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Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT)

Athlone , Westmeath ,Ireland

Bachelor of Science (Honours) Microbiology

Why take this course?
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, known as micro-organisms 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 in AIT. An industrial placement during the third year of the course provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience and establish direct links with industry.

What will I experience?
The expertise of the lecturers involved in designing and delivering the course 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.

It will be the only dedicated microbiology degree currently being offered in the country.

Within AIT 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, for example the Connected Curriculum initiative being run at University College London (UCL).

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.

What opportunities might it lead to?
Opportunities for graduates from the B.Sc. (Hons) in Microbiology include employment with several industrial sectors (food, medical device, pharmaceutical and biotechnological) in addition to a variety of options to furthering their education including obtaining a Ph.D. in Microbiology within AIT.

Intakes

  • Jan
  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 20

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

The Careers Office is focused on helping you reach your full potential through personal development, academic progression and preparing for your next steps once you graduate. While you are at AIT, we encourage you to make the most of your time and embrace all aspects of college life.

The Careers office offers the following:

Career advice and coaching
Help with compiling CVs and cover letters
Interview techniques and ‘mock’ interviews
Advice for students thinking of leaving their course
Employer recruitment programmes
Career Bootcamp series and Annual Careers & Further Study Fair
Job opportunities
Employer presentations and interviews
Postgraduate and further study opportunities
Scholarships and Internships
Summer work
Travelling and working abroad

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Application Procedures for Non-EU Students

Students applying for entry to undergraduate or postgraduate programmes should supply the following information directly to the International Office, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest on or before 1 May for programmes commencing in September:

Completed TUS application form;
Detailed curriculum vitae;
Certified transcripts of examination results and English language translations of qualifications not issued in English
Evidence of ability to follow classes in the English language (which must satisfy Institute entry requirements for the following programmes)
Foundation level programme: Certificate in English for Academic Studies: Minimum IELTS 4.5 or equivalent.

Pre-sessional Summer programme in English June to August: Minimum IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.

Undergraduate programmes: Minimum IELTS 5.5 with no Band less than 5.0.

Postgraduate programmes: Minimum IELTS 6.0 with no Band less than 5.5 *

*note some postgraduate programmes require minimum IELTS 6.5.