Medical MicroBiology and Virology/MicroBiology and Virology/Virology

Understanding how the microscopic world affects and changes the macroscopic environment

Microbes have an enormous influence on humanity both directly as causes of disease and also by shaping our environment, both domestic and global. Some bacteria cause illness and disease yet other bacteria are absolutely essential for our wellbeing.

Viruses such as HIV and influenza are major agents of disease while other viruses play a role in cancer, leading to great interest in developing effective anti-viral drugs in modern medicine. Viruses also have a big impact in agriculture, infecting livestock and plants with a dramatic effect directly on human nutrition and economics. As strict parasites that use the cell’s components to reproduce themselves, studying viruses is also linked with understanding how cells themselves work.

Your final degree could be Medical Microbiology and Virology, Microbiology and Virology or Virology, depending on your chosen options throughout your programme. Options in your second and third year allow you to emphasise the more fundamental molecular and genetic aspects of your subject, to concentrate on medical aspects, or engage in advanced practical training to prepare for a laboratory based career.

This unique set of degrees reflects major areas of expertise at Warwick and our graduates have an established reputation for their knowledge and technical skills.

Modules

Modules currently available in the School of Life Sciences include Animal and Plant Biology, Quantitative Biology, Chemistry for Biological Sciences, Proteins, Genes and Genetics, Agents of Infectious Disease, Biostatistics, Physiology and Metabolism, Health and the Community and Introduction to Inorganic and Organic Chemistry.

Options vary between courses and are subject to change.

For more details about the modules on offer at this time, take a look at the School of Life Sciences website.

Assessment

You will be assessed using a variety of methods including tutorial, laboratory practical, oral presentation and other written assignment tests as well as exam based questions.

Student Profile: Jonathan Dunne, 2nd year, Biomedical Sciences

Jonathan Dunne

'As a Biomedical Sciences student, I am really enjoying learning about different aspects of biology from microbiology and research, to human physiology. The lectures are interesting, and often linked to the academics’ current research, ensuring the information is at the forefront of scientific knowledge. We have fortnightly small group tutorials, giving time to talk openly to an academic; this is a chance to ask for help, and improve your knowledge.

I first visited Warwick on an open day, which enabled me to walk around both the campus and the School of Life Sciences; I also had the opportunity to speak to current students and academics. I loved the look and atmosphere of the campus, and how everything I would need was on site'.

UCAS Code: C520 BSc/MicV

TYPICAL OFFERS

The typical offers listed below are for 2012 entry.

A level: AAB.

A levels in Applied Subjects and Mixed Portfolios: Candidates considered on an individual basis. Grades required will be similar to those candidates taking academic A and AS qualifications.

International Baccalaureate: 36 points.

Scottish Qualifications: Advanced Higher AA + Higher BBB in three other subjects.

Cambridge Pre-U: D3 D3 M2.

Welsh Baccalaureate: See here

Overseas Qualifications: See here

Access Courses: Access to HE Diploma (QAA-recognised) including appropriate subjects with distinction grades in level 3 units. Candidates must meet essential subject requirements.

Warwick HEFP: Distinction in Biology and Credits in other subjects.

General Studies/Critical Thinking: Offers normally exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking at A level.

ESSENTIAL SUBJECTS

A level Biology (or equivalent) essential for all courses. International Baccalaureate 6 in HL Biology.

Most courses also require at least GCSE Grade A in Chemistry or AA Double Science.