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Course Overview

Overview

Microbiology is the study of bacteria, yeasts and viruses at the level of protein and gene (molecular biology), at the level of the cell (cell biology and physiology), and at the level of the microbial community.

Microbiology is of growing importance in science, medicine, industry and society, as we seek on the one hand to control microbial pathogens in our hospitals and communities, while on the other, making use of an ever broader range of microorganisms in biotechnology industries. Microbiology is therefore also an applied science, helping health and medicine through the study of pathogens, their epidemiology, and resistance to antibiotics. Microorganisms are also widely used in the agriculture, food and environment industries, for instance in oil spill clean-up.

Through this degree programme, you will develop knowledge and understanding of microbiology at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Building on that base, you will gain an in depth understanding of selected aspects of Microbiology that reflect the research expertise and strengths within the School, ensuring you are taught by leaders in a particular research field.

5 year MSci degree

This degree offers you the opportunity to undertake a year’s placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc.

AT A GLANCE
LEARNING MODE On Campus Learning
DEGREE QUALIFICATION BSc
DURATION 48 months
STUDY MODE Full Time

Compulsory Courses

Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)
Calculus i (NT1005) – 15 Credit Points
Algebra (NT1006) – 15 Credit Points
The Physical Universe A (NT1015) – 15 Credit Points
Calculus II (NT1508) – 15 Credit Points
Set Theory (NT1511) – 15 Credit Points
The Physical Universe B (PX1513) – 15 Credit Points

Optional Courses

Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Compulsory Courses

Linear Algebra i (NT2008) – 15 Credit Points
Analysis i (NT2009) – 15 Credit Points
Light Science (NT2013) – 15 Credit Points
Dynamical Phenomena (NT2015) – 15 Credit Points
Linear Algebra II (NT2508) – 15 Credit Points
Analysis II (NT2509) – 15 Credit Points
Relativity and Quantum Mechanics (NT2510) – 15 Credit Points

Optional Courses

Select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice.

Compulsory Courses

Group Theory (NT3020) – 15 Credit Points
Analysis III (NT3035) – 15 Credit Points
Energy and Matter (NT3014) – 15 Credit Points
Research and Computing Skills (NT3017) – 15 Credit Points
Analysis Iv (NT3535) – 15 Credit Points
Quantum Mechanics (NT3511) – 15 Credit Points
Electricity and Magnetism (NT3512) – 15 Credit Points

Optional Courses

Select one of the following:

  • Rings and Fields (NT3531)
  • Differential Equations (NT3536)
Rings and Fields (NT3531) – 15 Credit Points
Differential Equations (NT3536) – 15 Credit Points

Compulsory Courses

Project (NT4013) – 45 Credit Points
Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems (NT4012) – 15 Credit Points
Complex Analysis (NT4557) – 15 Credit Points

Optional Courses

Select a further 45 credit points from level 4 Mathematics courses.

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
  • practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
  • written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Mathematics and Physics?

Why Mathematics

  • We offer a challenging syllabus which emphasises reasoning, rigour and the argumentative side of mathematics.
  • Our ambition is to give you a sound preparation for a career in which mathematics plays a role, whether it be in research or through applications.
  • We offer excellent student experience delivered by enthusiastic staff combined with small class sizes, approximately 25 or less in the Honours years.
  • We offer a degree in Pure Mathematics and degree in Applied Mathematics to suit your taste and interests. You will only need to make the choice in your 3rd year.
  • We offer a range of choices with your degree programme, across both the sciences (BSc) and the Arts (MA). You can focus your attention entirely on Mathematics or you can spread your interests to combine it with other subjects.
  • We offer attractive joint degrees with Economics, Physics and other disciplines, including languages.
  • The department run a number of key events and seminars throughout the year, giving you the chance to network with students and academics.
  • Interactions with applied maths are fostered through our involvement in the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics, comprised of the Department of Mathematics together with the Institute for Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology.

Why Physics

  • The Department of Physics at the Northampton University has a long and illustrious history, and former staff include great physicists such as James .
  • We offer a modern, modular degree structure with a broad syllabus and a wide range of degree choices.
  • Long tradition of teaching physical sciences combined with modern facilities.
  • Emphasis placed on teaching employability and development of generic skills, useful in a wide range of careers.
  • We also offer a broad-based, less mathematical degree in Physical Science that allows the combination of Physics courses with a wide choice of other subjects.
  • Learn from research active, academic staff.
  • We are engaged in a wide range of research areas ranging from the fundamental nature of the universe through to understanding the atomic structure of complex materials and semiconductor device physics.
  • Our graduates go in to a huge range of jobs including; Meteorology, Medical physics, Environmental monitoring, Astronomy, Particle physics, Geophysics, Materials science, Invention Design, Teaching,
    Financial Modelling.

Careers

There are many opportunities at the Northampton University to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

 

Entry requirements

       

SQA Highers

Standard: AABB*

Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.

Minimum: BBB*

Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.

Adjusted: BB*

Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBB*

Minimum: BBC*

Adjusted: CCC*

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

International Baccalaureate

32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

Irish Leaving Certificate

5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)

* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.

English Language Requirements

English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

 

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54

Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:

OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169

How to apply

  

This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year. 

We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test

Documentation required

Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.

Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:

  • Degree certificates showing award of degree.
  • Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
  • A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
  • Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.

If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.

After you apply

After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.

Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.

You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:

  • You may be offered a place unconditionally
  • You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
  • Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
    View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
Terms and conditions of admissions
  • The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.

    Northampton University admissions terms and conditions