Bachelor of Science (Microbiology)

Microbiology is the study of organisms that are microscopic in size  some so small that they must be viewed with the aid of an electron microscope. The study of microorganisms and larger parasites is significant because many of these organisms are agents of disease, useful in biotechnology, central to DNA technology and molecular biology, helpful in keeping the planet habitable, and used in food processes.

Course summary
Townsville
3 years full time
Part time available
Midyear start - No
OP/Rank 2012 was 16/66
CRICOS code is 076290A

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Microscopic organisms have an enormous impact on the health of the planet. People, animals and plants — we all have both helpful and destructive links to microbes. If you are looking for a diverse career with applications in several fields, then think microbiology.

The key to many complex issues lies in microbiology, due to the impact of microorganisms and larger parasites on:

  • environmental regeneration

  • infectious disease

  • biotechnology advances

  • DNA technology and forensics

  • molecular biology

  • food and fermentation processes

  • agricultural and crop health.

Your JCU degree equips you to harness microbes to benefit our world. Membership rights to the Australian Society for Microbiology will be yours upon graduation too.

Get unique tropical expertise

JCU is situated in the heart of northern Queensland, so we draw on our tropical climate with wet and dry environments. You’ll investigate microbes at work in diverse settings including:

  • marine

  • freshwater

  • rainforest

  • savanna.

JCU equips you with distinctive tropical microbiological skills, yet you’ll graduate with expertise applicable to any country or environment in the world. We place particular importance on the specialties of:

  • bacteriology — determine which bacteria are disease agents and which bring positive impacts

  • virology — classify different viral organisms and how they work

  • immunology — understand how our immune system responds to internal microorganisms.

Connect with industry

JCU enjoys broad networks within the microbiological field. Just some of our links include:

You will benefit through stimulating practical placements and ‘on-the-job’ experience. We encourage and support you to pursue holiday placements too.

Joint degree options

Joint degrees give students expertise in a complementary discipline in reduced time and can enhance their career prospects. At JCU, the Bachelor of Science degree can be combined as a joint degree in:


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