About this honours subject area

Microbiology is the study of organisms that are too small to be seen by the unaided human eye. Such organisms include protozoa, algae, fungi, lichens, bacteria and viruses. Microbiology is one of the most important and exciting of the biological sciences. Not only is it a basic biological science, which has provided us with much of our understanding of the chemical and physical principles behind living processes, but it is also an applied biological science, dealing with aspects of medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, food technology and pollution control.

The microbiology honours course is strongly recommended for any student wishing to enter a research career or undertake further work leading to a higher degree. During honours, you will challenge yourself intellectually and practically, by conducting original research under the supervision of a member of our academic staff, culminating in the presentation of a thesis. With help from your supervisor, you will formulate a topic to be researched, and in carrying out your research, you will develop your laboratory skills and critical thinking skills. The School of Molecular Bioscience offers microbiology honours projects in a wide range of research areas including molecular microbiology, microbial genetics, applied and environmental microbiology, biotechnology, and virology.