Student conducting tests using scientific equipment

Professional/Short course Medical Microbiology

Course code
USSKBJ303
Application
University
Level
Professional/Short Course
School
School of Applied Sciences
Campus
Frenchay
Delivery
Face-to-face
Module Leader
Dr Lynne Lawrance

BSc(Hons) Biomedical Top-up

Modules can be offered either individually or collectively if you have had your first degree evaluated by the IBMS and require further top-up studies in order to complete the educational requirement for IBMS accreditation.

About

This 30 credit module, Medical Microbiology, aims to provide the opportunity for students to apply critical thinking and evidence-based analysis specifically to the field of Medical Microbiology

Upon successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

  • demonstrate an up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge of background theoretical constructs in microbiology such as classification and taxonomy, microbial detection and identification, pathogenicity principles and epidemiology.    
  • critically discuss the virulence and pathogenicity of a range of infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites).    
  • apply up-to-date theoretical knowledge of pathogenicity, epidemiology, treatment and control of pathogens to selected examples of infectious diseases.    
  • evaluate the impact that microbial infections have on regional/national populations, sub-populations and individuals in different geographical/economic/political/sociological settings.

Read how graduate, Laura Holding, is helping in the fight against Ebola in Sierra Leone.

For an applicant looking to top-up an undergraduate degree to obtain an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) accreditation, please refer to the Biomedical Science module top-up for IBMS/HCPC accreditation for more information.

Entry requirements

You must have completed either Studies in Biology of Disease (USSKAT-30-2) or Human Health and Disease (USSKAN-30-2) or Human Health and Disease (USSJSV-15-2) AND either Microbial Pathogenesis (USSKB6-15-2) or The Microbial World (USSKN7-15-2).

Careers / Further study

This module can contribute towards the PGCert Health and Social Care, MSc Clinical Practice, and the Professional Development Awards. If you have any queries, please contact the Professional Development team (pd@uwe.ac.uk).

This module is compulsory on all variants of BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science, and optional on all variants of BSc(Hons) Biological Sciences.

How to apply

Please click on the Apply Now button to apply for your CPD module, which you can take as a stand-alone course or as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters level) programme.

For further information

Structure

Content

This level 6 (undergraduate level) module typically covers the following topics:

  • Detection of microbes
  • Taxonomy and classification
  • Epidemiology
  • The host-microbe balance
  • The control of infectious diseases in human populations
  • Infectious diseases of key body systems.

 

Learning and Teaching

Scheduled learning for this module primarily consists of lectures and tutorials.

Independent learning includes hours engaged with essential reading, assignment preparation and completion etc. You will also be required to spend a substantial amount of their independent learning hours on reputable website to gain the most up-to-date information on many of the topics covered in this module (and you will receive guidance on how to do this effectively and reliably).

Assessment

Assessment for this module comprises a written assignment (3,000 words) and a three hour on-campus invigilated examination to align with the Institute of Biomedical Science requirements. Papers will be set with a range of questions to cover the breadth of module.

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

Please visit the Biomedical Science module top-up for IBMS/HCPC accreditation page to see fees for our modules.

Funding may be available to support your learning. Please contact your Trust Education Lead. If you work in the Private, Independent and Voluntary Sector, please contact your employer who will advise you.

Dates

Please see our timetable for full date information.

Features

Study facilities

The College of Health, Science and Society has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and the facilities it provides.

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Biosciences facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

Page last updated 9 March 2026