Overview
How will I study?
This part-time Foundation Degree can be studied over three or four years. You will attend University Centre St Helens for one day per week.
You will have access to specialist microbiology facilities located at our Town Centre Campus, providing you with the best learning environment.
The work-based learning module will be undertaken in a professional setting allowing you to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired from the course to a practical setting. In addition to lab-based study, you will also have the opportunity to go on industrial-based visits, allowing you to observe microbiology in practice.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is employed throughout the degree through both formative and summative assessment including presentations, case studies, essay plans, and question and answer sessions. You will also be assessed through essays, exams, laboratory assignments and portfolios of work.
Who will be teaching me?
You will be taught by practising scientists who take pride in the quality of their teaching and academic studies. The lecturing team are well informed about historic and current developments and will share this knowledge by directly engaging students in their research. In addition to this, visiting speakers assist in the delivery of the degree, often providing novel approaches to, or presenting unique aspects of, particular subjects.
Entry Criteria
Entry Requirements
For 2021 entry, you will need 96 UCAS Tariff points.
Some typical examples of how you can achieve 96 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below:
- A levels - CCC
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma - Merit, Merit, Merit (MMM)
- Access to Higher Education Diploma - 45 credits at Level 3, for example, 21 credits at Distinction, 3 credits for Merit and 21 credits for Pass. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.
Prior Learning and Experience
University Centre St Helens intends to recruit students from a varied range of backgrounds and experience. Offers of a place on the degree will not be based solely upon academic qualifications alone and related skills gained in the workplace will also be considered.
Additional Entry Requirements
All suitably qualified applicants will be invited to attend an interview. This is designed to be an informal meeting, providing you with the opportunity to see if this degree is suitable for your needs. It will also provide an opportunity for you to discuss and explore your career interests with the Programme Leader.
Information for International Applicants
If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you may need to apply for a Tier 4 visa in order to enter and study in the UK. However, please note that University Centre St Helens does not hold a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence to support student visa applications.
Modules
Modules
BI4201 Principles of Microbiology (20 credits)
This module introduces you to microbiology as an applied science. It provides a foundation in good microbiology practice and allows a basic understanding in the principles of microbial morphology, nutrition, growth and the control of growth.
BI4202 Basic Biochemistry (20 credits)
This module provides a chemistry foundation for the study of biochemistry. It enables you to explore the key principles within biochemistry and basic biochemical concepts. It also provides practical experience of fundamental techniques in biochemistry.
BI4203 Data Analysis (20 credits)
During this module, you will gain an essential understanding of the important aspects of data analysis and interpretation. It also allows confidence in the use of general mathematical techniques.
PBI4204 Biology of Disease (20 credits)
This module develops your understanding of fundamental concepts of aetiology, pathology and epidemiology. It will introduce you to the effects of disease and natural processes on to systems and organs of the body. You will also consider the causes and symptoms of various types of disease e.g. cardiovascular, metabolic, autoimmune, degenerative, and neoplastic.
BI4205 Microbiological Laboratory Techniques (20 credits)
During this module, you will gain the basic skills required to work in a microbiology laboratory.
BI4206 Parasitology (20 credits)
This module aims to provide you with knowledge of important parasites of human disease.
BI5201 Food and Industrial Microbiology (20 credits)
This module introduces you to industrial microbiology and will enable you to identify microbiological mediated industrial problems. You will gain a basic understanding of the processes and importance of microorganisms in food production, food spoilage and food poisoning.
BI5202 Microbial Physiology (20 credits)
During this module, you will gain an understanding of theoretical and practical microbial physiology with particular reference to ecology, immunology and metabolism.
BI5203 Microbial Genetics (20 credits)
This module introduces you to fundamental principles, considering mechanisms of mutation and DNA repair. You will explore the methods, benefits and potential hazards of genetic engineering.
BI5204 Medical Microbiology (20 credits)
This module provides an insight into the diversity of pathogenic microorganisms.
BI5205 Work-based Learning (20 credits)
Work-based learning provides you with the opportunity to gain accreditation for work experience in your chosen field, whilst facilitating the development of transferable employability skills.
While experiencing and contributing to the concepts of health and safety at work, you will also evaluate the effectiveness of your work-based organisation in achieving at least one of its aims.
BI5206 Project (20 credits)
Undertaking a project provides you with the opportunity to develop skills in independent study in an appropriate manner under the guidance of a lecturer in the field of microbiology. It also allows you to present the finding in the form of a written report and an oral presentation.
Careers and Progression Routes
Career Prospects
On completion of this Foundation Degree, you will be equipped to work in a microbiology related role in a wide range of industries.
Previous students have secured employment with global companies including Jay Chemicals, Thermo Fisher Scientific, United Utilities and Precision Northwest.
Progression Routes
Upon successful completion of the FdSc Applied Microbiology, you will have the opportunity to top-up your degree to a full BSc (Hons) degree through additional study at the University of Chester Medical School. To progress on to the BSc (Hons), a new application will need to be made.
Typical Careers
As a graduate, you can choose to enter a range of professions, potentially seeking employment as a:
- Biomedical Scientist
- Microbiologist
- Lab Technician
- Microbiology Technologist
Successful graduates may choose to undertake the above roles or other roles in a wide range of areas, including the food industry, health and pharmaceuticals industry, cosmetic industry, environmental and waste industry, and fermentation and brewing industry.
Finance
Part-time
For 2021 entry, tuition fees for part-time study are £4,950 per year.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available in our University Centre St Helens Policies and Procedures section.
For more in-depth information on the application process, please visit our guidance page.
Financial Support
Subject to eligibility, students can apply for a tuition fee loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
Additional Costs
Below sets out examples of extra costs you may incur on this programme of study to enhance your studies.
| Optional Items |
Estimated Costs |
| Travel to course related work placements, work experience, voluntary work or site visits. |
Variable dependent on the distance travelled and the method of transportation. |
| Costs of obtaining medical or other evidence to support applications for extenuating circumstance applications relating to assessments. |
None |
| Printing costs eg. electronic books, journals, reports, course materials and other course documents. |
This Foundation Degree will incur consumable costs throughout the academic year such as printing of posters as part of course assessment. Journal access is provided through the University of Chester. Library access to both University Centre St Helens and the University of Chester is available to students. |
| Trips |
Various travel costs to laboratories and employers. Optional international study visit (subject to student numbers). |
| Equipment |
White laboratory coat (optional). £15-20 dependent on the supplier. Scientific calculator. |
| Volunteering opportunities for additional personal development |
None |
Apply
How to Apply
Applications for this qualification are made using our part-time higher education application form. Please visit our application section to complete and submit the form online. This course does not require applications to be made via UCAS.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available in our University Centre St Helens Policies and Procedures section.
For more in-depth help on the application process visit our guidance page.
Visit Us
We are more than happy to arrange a visit to University Centre St Helens, where you will have the opportunity to speak to our lecturers, tour our campus and facilities and discuss your finance options. Get in touch with our Enquiries Team, using the contact details below, to arrange a visit.
Request a Higher Education Guide
Get an overview of the benefits of studying at University Centre St Helens and explore our full range of degrees before you apply. You can view and download our Higher Education Guide by visiting this section.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about this degree or would like to arrange a visit to University Centre St Helens, please contact:
Tel: 0800 99 66 99
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
