Information for Prospective Undergraduates

Zoology and Microbiology degree

Zoology and Microbiology degree - 3 years (CC35) or 4 years (through C990 Life Sciences)

The Zoology and Microbiology interface

Biological subjects cannot always be set in discrete pigeonholes. An example of this is at the interface of Zoology and Microbiology, because so much of the behaviour of microbes impinges on human beings and the animals that are important to us in agriculture, sport, and as pets. As a student on the Zoology and Microbiology degree at Aberystwyth University, you will work specifically at that interface. Interactions between the two disciplines are seen most readily in medicine and veterinary science; indeed you only need to look at the media to see many examples of this, the controversies surrounding bird ‘flu, foot and mouth disease, Legionnaire's disease, and the development of antibiotic resistance in microbes. This is because the well-being of mankind and animals is constantly being threatened by microbial parasites, protistans, and fungi, and there is still much to be learned about the body's defences against them. There are also many examples of beneficial relationships between microbes and animals, such as in the rumen, coral reefs and termite colonies. The Aberystywyth Zoology and Microbiology degree will enable you to contribute to the control of the detrimental effects and the maximisation of the beneficial effects of microorganisms in the zoological sphere.

Zoology and Microbiology at Aberystwyth

The Zoology and Microbiology degree at Aberystwyth is designed to provide you with an understanding of the key concepts and underlying principles of these two subjects and their interaction. For example, microbiology and molecular genetics are highly relevant to studies of animal cell culture, whilst immunology and serology provide microbiologists with powerful analytical tools to study microbial animal disease.

Zoology and Microbiology degree course structure

Year 1

The first year of this degree provides you with a firm grounding in biological sciences, including an understanding of the key concepts of animal and microbial life. You will also be trained in research and communication skills.

Years 2 and 3

In your second and third years you take core modules in both zZology and Microbiology but are also encouraged to develop your own interests through your choice of optional modules and final year project. For instance, you can study immunology, cell and animal development, vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, microbes and disease, aspects of mammalian biology, bacteriology and molecular biology. The final year project also gives you the opportunity to further develop practical and planning skills in a research area of your choice.

Detailed Course Structure

Careers related to your degree in Zoology and Microbiology

Graduate in Zoology and Microbiology are ideally equipped to take advantage of employment opportunities in the rapidly growing green economy.You will be especially well suited to work in animal welfare, animal protection and animal health. Many graudates will pursue careers specifically related to their Zoology and Microbiology degree; but whatever career path you choose to follow, your degree will have equipped you with the transferable skills of analysis, probelm-solving and reporting which are highly valued by prospective employers in all sections of the economy.