Why take this course?

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, known as microorganisms or microbes, that are usually invisible to the naked eye, including bacteria, protozoa, fungi, viruses and prions. These microbes are critical to all aspects of life on our planet. Microbiology is diverse which is reflected in sub-disciplines such as medical, environmental, food and industrial microbiology.

Several modern scientific disciplines including genetic engineering, genomics, bioinformatics, microbial biotechnology, immunology and molecular biology originated from classical microbiology and therefore form an integral part of the teaching and research of microbiology at TUS. An industrial placement during the third year of the programme provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience and establish direct links with industry.

Further information on why microbiology, as a scientific discipline, matters can be found on the Irish Division of Microbiology Society home-page, which is a membership charity for scientists interested in microbes, their effects and their practical uses.

In this podcast, Senior Lecturer, Dr Andy Fogarty and Microbiology student Orla Plunkett chat about the course’s structure, including modules and work placements, and exciting career prospects.

What will I experience?

Microbiology is an exciting field of fundamental importance to all areas of manufacturing, health, the environment and food and drink industries. Training in microbiology gives students an opportunity to forge a career in a range of different sectors both nationally and internationally.

The expertise of the lecturers involved in designing and delivering the programme in Microbiology is extensive. Many are also actively involved in research in different areas of Microbiology, so are up to date with current trends in Microbiology research. Within TUS, there is a strong ethos for linking research to teaching, an important point which is increasingly being highlighted as best practice by learning institutions worldwide. Y4 students of the programme also have the opportunity to participate in one of the annual regional conferences of the Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Network.