Study in the Discipline of Microbiology is offered by the School of Life and Environmental Sciences in the Faculty of Science. Units of study in this major are available at standard and advanced level.
To ensure success, make sure you are aware of the required level of mathematics (assumed knowledge) for this curriculum component. Visit the mathematics learning support webpage, to understand your pathway to success, including the sequence of units you should complete and the support services available.
Microbiology teaches us about life forms that are too small to see with the naked eye. They are vital for life on Earth but can also cause huge problems as infectious disease agents, plant pathogens, contaminants of food and water and biofoulers. A major in Microbiology introduces you to this tremendous diversity of function and form in the microbial world. You will explore the impact of microbes on other life forms, look at their role in health and disease at the level of individuals, populations and ecosystems, and in particular their place in the nexus of human, animal and environmental inter-relationships. You will investigate ways in which microbes are used to manufacture products, remediate polluted environments and both produce and spoil food. You will explore microbial genetics and microbial life at the molecular level, with a particular emphasis on current research in Microbiology in our 3000-level units.
By progressing through the major, students will learn advanced concepts and methods including molecular microbiology, systems biology, genomics, advanced microscopy techniques, genetic manipulation, microbial evolution, and the use of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance.
Requirements for the major and minor in Microbiology are listed in the Microbiology unit of study table.
Honours in Microbiology is a one-year program available via an appended Honours. Honours is comprised of a total of 48-credit points that is distributed across a 36-credit point research project that gives you the opportunity to take part in cutting edge research programs aligned with your degree major(s). Two 6-credit point coursework units will aid in the development of fundamental research and communication skills in science, together with access to a comprehensive range of modern technology platforms. To view a full list of potential supervisors offering biochemistry or molecular biology projects, please visit the Honours Hub on the SOLES Student Portal Canvas site
Honours is available to students who have completed a major in Microbiology or other area relevant to their proposed project and have met the requirements outlined in the resolutions. The first step in applying for honours is to find research projects relevant to your area of interest SOLES Honours EOI (Expression of Interest) portal, talking to supervisors and completing your EOI for the selected project. You will be given further advice and assistance in connecting with supervisors during your third year.
| Website | School of Life and Environmental Sciences |
|---|---|
| soles.education@sydney.edu.au | |
| Academic contact | Associate Professor Tim Newsome E timothy.newsome@sydney.edu.au |
| Honours coordinators | Associate Professor Andrew Holmes |
