I chose Surrey for the modular programme, which provides the flexibility to choose subjects you’re particularly interested in, and because I was keen to participate in the Professional Training scheme.
Biotechnology is the study of the systems that govern gene expression and metabolic pathways, and how manipulation of these systems can be applied to the use of microbes as ‘cell factories’ to make gene therapies, replace missing components in defective cells and synthesise therapeutic drugs from by-products of microbial metabolism.
The introduction of gene analysis and other developments from the ‘post-genomic era’ are continuing to provide technologies that enable the manipulation of microbial genes to enhance the production of valuable metabolites that can be used, for example, as medicines or fuels. Microbial ‘cell factories’ are used to produce drugs for treating such diverse conditions as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, haemophilia and cancer, as well as curing infections. A fungal mating factor is even used for preventing tissue rejection after transplant operations.
Of course, micro-organisms have evolved to survive effectively in the environment, rather than to make products for the benefit of humans. Therefore, much ingenuity has been expended in manipulating microbes to ‘overproduce’ such products. Traditional products such as fermented foods and beverages have also benefited from modern, high-tech applications developed by biotechnologists.
Our Microbiology and Biotechnology programmes encompass a broad range of biological science, covering everything from molecular biology to biochemistry of micro-organisms, and pathogenesis of disease to the creation of pharmaceutical agents via microbial exploitation.
The modular structure of our programmes allows the study of a broad base of topics during the first two years of the degree. More specialised topics are studied in the final year, together with the completion of a research project that will give you the opportunity to explore a research area you are especially interested in and develop lab-based skills and experience in that area. Together with the Professional Training placement year, this means that our graduates are well-rounded, knowledgeable and eminently employable.
In Year 1, you will study a broad range of microbiology and biotechnology topics to allow you to develop a strong foundation of knowledge in the subject. Laboratory practical sessions will complement your study of theoretical modules in topics such as medical microbiology, cell biology and molecular biology. You will also study some biochemistry, in order to refine your understanding of biochemical aspects of microbiology.
Modules include:
During Year 2, you will study aspects of microbiology and biotechnology in greater depth, and will apply basic theories to more complex scenarios and scientific phenomena. Specifically, areas such as cellular microbiology, immunology and virology are explored. A specific focus of your studies in Year 2 is preparation for your Professional Training placement year.
Modules include:
Our Professional Training programme is one of the very best available, and the majority of our students choose to undertake a Professional Training placement year. Our experienced tutors help you to choose suitable placements from a strictly vetted selection of excellent industrial, hospital and academic institutions, many of whom have taken Surrey students regularly for many years. Examples of organisations that have participated in the scheme include the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, Solvay Pharmaceuticals (the Netherlands), the University of Turku (Finland), Okayama University (Japan) and Cornell University Medical School (USA).
In Year 3, the core taught modules you will study vary, depending on your specialist pathway, and include topics such as advanced immunology, molecular biology, systems biology and medical biochemistry. The largest single component of the year is the research project (equivalent to two modules), carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff. For their research project, students have recently chosen to investigate the generation of energy by microbes, the microbial production of antibiotics and useful pharmaceuticals produced by eukaryotes.
Modules include:
The vast majority of our students choose to undertake a Professional Training placement year. We take great pride in our Professional Training programme, which is one of the very best available. Our experienced tutors help you to choose suitable placements from a strictly vetted selection of excellent industrial, hospital and academic institutions. Many of our Professional Training partners have taken Surrey students regularly for many years.
Most of our placements provide a salary, and to ensure their success, students are visited by a tutor three times during the year. We have placements across the UK, including major pharmaceutical, food and biotechnology companies and research institutes
We also provide placements outside the UK. Examples of organisations that have participated in the scheme include the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, Solvay Pharmaceuticals (the Netherlands), the University of Turku (Finland), Okayama University (Japan) and Cornell University Medical School (USA).
We offer a modular degree based on a structured programme of advanced study, which allows you to pursue the subjects essential to your particular degree, but at the same time offers you the flexibility to study other subjects of interest. During your first year, almost a third of your time is spent in laboratory classes.
In your second year, the study becomes more specialised and you will focus on many different aspects of the subject. In your final year, you will be performing your own scientific research project, usually in one of our research laboratories. Throughout your degree, we provide support to some of the core modules in an electronic format, to complement the excellent facilities offered by the Library & Learning Centre.
All modules are assessed individually and credits are awarded for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and practical reports as appropriate. Credits are accumulated towards the award of Bachelor of Science (BSc) with honours.
On average you will have approximately 24 hours of contact time each week (lectures, practical classes and tutorials), and you will also be expected to undertake private study, such as laboratory write-ups, essays and other coursework, for a similar amount of time.
Our degree programmes are enhanced through the use of cutting-edge laboratory facilities. Our commitment to the development of your practical skills means that you will use equipment allowing you to analyse the genetic make-up of different types of microbes, and specialist computer software enabling the modelling of microbiological systems and metabolic pathways.
For your research project in Year 3, you will work within our research laboratories alongside active researchers, and will have the opportunity to contribute to established research projects being undertaken by the Department.
University of Surrey Microbiology and Biotechnology graduates are employed in academic and industrial research laboratories throughout the world. Take a look at league tables both for the University overall and related to this subject area and you will see our track record of being amongst the top UK universities for graduate employment.
The majority of our graduates go immediately into the job market, and many others choose further study such as MSc degrees and PhD studentships. The many transferable skills that you will gain during your studies ensure that you will be a suitable candidate for a wide variety of science careers, whether you want to be a laboratory-based research scientist or a science journalist.
Graduates of the Medical Microbiology programme have also gone on to study medicine.
Graduates over the last few years entered employment in roles such as:
Many students progress to higher degrees at Masters and doctorate levels.
You will be allocated a personal tutor during your first week at the University and will normally keep this tutor throughout the degree programme. They will provide advice to you on personal and academic matters, including reviewing your progress on the programme, advising on module, placement and career options and providing information about wider support services at the University.
Come to one of our Open Days, when you can tour the campus, speak to students and academic staff, see our student accommodation and ask as many questions as you like. In the meantime, order a personal prospectus – tailored to only include the subjects that interest you.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent). Two science A-levels, one of which should be Biology.
Offers are normally made in terms of grades. Suitable candidates may be invited to an Applicant Day. During the visit to the University the candidate can find out more about the programme and meet staff and students.
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill (or equivalent).
We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
| Award | Course Length | Professional Training | UCAS code | KIS code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | 3 years | C560 | View KIS data set | |
| BSc (Hons) | 4 years | C560 | View KIS data set |
We offer a range of bursaries, scholarships and other financial support.
See course information for students applying to start in September 2013.
Phone: +44 (0)1483 681 681
