Commencing semesters, 2014

Semester 1
Semester 2

Program level

Undergraduate

Program code

2030

Faculty

Science

School

School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences

Teaching Location

St Lucia

Delivery mode

Internal

Courses and requirements

View the courses and requirements for courses that can be studied as part of the Microbiology major.

Enquiries

Australian/domestic students

Faculty of Science

Email: science.enquiries@uq.edu.au

Phone: 07 3365 1888

International students

International Student Advisor

Email: study@uq.edu.au

Phone: Outside Australia: + 61 3 8676 7004
Within Australia (Free Call): 1800 671 980

Enquire online

Why study Microbiology?

Microbiology is the study of microscopic living organisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and protozoa. These organisms have a major impact on all aspects of life. Diseases caused by microbes are well-known and can involve viruses (e.g. influenza and HIV), bacteria (e.g. meningococcus, staphylococcus, E. coli) and protozoa (e.g. malaria). Our understanding of these organisms is directly linked to the control and prevention of infectious diseases. Immunology plays a key role in understanding how humans and animals respond to the challenge of these disease-causing organisms.

In recent years, research in microbiology has been revolutionized by new and exciting technologies such as proteomics, genomics, bioinformatics and genetic engineering. Thus, Microbiology is a discipline of enormous importance in basic and applied science.

What you can study

In this major, you will learn about the following areas of study:. - the basis of immune recognition and vaccine design - infectious diseases and methods of control - microbial biotechnology, and - parasitology. You will also develop an understanding of the importance of microbiology in environmental, agricultural and industrial settings. The removal of pollutants using microorganisms and the recognition that they play a key role in the cycling of molecules in the biosphere has led to major growth of environmental microbiology. This area of bioremediation requires a grounding in microbial physiology and ecology. Plant pathology is an important aspect of plant-microbe interactions and microbiologists have a key role to play in this area of agriculture and quarantine. More information about the Microbiology Major.

Courses and requirements

View the courses and requirements for courses that can be studied as part of the Microbiology major.

Employment opportunities

Training in microbiology can lead to exciting career opportunities in medical and public health microbiology and in environmental microbiology. The use of microbes to produce commercially important products has a long history but with a greater knowledge of the physiology and genetics of microorganisms, this area is expanding rapidly to create new career options in microbial biotechnology. Microbiology offers some of the most exciting and challenging careers in the fields of science and medicine. These include research microbiologists work in laboratories in universities, biotechnology companies and agricultural, medical and veterinary institutes. They investigate the molecular and physiological mechanisms employed by microorganisms associated with infectious diseases, environmental processes and biotechnology. They also contribute to the development of new approaches to treat and prevent infectious diseases. They use the latest genetic-engineering and molecular-biological techniques.

What it costs

Please view the Bachelor of Science for indicative fees.

How to apply

Please view the Bachelor of Science for information on key dates and how to apply.