of:
- how immune cells recognise antigens
- key concepts in induction of acquired immunity
- effector mechanism of the immune system
- helpful immune responses
- harmful immune responses
Introduction to Microbiology - 20 credits
The aims of this module are to help you to:
- understand the fundamental taxonomic grouping and evolutionary relationships of microbes
- appreciate physiological, structural and molecular differences between different microorganisms
- understand the role and control of microorganisms in disease
- learn how organisms adapt to hostile environments and appreciate the biotechnological exploitation of extremophiles
Introduction to Pharmacology - 20 credits
This module aims to develop your understanding of:
- systems biology and homeostasis
- the somatic, autonomic and central nervous systems
- the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
- the hepatic and renal systems
- the endocrine and reproductive systems
Being a Biomolecular Scientist 3 - 40 credits
The aims of this module are to:
- give you generic practical skills in biomolecular science
- further develop your practical skills in specific biomedical biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, histopathology and serology that align with the module choices of the degree programme
- enhance your report writing and presentation skills
Fundamental Microbiology
By studying this class, students will be able to:
- understand the basis of gene regulation in microorganisms and how this influences bacterial physiology
- describe the key mechanisms that drive evolution of microorganisms
- demonstrate an understanding of the principles of mathematical modelling in predicting microbial growth and death
- describe the basis of microbial form and function and how bioinformatics are fundamental to microbiology
Biomedical Microbiology
The aims of this class are to enable students to:
- understand the difference between taxonomic and phylogenetic classification of microorganisms
- understand the principles that underpin bacterial, fungal and viral identification
- understand the structure, function and growth characteristics of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Apply that knowledge to their role in disease development
- describe the distinguishing features, pathogenic properties, epidemiology, treatment and control of medically important bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa
Fundamental Pharmacology
This aims of this class are to:
- develop understanding of how drugs act at receptors and how these actions can be quantified
- develop understanding of the major cell signalling mechanisms in cells
- develop understanding of the properties and distribution of adrenoceptors and therapeutic uses of related drugs
- develop understanding of the properties and functions of eicosanoids and autacoids and therapeutic uses of related drugs
- develop understanding of the properties and distribution of GABA and glutamate receptors and therapeutic uses of related drugs
Biomedical Pharmacology
This class aims to give students:
- an understanding of cardiovascular pathophysiology
- an understanding of respiratory disease
- an understanding of chronic inflammatory diseases
- an understanding of liver and kidney dysfunction
- an understanding of haematopoietic-linked diseases
Being a Biomolecular Scientist 4 - 40 credits
The aims of this module are:
- to give you the opportunity to carry out original research
- to provide you with the skills to critically interpret data and develop conclusions or hypotheses based upon your findings
- to provide you with the skills to analyse and present your data
- to provide knowledge in a key area that is relevant to your career aspirations.
Advanced Microbiology
The aims of this class are to enable students to:
- understand how to analyse and interpret the genomes of microorganisms.
- understand the mechanisms that permit bacteria to sense and interact with the environment
- understand of the mechanisms of bacterial growth and development.
- understand microbial populations through ‘omic analysis
Advanced Pharmacology
By studying this class, students will develop:
- an understanding of advanced topics in pharmacology
- an understanding of P2X and P2Y receptors as novel therapeutic targets
- an understanding of models of stroke and therapeutic targets
- an understanding of optogenetics
- an understanding of the roles of sphingosine 1-phosphate in cancer
- an understanding of the study of leukocytes in angioplasty
Optional modules
Choose one module from the following:
Clinical Microbiology
This class aims to provide students with an understanding of:
- the principles of epidemiology in infectious diseases
- the diagnosis of microbial identification using genotyping and viable and non-viable approaches
- the mechanisms of antimicrobial agents and antimicrobial resistance as well as the significance of biofilms in antimicrobial resistance
- the mechanisms and importance of infection control in the immune-compromised host
Applied Microbiology
This class aims to provide an understanding of:
- the basics of fermentation technology and how microbes can be exploited for human benefit
- the impact of modern molecular biology techniques on industrial biotechnology and how this can be employed in an industrial setting
- the importance of bioprocess monitoring and downstream processing
- how microbial processes affect our environment in beneficial and deleterious ways
Clinical Pharmacology
The aims of this class are to:
- develop an understanding of neurodegenerative disorders and the common themes of protein aggregation and inflammation in the brain
- develop an understanding of the pharmacological control of global activity within the nervous system: epilepsy, anaesthesia and analgesia, use of sedatives and hypnotics
- develop an understanding of psychiatric disorders
- develop an understanding of drug dependence
- develop an understanding of endocrine disease and oral contraceptives
Applied Pharmacology
The aims of this class are to enable students to:
- develop an understanding of adverse drug reactions
- develop an understanding of cancer chemotherapy
- develop an understanding of prevention and treatment of malaria
- develop an understanding of bacterial and viral chemotherapy
- develop an understanding of gastrointestinal disorders
Assessment
Knowledge and understanding are assessed by written examinations, essays, presentations and computer-aided learning (CAL) exercises and quizzes. These are all available on our virtual learning environment, Myplace.’
Competence is assessed through practical tests, practical write-ups, project reports and CAL exercises and quizzes.
Communication skills are assessed through essays and oral presentations.
Project work is assessed from project reports and oral presentations.
There’s an individual research project in the final year of the course where you’ll demonstrate research skills, approaches and problem-solving.
Learning & teaching
You’ll gain knowledge and understanding through around 240 hours of lectures, including review-type lectures, practical classes, tutorials and computer-aided learning.
To allow you to prepare, class hand-outs are available in advance from Myplace. Hand-outs will also be supported by tasks such as essays, tutorial and workshop presentations.
Quantitative skills are taught by the Department of Maths & Statistics, the Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry as well as the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences.
Most laboratory classes, including the chemistry classes in Year 1, include number, numeracy and statistical skills that are used in the Institute. Communication skills are taught throughout the course. Information retrieval, interpretation and research skills are gained through project work which also develops team-working skills.
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Life in Glasgow
Entry requirements
Required subjects are shown in brackets.
| Highers |
Year 1 entry: AABB/AAAC (two sciences – Biology/Human Biology B and Chemistry B; Maths and English National 5 B) AABB /AABCC (Biology B, Chemistry B, Maths and English National 5 B) |
|---|---|
| Advanced Highers | Year 2 entry: BB (Chemistry B, Biology/ Human Biology B, plus Year 1 above) |
| A Levels | Standard entry requirements*: Year 1 entry: BBB (two sciences required, at least one of which must be Biology or Chemistry; GCSE Chemistry 6/B (if not at A Level); GCSE Maths 6/B, GCSE English Language 6/B or Literature 6/B) Year 2 entry: BBB (Chemistry and Biology, GCSE Maths 6/B, and GCSE English Language 6/B or English Literature 6/B) |
| International Baccalaureate | Standard entry requirements*: Year 1 entry: 30 (Two science subjects at HL5 at least one of which must be Biology or Chemistry. Maths SL5 and English SL5) (Chemistry and Biology, one at HL6, the other at HL5. Maths SL5 and English SL5) |
| HNC/HND | Year 1 entry: HNC, Graded Unit B |
| International students | View the entry requirements for your country. |
| Deferred entry | Accepted |
*Standard entry requirements
Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.
Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.
In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance that was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.
**Minimum entry requirements
Contextual Admissions for Widening Access
We want to increase opportunities for people from every background.
Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential, and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.
University preparation programme for international students
We offer international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Business and Social Sciences at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Strathclyde.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' section
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.
| Scotland |
Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Funding Council. Scottish undergraduate students undertaking an exchange for a semester/year will continue to pay their normal tuition fees at Strathclyde and will not be charged fees by the overseas institution. |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £9,250 Assuming no change in fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2024/25, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and integrated Masters programmes), MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply. |
| International | £25,250 |
| Additional costs | Lab coats and safety goggles:
Visa & immigration: International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
| University preparation programme fees | International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. |
| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my studies?
Students from Scotland
Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.
For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.
Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland
We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:
You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.
International Students
We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.
Careers
Many of our graduates work in the development of drugs, food processing, protecting the environment, fighting disease or slowing the ageing process. They work in a variety of positions including:
- research in academia
- NHS & private sector laboratory technician
- clinical support worker
We also have graduates working in areas such as medical writing, clinical drug trials, medical sales, and production control.
Institute of Biomedical Science accreditation of the BSc Honours in Biomedical Science ensures that this degree meets the academic requirements for registration as a biomedical scientist. This is required if you wish to obtain registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. Registration with the council is essential if you wish to pursue a career as a biomedical scientist in an NHS laboratory.
Skills you'll gain on this degree will also prepare you for careers in finance, management, marketing, sales, business and media.
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Start date:
Microbiology & Pharmacology (1 year entry)
Start date:
Microbiology & Pharmacology (2 year entry)
Start date: Sep 2024
Microbiology & Pharmacology (1 year entry)
Start date: Sep 2024
Microbiology & Pharmacology (2 year entry)
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