Programme Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Microbiology is a three-year Level 7 degree focused on exploring how microorganisms impact human health, environmental protection, and industrial innovation. From diagnosing infectious diseases and developing bio-based industrial products to bioremediation and environmental cleanup, microbes are central to modern science. Designed for students who thrive in practical, hands-on scientific environments, the programme delivers specialized skills across three main pillars: Diagnostic Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, and Industrial Microbiology.
Practical Learning & Flexible Progression
Practical laboratory training accounts for over 50% of total course time, delivered in small groups to maximize individual guidance and direct equipment access. A key feature of the degree is the integrated 6-month industry work placement in Year 3 (Semester 2), which provides crucial real-world experience in commercial, medical, or environmental laboratories. The course offers excellent progression flexibility:
- Academic Progression: Graduates can progress directly into Year 4 of the Level 8 BSc (Honours) in Applied Microbiology or pursue other Level 8 add-on pathways across SETU.
- Embedded Exit Awards: Formal exit awards are available at the end of each year of study.
Coursework
The three-year curriculum balances theoretical scientific principles with intensive laboratory execution:
- Years 1 & 2 (Foundational Microbiology): Biology and chemistry of microorganisms, featuring specialized modules in Parasitology, Mycology, Virology, and practical training in Methods in Microbiology.
- Year 3 (Applied Diagnostics & Industry Prep): Diagnostic Microbiology, Microbiology for Pharmaceutics, Quality Management, and Data Analysis.
- Industry Work Placement: A full 6-month work placement in Year 3 (Semester 2) applying microbiological methodologies in professional settings.
Career Opportunities
Graduates hold a practical Level 7 scientific degree that qualifies them for entry-level technical roles in laboratory environments or direct academic progression to Level 8 honours degree qualifications:
- Microbiology Laboratory Analyst & QC Assistant
- Medical Diagnostic & Clinical Microbiology Technician
- Environmental Testing & Water Quality Analyst
- Food Safety & Quality Assurance (QA) Associate
- Bioprocess & Pharmaceutical Laboratory Technician
- Direct Progression to Year 4 of the BSc (Hons) in Applied Microbiology (Level 8)
Upon completion of the three-year programme, graduates possess the practical technical skills, industry placement experience, and scientific understanding required to enter the life sciences workforce or advance directly into honours degree studies.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fundamental Biology | Animal and Human Biology |
| Chemistry 1 | Chemistry 2 |
| Laboratory Science | Quantitative Methods 2 |
| Quantitative Methods 1 | Physics 2 |
| Physics 1 | Current Concepts in Science |
M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject
Year 2
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Microbiology 1 | Methods in Microbiology |
| Molecular Biology 1 | Fundamentals of Microbiology 2 |
| Biochemistry Biomolecules | Molecular Biology 2 |
| Instrumentation | Parasitology |
| Quantitative Methods and Quality Control 1 | Mycology and Virology |
M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject
Year 3
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Microbiology | Work Placement |
| Microbial Cell Factory | |
| Environmental Science | |
| Microbiology for Pharmaceutics | |
| Quality Management, Experimental Design and Data Analysis |
M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject
What are the minimum entry requirements?
Leaving Certificate:
5 Subjects O6/H7
Subjects required:
- English or Irish at O6/H7
- Mathematics at O6/H7
What follow-on study opportunities are available?
Graduates are eligible to progress to Year 4 of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Microbiology, the BSc Hons Biosciences with Biopharmaceuticals, BSc Hons Pharmaceutics and Drug Formulation or BSc Hons Brewing and Distilling at SETU Carlow. There are also opportunities to progress to honours degree courses in other Irish or international higher education institutes.
What will I be able to do when I finish the course?
With a BSc Ord in Applied Microbiology, you'll be ready to contribute to challenges like manufacturing new diagnostics and biologics and improving environmental sustainability. Whether you choose further study or jump into careers in healthcare, biotech, or industry, this degree opens doors to exciting possibilities.
