Recent
developments such as mad-cow disease, HIV infection, legionnaire's disease and
the rise of antibiotic resistance emphasise the importance of understanding
infectious diseases for human health. Microbiology is concerned with the study
of these emerging diseases and microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi,
parasites and viruses, their structure and way of life, how they interact with
people and other living organisms in both harmful and beneficial ways and how
they can be exploited to our advantage. All these aspects are featured in
subjects commencing in second year which progress in third year to the
molecular biology of microorganisms and some applications of microbiology, such
as biotechnology and medical microbiology. In the current era of recombinant
DNA technology and genetic engineering, plasmids and viruses provide the
essential vehicles for genetic manipulation and expression in recipient cells.
Practical classes are designed to provide laboratory skills in safe handling of
microorganisms, experimental procedures illustrating their properties and
functions, laboratory diagnosis, and genetic manipulation and expression. There
is a strong emphasis on training in the techniques of recombinant DNA
technology.
The point value of each subject is six points. Useful companion subjects are
biochemistry, genetics, chemistry, botany, physiology, anatomy and (available
third year only) immunology or pharmacology. Students enrolling in MIC2011 and
MIC2022 are strongly advised to enrol in the molecular biology subjects MOL2011
and MOL2011.
Students may take a BSc(Hons) degree in microbiology in a fourth year of study
which combines the study of advanced topics and a defined research project that
continues throughout the year. The department has excellent facilities for
graduate studies.
The chief examiners are Dr Harley Dean (second year), Associate Professor John
Davies (MIC3011), Associate Professor Peter Wright (MIC3021), Professor Ben
Adler (MIC3032), Professor Julian Rood (MIC3042) and Associate Professor John
Davies (fourth year).
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