A week in the life of a microbiology student
From learning about epidemiology to discovering how to identify pathogenic bacteria, discover what a typical week looks like as a first-year BSc (Hons) Microbiology student at Surrey.

During your practical sessions, you’ll carry out a full range of experiments, including the analysis of the genetic makeup of different types of microbes.
How you'll learn
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
- Lectures
- Laboratory-based practicals
- Online learning
- Seminars
- Group work (e.g. discussion groups)
- Tutorials.
Outside of these, you’ll be expected to carry out independent study, including coursework, essays, laboratory write-ups and reading.
We’ve also introduced hybrid learning, a mix of online and face-to-face sessions, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I really enjoy being in the labs and getting stuck into a good practical. The teaching staff are eager to help and are all warm and approachable too."
Gareth Raynes, BSc (Hons) Microbiology
A typical week in Semester 1 of your first year
In your first year, you'll receive approximately 12 contact hours each week.
Monday
- 9am to 10am – 'Biochemistry: The Molecules of Life' lecture on intramolecular interactions
- 11am to 1pm – 'Current Topics in Biosciences' drop-in session to discuss coursework progress with tutors about antibiotic resistance seminar
- 2pm to 3pm – Tutorial with personal tutor for a general catch-up
Tuesday
- 9am to 10am – 'Microbiology: An Introduction to the Microbial World' lecture on the epidemiology of infectious diseases
- 10am to 1pm – 'Microbiology: An Introduction to the Microbial World' laboratory session on identifying pathogenic bacteria and fungi
Wednesday
- 9am to 12pm – Self-directed study for 'Biochemistry: The Molecules of Life' laboratory report and meeting with 'Current Topics in Biosciences' seminar group to coursework
Please note, Wednesday afternoons are left free for sporting activities.
Thursday
- 9am to 11am – 'Cell Biology' lecture on the structure and organisation of the nucleus
12pm to 1pm – 'Microbiology: An Introduction to the Microbial World' lecture on the biology of viruses
Friday
- 9am to 10am – 'Cell Biology' lecture on ribosomes and protein synthesis