Microbiology and Immunology Integrated Master's

Microbiology and Immunology Integrated Master's - MSci

Our four-year Microbiology and Immunology MSci will equip you with advanced knowledge and research skills in two fascinating and complementary areas of contemporary bioscience to pursue a career in academia or research.

Year of entry

2023 - for 2024 entry see here - for 2023 entry see here

Course type

Integrated Master's

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

School of Life Sciences

UCAS code

C500

Duration of study

4 years / 5 years with international or placement year

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Why study Microbiology and Immunology Integrated Master's at Keele University?

Enhance your employability through the development of advanced problem solving and communication skills

Gain substantial research skills and the experience to stand out when applying for PhD study or employment in industry

Develop enhanced skills in the critical evaluation of scientific literature, the design and conduct of an authentic research study and the acquisition of research funding

Our core laboratory programme is delivered in state-of-the-art laboratories and offers a wide range of final year research projects

Our innovative assessment methods enable you to replicate the type of tasks you would likely carry out during a career in the field

Course overview

What is microbiology and immunology?

Microbiology and immunology are two modern biological sciences. Studied together these two fascinating subjects enable us to explore how microbes can be controlled to prevent disease and so much more.

Microbiology is one of the fastest developing fields of research in biology. Some examples of what microbiologists do include manipulating bacteria to produce useful products such as human insulin, and using other microbes that naturally feed on pollutants to clean up polluted water bodies.

Immunology explores the physiological functioning of the immune system in states of both health and disease as well as malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders like immune deficiency and transplant rejection.

Course overview

Our Microbiology and Immunology MSci curriculum has been carefully designed to enable you to not only develop core knowledge of this fascinating subject area, but to expose you to a comprehensive laboratory programme which encourages you to develop a range of key transferrable and employability skills.

Emphasis on the critical evaluation of scientific literature and effective communication particularly in the fourth year of study will see you develop independent learning and enhanced research skills. Our core modules will enable you to develop the required knowledge of the underpinning themes of the programme with our optional modules offering you the flexibility to tailor the programme to your interests and career aspirations.

In microbiology you will study the biology, biochemistry and physiology of viruses and microorganisms. You will examine bacteria, fungi and parasites, with a particular emphasis on host-pathogen interactions, the diseases these can cause, the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as well as their wider application in biotechnology and their critical roles in global ecosystems.

In immunology you will explore the role of the immune system in health and disease. You will study the enormous diversity of the human immune system, the importance of this in host-pathogen interactions and how such knowledge is essential in the development of new biotechnological approaches to disease treatment and prevention, such as vaccines.

Knowledge of the development and function of the different components of the immune response is also essential in our understanding of autoimmune disease and other disorders of the immune system, such as immunodeficiency. You will explore how the extraordinary specificity of components of the immune system, such as antibodies, can be exploited in development of targeted molecular therapies in diseases including cancer.

Additional opportunities, such as the Applied Life Sciences Placement and semester or year abroad provide you with the opportunity to apply your learnings to authentic professional practice and develop an intercultural awareness.

Global Challenge Pathways

In year one, you will have the option to choose an exciting route of elective study from Keele's ground-breaking Global Challenge Pathways. You can take this alongside your core degree programme to complement and enhance your studies at Keele. Each pathway is designed over the three years of undergraduate study and enables you to engage with a global issue or challenge which connects you directly to societal issues.

Support

The School of Life Sciences operates a robust support system that enables you to access advice, guidance, and one to one support from the following channels:

Programme Director or Director of Education for programme or School-related issues
Module Manager for module-related issues
Lead Demonstrators provide extensive support across the laboratory programme and supporting workshops
Post Graduate Research Student Demonstrators for help during laboratory sessions
Academic mentors for academic help and guidance
Student Experience and Support Officers for more personal or pastoral help
Early Resolution Officer to help advocate for you, for example, if you would like to raise a complaint
Student Voice are a group of students from your programme that can advocate for you to the School

Research expertise

Areas of research expertise within the School of Life Sciences include:

Auditory neuroscience and deafness
Autoimmune disease
Cancer
Ecology of parasites and vectors in tropical diseases
Glycobiology
Immunology
Molecular biology
Molecular cell biology of apoptosis and its dysregulation
Neurobiology and neuroplasticity
Neurodegeneration and regeneration
Parasitology
Structural biology
Sustainability in crops and control of crop pests
Virology
X-ray crystallography

Find out more about research in the School of Life Sciences.

Related courses

Next Steps

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year Placement year International year Study abroad GCP Elective Pathways Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

Keele strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for our entire community, and we're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

A Level requirements

ABB or 128 points, C or above in specific subjects
To include 2 Science A levels from the list below:

Applied Science
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Environmental Science
Food Science/Technology
Further Maths
Geography
Geology
Human Biology
Maths
Physics
Psychology
Sports Science
Statistics

GCSE requirements

Maths at C (or 4)
English Language / Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

DDM in a science based subject.
Also accept BTEC Diploma (2 A Level equiv), accept Pearson BTEC National Extended Cert in Applied Science as 1 science subject
You must take sufficient science credits, please contact us for advice.

International Baccalaureate

H6, H6, H5 or 32 overall
Must have H6 in 2 sciences

Access to HE Diploma

Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit or higher.
You must take sufficient science credits, please contact us for advice.

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Preparation programmes for international students

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

Next Steps

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Additional information

A Level requirements

ABB or 128 points, C or above in specific subjects
To include 2 Science A levels from the list below:

Applied Science
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Environmental Science
Food Science/Technology
Further Maths
Geography
Geology
Human Biology
Maths
Physics
Psychology
Sports Science
Statistics

GCSE requirements

Maths at C (or 4)
English Language / Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

DDM in a science based subject.
Also accept BTEC Diploma (2 A Level equiv), accept Pearson BTEC National Extended Cert in Applied Science as 1 science subject
You must take sufficient science credits, please contact us for advice.

International Baccalaureate

H6, H6, H5 or 32 overall
Must have H6 in 2 sciences

Access to HE Diploma

Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit or higher.
You must take sufficient science credits, please contact us for advice.

English Language Requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from .

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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State-of-the-art facilities

You will carry out practical laboratory work in both The David Attenborough Laboratories and Keele's
state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratory (CSL) building - which is part of the biggest single investment in learning and teaching in the University’s history.

The David Attenborough Laboratories have significantly expanded the School of Life Sciences’ teaching and research areas, and provide two additional state-of-the-art teaching laboratories with space for 120 students between them and two additional research laboratories. The research laboratories will make a significant contribution to the Global Health Initiative at Keele, and will be home to researchers working on neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease, spinal injury, oncology, viral infections and carbohydrate biochemistry.

David Attenborough laboratory pic ‌

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Modules

Modules for Microbiology and Immunology Integrated Master's

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester 1

Compulsory modules

Biochemistry
Physiology and Anatomy
Core Practical Skills

Semester 2

Physiology and Anatomy
Core Practical Skills
Molecular Cell Biology
Microbes: The Immune System and The Environment

Optional modules

Semester 1

Fundamentals of Computing
Introduction to Programming I
The Biological and Environmental Basis of Public Health

Optional Global Challenge pathways

From year one you will have the option of taking a Global Challenge Pathway, which includes one 15- credit module in each year of the degree.

Pathway topics include:

Digital Futures
Climate Change & Sustainability
Social Justice
Enterprise & the Future of Work
Global Health Challenges
Languages & Intercultural Awareness
Social Justice

Semester 1

Compulsory modules

Gene and Protein Engineering
Molecular, Cellular and Structural Immunology
Microbes, Viruses and Parasites
Practical Skills in Bioscience

Semester 2

Practical Skills in Bioscience
Research and Analytical Skills
Cell Signaling
Defence and Disease

Optional modules

Semester 1

Web Technologies
Computational and Artificial Intelligence I
Human Genetics
Research in Health and Wellbeing

Optional Global Challenge pathways

From year one you will have the option of taking a Global Challenge Pathway, which includes one 15- credit module in each year of the degree.

Pathway topics include:

Digital Futures
Climate Change & Sustainability
Social Justice
Enterprise & the Future of Work
Global Health Challenges
Languages & Intercultural Awareness
Social Justice

Semester 1

Compulsory modules

Human Parasitology
Biology of Disease - ISP
Bioinformatics and Science Communication

Semester 2

Biology of Disease - ISP
Bioinformatics and Science Communication
Case Studies in Microbiology and Immunology

Optional modules

Semester 1

Structural Biology & Macromolecular Function
Advances in Medicine
Tropical Biology Field Course
Challenges in Health and Social Policy
Double Applied Life Sciences Placement - ISP
Life Sciences Double Experimental Project (with research skills assessment)

Semester 2

Bioinformatics
Double Applied Life Sciences Placement - ISP
Life Sciences Double Experimental Project (with research skills assessment)
Computational and Artificial Intelligence II
Clinical Pathology
Cancer Biology
Medical Statistics

Optional Global Challenge pathways

From year one you will have the option of taking a Global Challenge Pathway, which includes one 15- credit module in each year of the degree.

Pathway topics include:

Digital Futures
Climate Change & Sustainability
Social Justice
Enterprise & the Future of Work
Global Health Challenges
Languages & Intercultural Awareness
Social Justice

Year 4

Compulsory modules

Semester 1

Advanced Research Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
Literature Review and Grant Proposal
MSci Extended Research Project

Semester 2

MSci Extended Research Project

Next Steps

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Your future career

95% of our students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

The substantial research skills and experience you will gain during your MSci research project will enable you to stand-out when applying for PhD study, in addition to working in both industry and academia.

Many students with microbiology and immunology degrees seek careers in scientific industries, like research or laboratory technology. Others might prefer jobs in the health care industries, such as in medicine, nursing or pharmaceutical development.

On successful completion of your degree, you will graduate with a strong set of transferable skills suited to a range of roles in the science, education and health sectors. You may also wish to further your knowledge by progressing to postgraduate study.

Key skills you will develop include:

Acquiring, analysing, synthesising, summarising and presenting information from a range of sources
Designing, conducting, analysing, reporting and evaluating biological experiments
Communicating effectively to a variety of audiences by written, spoken and graphical means using appropriate techniques and scientific language
Preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques, statistical programmes, spreadsheets and programs for presenting data visually
Working safely and responsibly in the laboratory with awareness of standard procedures such as risk assessment, COSHH and good laboratory practice (GLP)
Time management, flexibility, creativity and intellectual integrity
Problem-solving and creative thinking
Research
Teamwork

Careers that a graduate of this course could pursue include:
(Please note further study may be required).

Academia
Allergist
Environmental Scientist
Epidemiologist
Food safety expert
Food Technologist
Immunologist
Laboratory technician
Microbiologist
Parasitologist
Pharmacologist
Public health inspector
Research
Technical writer
Virologist

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offer a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability. From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.

Next Steps

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Our expertise

Staff in the School of Life Sciences include world-leading researchers, clinical practitioners and experts in learning and teaching. As part of their training, all staff complete post-graduate courses on learning and teaching. Some take this to Masters level and beyond, choosing to specialise in pedagogic research to ensure that our programmes are taught to the very highest standards.

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Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching

Diversity, flexibility and inclusivity is at the heart of our Education Strategy. The student voice helps us to shape what we do and we include students, local employers and professional bodies in our decision-making process.

Teaching methods include:

Online lectures

Traditional lectures are often delivered online using short videos, directed reading, key learning outcomes and forms that you can use to ask questions anonymously. This approach will give you far more flexibility to study where, when and how you choose.

Campus-based tutorials and workshops

Our campus-based tutorials are designed to support your online lectures. Tutorials and workshops help promote social learning, develop a sense of community and give you an opportunity to deepen your understanding of core issues, ask questions, reflect on your own learning, and discuss content with other students and your tutors. Additional workshops will also support your understanding of data analysis and report writing, including IT literacy, as well as helping you to develop skills in computational and bioinformatic analysis.

Laboratory practicals

A comprehensive laboratory programme covering a diverse range of modern biochemical and molecular techniques designed to train you in the skills needed for a career in microbiology and immunology. The programme will also develop skills in experimental design through enquiry-based learning and will ensure you develop both independent and team-based skills.

During practical laboratory work you will learn a range of laboratory techniques and employ a variety of methods could including:

Advanced microscopy techniques
Cell culture
Computational studies related to bioinformatics and macromolecular databases in investigating, acquiring, recording and analysing information relevant to microbiology and immunology
Designing, conducting, analysing, reporting and evaluating biological experiments, acknowledging an awareness of the validity, accuracy, calibration, precision and reproducibility of results
Determination of antimicrobial activity
Handling and manipulation of microorganisms
Molecular and serological techniques such as PCR and ELISA

Case-based learning (CBL) tutorials

Case-based learning (CBL) aims to help you to contextualise content taught and is incorporated into two core modules. These sessions will also develop skills such as leadership, communication and evidence based problem solving.

Live, online tutorials, workshops and drop-in sessions

These sessions aim to provide added value to your learning by covering topics common to all students such as note taking, IT, data analysis, writing retreats and careers.

Independent study

Based on directed reading from text books, research papers and research reviews, independent study aims to support your learning of core material and deepen your understanding of the subject.

Life Sciences Double Experimental Project

Our Life Sciences Double Experimental Project provides you with the opportunity to undertake a piece of independent experimental research supervised and supported by a member of staff.

MSci study at level 7

Your fourth year of study will provide you with the opportunity to:

Enhance your research skills in the critical evaluation of scientific literature
Design and conduct an in-depth research project in an area of Microbiology and/or Immunology, including formulating a complete research strategy and producing a grant proposal.

Assessment

Our assessment strategy is designed to be authentic and diverse so that you can develop key skills that meet academic, professional body and employer expectations. Module managers will provide appropriate guidance for each assessment and the marking criteria that will be used to assess your work.

Our assessment strategy will help you to develop and evidence your ability to:

Provide evidence-based solutions to current scientific problems

Usually this is assessed through a range of essays, portfolios and literature reviews.

Present scientific findings

Often these are lab reports or experimental projects that test your ability to pose scientific hypotheses, design experiments, understand methodologies, present findings, analyse data and situate your work in the current literature. Other assessments will also develop your skills in accessing, manipulating and presenting the outcomes of computational investigations, including in bioinformatics/phylogeny.

Communicate effectively with a range of audiences

Your ability to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences will be evidenced by the creation of scientific posters, patient information leaflets, wikis, blogs or oral presentations, as well as more standard laboratory reports, proformas and literature reviews.

Work professionally

Your final year, independent research project and MSci extended research project will give you an opportunity to demonstrate a range of professional skills such as leadership, innovation, time keeping, communication and the ability to work safely and ethically.

Work effectively in a team

Most often this is assessed through group presentations but can also include competencies such as working together in the lab or other group assignments.

Solve problems in a time-limited fashion

Often in the work environment we are asked to solve problems in a relatively short amount of time. Our online tests and end-of-semester, online, open-book examinations will help you to evidence these skills.

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course Content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the Microbiology and Immunology integrated Master's. For example, the Foundations of Life Sciences module will look at basic cell biology in terms of structure and function and go on to examine how cells obtain their energy and raw materials. It considers how organisms interact and analyses the effects of climate change on ecosystems. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.

Course Structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester One Core Modules

FYO-00185	Practical and Academic Skills in Science	15 credits
FYO-00211	Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists	15 credits
FYO-00189	Foundations of Chemistry	15 credits
FYO-00197	Foundations of Life Sciences	15 credits

Semester Two Core Modules

FYO-00199	Advancing Life Sciences	30 credits
FYO-00191	Advancing Chemistry	30 credits

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Between 40-56 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
Relevant work experience

AND

GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

AND

GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above

How to Apply

Students will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Microbiology and Immunology Integrated Masters with Foundation Year (C503) through UCAS at www.ucas.com.

Direct Entry Students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

p;for information on how to apply, entry requirements and course details.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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