The University of Adelaide

Bachelor of Science (Microbiology and Immunology)

Nationally Recognised Higher Education

Microbiology is the study of bacteria, viruses and parasites. These micro-organisms contribute to suffering and death on a worldwide scale, but they are also essential for our health and well-being and form the cornerstone of modern biotechnology. Immunology is the study of the immune system. The mammalian immune system is an incredibly complex network of cells, tissues and organs that protects us from disease-causing micro-organisms, but is also capable of causing disease. The interaction between micro-organisms and the immune system is key to maintaining a healthy life.

There is high demand for professionals in this growing global sector. This major prepares you for employment in areas including medical or research laboratories the pharmaceutical industry, hospitals, the biotechnology industry, forensic science and the government sector. As a microbiology and Immunology graduate you will also be well equipped for a postgraduate career in biomedical research.

Delivery mode

The University of Adelaide offers this course through the following delivery modes:

On campus

Work with instructors and classmates in a supportive and collaborative environment.


Locations
  • The University of Adelaide, Adelaide

Entry requirements

Domestic Students

  • There are no mandated entry requirements.

Prerequisites

None, however Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Physics or Specialist Mathematics are prerequisites for some first year courses

Assumed Knowledge

Stage 2 Chemistry and Mathematical Methods and Physics IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL); Chemistry; Physics.

Recent Secondary Education

Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Applicants who have not achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors) required for selection may be selected based on the grades in selected year 12 subjects. Applicants do not need to apply to be considered for subject-based entry, as this will automatically be done by SATAC on behalf of the University.

Higher Education Study

You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway.

Work and life experience

To be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway.

International Qualifications

There are no prerequisites, however Chemistry, Physics and Advanced Mathematics are prerequisites for some majors

Assumed Knowledge

Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics

English Language Requirements

Australian Year 12: Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject

English Tests accepted by the University of Adelaide

  • IELTS: Overall 6.5
  • TOEFL: Overall 79
  • Pearson: Overall 58
  • C1 Advanced: Overall 58
Additional requirements may apply.

Course fees

Estimated Fee* $23,565 - $136,500 Fees are based on full-time study.
* Fees are indicative only and vary based on your circumstances and eligibility for government funding.
Standard Tuition:
$23,565
Full Fee Tuition:
$136,500
Enquire with The University of Adelaide to find out more.
Study mode On Campus
Duration 3 Years
Estimated fee* $23,565 - $136,500 Support may be available

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Science (Microbiology and Immunology) will prepare you for the following roles.

About The University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide is ranked in the world's top 100 universities. We are recognised globally as a leading research university.

At the University of Adelaide, we embrace our role and purpose as a future-maker—for our state, our nation and our world.

We pursue meaningful change as we celebrate our proud history: applying proven values in the pursuit of contemporary educational and research excellence; meeting our local and global community’s evolving needs and challenges; and striving to prepare our graduates for their aspirations and the needs of the future workforce.

The University is uniquely positioned to design and drive a prosperous, entrepreneurial future for South Australia built on knowledge, innovation and collaboration.

We’re a dynamic participant in society, leading our community in leveraging change for social and economic benefit. We listen to industry. And we connect with diverse community groups far and wide to deliver education and research of the highest value and impact.