The University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Science (Microbiology)
Nationally Recognised Higher EducationLife on Earth began with, and has always depended on, the activities of micro-organisms. Most of these activities are helpful to the planet and to us, but occasionally micro-organisms can do bad things, like cause infections, with potentially disastrous outcomes.
Our immune system fights infections, and usually wins, but it’s an arms race and we must constantly adapt to battle new infections. Learn about the incredible ability of micro-organisms to evolve and survive, and how our immune system works to control infections and provide immunity against those micro-organisms that are out to harm us.
You’ll leave this major with a detailed understanding of microbiology – the study of microorganisms – and how it applies to a range of areas in the biomedical sciences. You’ll cover how infectious microorganisms are studied, the diseases they cause and their possible prevention or treatment. The major also covers the human immune system, how it responds to protect us during infection, and how vaccination works.
Delivery mode
The University of Melbourne offers this course through the following delivery modes:
On campus
Work with instructors and classmates in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Locations
- Grattan Street, Parkville
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Prerequisites
These are the subjects (with minimum scores) you must have completed to be eligible for entry to this course.
Units 3 & 4: A study score of at least 25 in English/English Language/ Literature or at least 30 in EAL, and at least 25 in Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics, and in one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics; OR A study score of at least 25 in English/English. Language/Literature or at least 30 in EAL, and at least 25 in both Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics.
English language proficiency
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements, you can satisfy the English language requirements in a number of ways. If you have an English-speaking background or education, you need to check that you meet our requirements here. If you are not from an English-speaking background or education, you need to meet the English Language requirements through IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson Test of English (academic) or Cambridge English (CAE).
Completed secondary education recently (within the past two years)
Applicants are selected according to academic merit, in the form of the ATAR or notional ATAR calculated by the relevant Tertiary Admissions Centre. Courses which select primarily on ATAR will have minimum ATARs set in advance, and you can only be selected below this point if you have additional criteria to be considered.
Completed some or all of a higher education qualification
Applicants are selected according to academic merit, usually in the form of the weighted average mark. If you have completed any higher education study, a weighted average mark (WAM) (weighted according to the point value of the individual subjects) is calculated. Your WAM is calculated across any undergraduate and graduate coursework study you have undertaken. Any research study undertaken is considered in addition to your WAM.
Completed some or all of a VET qualification
To be considered for entry, your study must be at Diploma or Advanced Diploma level and in a discipline relevant to the course you are applying for. If this is not the case, assessment will be based on other study completed (typically secondary results).
Applicants with work and/or life experience
Applicants in this category typically fall into one of the following categories:
- Applicants with non-recent secondary education (older than the last two years). If you have secondary study from the last seven years, see the section for applicants with recent secondary education.
- If your last study was more than seven years ago, see the information about the non-school leaver entry pathway.
- Applicants with an overseas secondary qualification
- Applicants who are eligible for the non-school leaver entry pathway
- Indigenous applicants who don’t fit into one of the categories described above but are assessed as likely to succeed in the proposed course, see additional information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people below
Prerequisites
These are the subjects (with minimum scores) you must have completed to be eligible for entry to this course.
Units 3 & 4: A study score of at least 25 in English/English Language/ Literature or at least 30 in EAL, and at least 25 in Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics, and in one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics; OR A study score of at least 25 in English/English. Language/Literature or at least 30 in EAL, and at least 25 in both Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics.
English language proficiency
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements, you can satisfy the English language requirements in a number of ways. If you have an English-speaking background or education, you need to check that you meet our requirements here. If you are not from an English-speaking background or education, you need to meet the English Language requirements through IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson Test of English (academic) or Cambridge English (CAE).
Completed secondary education recently (within the past two years)
Applicants are selected according to academic merit, in the form of the ATAR or notional ATAR calculated by the relevant Tertiary Admissions Centre. Courses which select primarily on ATAR will have minimum ATARs set in advance, and you can only be selected below this point if you have additional criteria to be considered.
Completed some or all of a higher education qualification
Applicants are selected according to academic merit, usually in the form of the weighted average mark. If you have completed any higher education study, a weighted average mark (WAM) (weighted according to the point value of the individual subjects) is calculated. Your WAM is calculated across any undergraduate and graduate coursework study you have undertaken. Any research study undertaken is considered in addition to your WAM.
Completed some or all of a VET qualification
To be considered for entry, your study must be at Diploma or Advanced Diploma level and in a discipline relevant to the course you are applying for. If this is not the case, assessment will be based on other study completed (typically secondary results).
Applicants with work and/or life experience
Applicants in this category typically fall into one of the following categories:
- Applicants with non-recent secondary education (older than the last two years). If you have secondary study from the last seven years, see the section for applicants with recent secondary education.
- If your last study was more than seven years ago, see the information about the non-school leaver entry pathway.
- Applicants with an overseas secondary qualification
- Applicants who are eligible for the non-school leaver entry pathway
- Indigenous applicants who don’t fit into one of the categories described above but are assessed as likely to succeed in the proposed course, see additional information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people below
Course fees
$149,976
Career opportunities
The Bachelor of Science (Microbiology) will prepare you for the following roles.
Biomedical Scientist
A Biomedical Scientist performs medical tests and analyses laboratory results. You might prepare reports on your findings to help medical staff mak...
Biotechnologist
A Biotechnologist develops and utilises biological processes for industrial and scientific purposes. You might work in laboratories, research insti...
Medical Scientist
A Medical Scientist conducts laboratory research and diagnostic testing to support the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. You might work in hospi...
Microbiologist
A Microbiologist studies microorganisms and uses their knowledge to develop products such as vaccines or medications. You might focus on a particul...
Research Scientist
A Research Scientist collects and analyses information from scientific tests, trials and experiments. You might work in a particular field of scien...
Molecular Biologist
A Molecular Biologist investigates the molecular mechanisms of biological processes in cells and organisms. You might work in a laboratory, researc...
About The University of Melbourne
Welcome to the University of Melbourne. We are Australia’s leading research university, with a 165-year-long tradition of higher education in the arts, sciences and numerous professional disciplines.
At Melbourne, we take delight through our on-campus teaching and graduate online programs in helping undergraduate and postgraduate students from Australia and many other countries to achieve globally recognised qualifications. The educational experience here prepares well-rounded graduates who are academically outstanding and practically grounded.
We also support and encourage internationally-connected research collaborations around basic and applied problems, in the hope of changing the world for the better.
