Microbiology (Hons) Technological University of the Shannon

Overview

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 the planet. Microbiology is diverse which is reflected in sub-disciplines such as medical, environmental, food and industrial microbiology.

An industrial placement during the third year of the Microbiology (Hons) programme at the Technological University of the Shannon  provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience and establish direct links with industry.

Career Opportunities

The programme will provide a thorough preparation for careers in industry, in the food and environmental sectors or for postgraduate research study opportunities. The module in computational biology and bioinformatics will provide training in a key area of DNA and protein sequence analysis which is not a main focus of other science courses where you can specialise in microbiology. There are unique opportunities for placement and training e.g., Marine Institute, Teagasc and other companies. 

Graduates from the BSc (Hons) in Microbiology will have career opportunities across several sectors, including: food, pharmaceutical, medical device, biotechnological, biorefinery, environmental, pollution control, bioremediation and industrial and wastewater treatment.

 They can also find work in hospitals, public health laboratories, research institutes and pharmaceutical companies involved in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of illnesses associated with microorganisms. Universities and colleges, in addition to medical, dental and veterinary schools, all require microbiologists as researchers and teachers. 

For those interested in further study typical postgraduate subjects for microbiologists include medical microbiology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, environmental microbiology, genetics and molecular biology. In addition, options such as the Professional Masters of Education (PME) for future second level science teachers can also be taken.