Microbes are key agents of global change, providing important catalysts and resources for industry and biotechnology, and having a critical impact on human and animal health. This unit takes the fundamental concepts and skills learned in 2nd year microbiology units and weaves them together with strands from environmental, industrial, and medical microbiology in four sections: (1) Concepts in Modern Microbiology strengthens your foundational knowledge of the molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology of environmental and industrial microbes. (2) Microbes in Environmental Change provides you with an understanding of how these microbes are used to manage soil and water quality in natural and polluted environments. (3) Microbes in Industry helps you explore biotechnology and fermentation in the microbial manufacture of antibiotics and other high-value metabolites, and in (4) Microbes in Human Health you will evaluate biosecurity, bioterrorism, and ecological aspects of antimicrobial use. Much of the content in each section is delivered in student-led group seminars, which will develop your skills in critical analysis of research papers, collaboration, and discussion. The content is integrated with a practical component consisting of semi-independent projects in microbial biotechnology. These allow you to practice the core skills that are required in many microbiology laboratories and gain more advanced planning and experimental skills (protein purification, SDS-PAGE, DNA sequencing, bioinformatics) relevant to industrial and research careers. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the importance of microbes in industry and the environment, and the practical skills to apply this knowledge in a range of future professions.