Microbiology BSc (Hons) - 2027/8
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 6
Final award and programme/pathway title
BSc (Hons) Microbiology
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| Ord | Biosciences |
| DipHE | Biosciences |
| CertHE | Biosciences |
Professional recognition
Royal Society of Biology
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | UCG10001 | 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits |
| Full-time with PTY | UCG10015 | 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Biosciences
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - School of Biosciences
Programme Leader
BROADBENT Lindsay (Biosciences)
Date of production/revision of spec
12/06/2026
Educational aims of the programme
- To provide a high quality education in the various aspects of microbiology for students with diverse interests and career aspirations (e.g. pharmaceutical / industrial research, scientific writer/editor, medical studies, MSc / PhD).
- To further the students' knowledge of the fundamental principles of microbiology and to develop a deeper knowledge in specific areas of microbiology.
- To provide the appropriate environment to encourage the development of the students interest in microbiology and to help them acquire appropriate intellectual, scientific, technical and key transferable skills to promote self-directed and life-long learning.
- Students will enhance their digital fluency by engaging with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and methodologies relevant to the Biosciences. They will be equipped to practically apply AI-driven approaches in modern biological research, while critically evaluating the ethical implications, limitations, and reliability of AI-generated data in scientific inquiry and professional practice.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| An understanding of laboratory-based investigations in microbiology applicable to studying microbial involvement in health, disease, and biotechnology. | K | DipHE | |
| An understanding of the basic principles of microbiology and the application of these to the understanding and solution of a range of scientific and academic problems | K | CertHE | |
| A good breadth of knowledge in the field of microbiology in general and a good depth of knowledge in the specialist fields (Medical, Biotechnology, Food Science) as defined in these specifications and the subject bench marking statements | K | BSc (Hons) | |
| Evaluate research findings and scientific literature and demonstrate the ability to find and evaluate appropriate sources of material and to critically assess it. | C | BSc (Hons) | |
| Demonstrate an understanding of research design and planning and the limits of scientific findings. | C | BSc (Hons) | |
| Develop basic and advanced laboratory skills relevant to microbiology. | PT | BSc (Hons) | |
| Interpret quantitative and qualitative data, using advanced numerical and statistical skills | PT | BSc (Hons) | |
| Work effectively and take responsibility for planning and organisation of work both their own (independently) and in a team or small group towards a common goal. | PT | BSc (Hons) | |
| Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and visual means | T | BSc (Hons) | |
| Use Information Technology e.g. WWW, Virtual Learning Resources, word processors and statistics packages. | T | BSc (Hons) | |
| An understanding of laboratory-based investigations in bioscience applicable to studying microbiology | K | Ord | |
| An understanding of the basic principles of microbiology and the application of these to the understanding and solution of a range of scientific and academic problems. | K | Ord | |
| A good breadth of knowledge in the field of bioscience in general and a good depth of knowledge in the context of medical aspects as defined in these specifications and the subject bench marking statements | K | Ord | |
| Evaluate research findings and scientific literature and demonstrate the ability to find and evaluate appropriate sources of material and to critically assess it | C | Ord | |
| Understand key principles of research design and planning and the limits of scientific findings | C | Ord | |
| Learn basic laboratory skills relevant to microbiology | P | Ord | |
| Interpret quantitative and qualitative data, using basic numerical and statistical skills | PT | Ord | |
| Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and visual means. | T | Ord | |
| Work effectively and take responsibility for planning and organisation of work both their own (independently) and in a team or small group towards a common goal. | T | Ord | |
| Use Information Technology e.g. WWW, Virtual Learning Resources, word processors and statistics packages. | T | Ord | |
| An understanding of the basic principles of microbiology and the application of these to the understanding and solution of a range of scientific and academic problems. | K | DipHE | |
| A good breadth of knowledge in the field of bioscience in general and a good depth of knowledge in the context of medical aspects as defined in these specifications and the subject bench marking statements. | K | DipHE | |
| Understand research findings and scientific literature and demonstrate the ability to find and evaluate appropriate sources of material and to critically assess it | C | DipHE | |
| Learn basic laboratory skills relevant to microbiology. | P | DipHE | |
| Interpret quantitative and qualitative data. | P | DipHE | |
| Planning and organise indendently their work contribute to effective working as part of a team/small groups on a given project or task. | PT | DipHE | |
| Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and visual means | T | DipHE |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over three academic years, consisting of 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). All modules are semester based on a 15 credit tariff system.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Full-time with PTY
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and the optional professional training year). All modules are semester based on a 15 credit tariff system.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
L5 semester 1: 3 compulsory modules and a choice of 1 from 2 optional modules.
L5 semester 2: 3 compulsory and a choice of 1 from 2 optional modules.
Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
L6 semester 1: 2 compulsory modules and a choice of 1 from 2 optional modules
For returning PTY students there will be three compulsory modules (BMS3054, BMS3060 and BMS3112), to avoid potential repetition of a module.
L6 semester 2: 2 compulsory modules and a choice of 1 from 2 optional modules
Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
L5 semester 1: 3 compulsory modules and a choice of 1 from 2 optional modules.
L5 semester 2: 3 compulsory and a choice of 1 from 2 optional modules.
Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
L6 semester 1: 2 compulsory modules and a choice of 1 from 2 optional modules
For returning PTY students there will be three compulsory modules (BMS3054, BMS3060 and BMS3112), to avoid potential repetition of a module.
L6 semester 2: 2 compulsory modules and a choice of 1 from 2 optional modules
Professional Training Year (PTY) -
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMSP011 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING MODULE | Core | 120 | Year-long |
Module Selection for Professional Training Year (PTY) -
N/A
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | Y | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | Y | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
This programme aligns with the University of Surrey¿s Five Pillars of Curriculum Design: Digital Capabilities, Employability, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Resourcefulness & Resilience, and Sustainability.
Digital Capabilities: Students develop proficiency in SurreyLearn, online databases, microbiology and epidemiology datasets, and specialist analytical and statistical software. They learn to generate, analyse, and present data, while using digital communication and collaboration tools such as Teams, Zoom, WhatsApp, and cloud-sharing platforms. The programme also promotes awareness of responsible digital practice, including research integrity, misinformation, and digital wellbeing.
Employability: Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, the programme develops the competencies required of modern microbiologists. Students engage with academic and industry experts across clinical, research, and biotechnology sectors. Assessments strengthen critical evaluation, problem-solving, communication, and enterprise skills through case studies, outbreak investigations, and pathogen-focused research.
Global and Cultural Capabilities: Students learn in an interactive and collaborative environment, benefiting from varied cultural perspectives. The curriculum explores how social, cultural, and demographic factors influence infectious disease outcomes and management. Students also examine global health inequalities, including access to diagnostics, treatments, and healthcare resources.
Resourcefulness & Resilience: Students are encouraged to become independent, reflective learners through active and flipped-learning approaches. Assessments are designed to build confidence, critical thinking, adaptability, teamwork, and leadership. Practical and professional experiences promote self-efficacy, resilience, and effective workload management.
Sustainability: Sustainability is embedded throughout the programme, including topics such as sustainable diagnostics, environmentally responsible laboratory practice, food microbiology, and global resource use. Through tutorials, seminars, laboratory work, and research projects, students explore how to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality scientific research and innovation.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2027/8 academic year.