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Microbiology is at the forefront of protection against infectious diseases.

In this major, you'll study the diversity of microorganisms, the immune system, microbial virulence, disease states and the ways in which organisms respond to infection.

You'll learn how vaccines protect animals and humans from infectious diseases, and discover the latest advances in vaccine development from lecturers who are globally recognised experts.

Focusing on the key areas of immunology, virology, parasitology, environmental microbiology, microbial biotechnology and microbial genomics, you'll study bacterial, fungal and viral infections and apply your knowledge in weekly laboratory practicals.

You'll confidently use the specialist biomedical and molecular techniques required to diagnose and characterise infectious microbes and to develop new diagnostics. Problem-based scenarios will enhance your analytical, research and communication skills.

This major can lead to challenging and rewarding career opportunities within universities and biotechnology companies, and medical and veterinary institutes, along with roles in forensics, biosecurity and quarantine.

Alternatively, kickstart your career in research by progressing into a research-based honours degree.

Highlights

10 in the world for biotechnology

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023

1 in Queensland for biological sciences

QS World University Rankings 2024

Career possibilities

Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • Microbiology laboratory technician
  • Laboratory coordinator
  • Medical scientist
  • Microbiology team lead
  • Laboratory manager

Graduate salary

Science and mathematics (undergraduate)

$40K–$85K

compared.edu.au

How you'll learn

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Research experience
  • Laboratory work

What you'll study

At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:

  • Advanced Immunology
  • Advanced Biostatistics
  • Advanced Molecular Cell Biology I
  • Advanced Integrative Cell & Tissue Biology
  • Advanced Microbes & Human Health
  • Advanced Genomics
  • Virology
  • Introduction to Research in Chemistry, Biochemistry & Microbiology A & B

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