Microbiology

About the Microbiology Course

The degree course of the Microbiology specialty is provided at the first (Bachelor of Arts in Microbiology) and Second (Master of Arts in Microbiology) levels of higher education. Microbiology is the study of bacteria, yeasts, and viruses at the level of protein and gene (molecular biology), at the level of the cell (cell biology and physiology), and at the level of the microbial community.

Microbiology is of growing importance in science, medicine, industry, and society, as we seek on the one hand to control microbial pathogens in our hospitals and communities. Microbiology is therefore also an applied science, helping health and medicine through the study of pathogens, their epidemiology, and resistance to antibiotics.

Through the Microbiology degree programme at the International European University, Ukraine – Malta Campus you will develop knowledge and understanding of microbiology at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels. Building on that base, you will gain an in-depth understanding of selected aspects of Microbiology that reflect the research expertise and strengths within the School, ensuring you are taught by leaders in a particular research field.

Name of specialty – Microbiology;

Level of Higher Education – First (Bachelor of Science in Microbiology) and Second (Master of Science in Microbiology) level;

The list of specializations and educational programs – Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology, Immunology, Microbial Ecology, Microbial Pathogenesis, Microbial Genetics, Microbial Biotechnology, Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Physiology, Microbial Evolution;

The total amount of credits from the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System – 240 credits;

Duration of studying – 4 years of full-time studying (Bachelor of Science in Microbiology), 2 years of full-time studying (Master of Science in Microbiology).

The Educational Process

The European School of Life Sciences in Malta prides itself on the quality of its teaching. We teach students in all of the Life Science disciplines. The Microbiology course  at IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus aims to provide students with a doing-by-learning approach to the technical/scientific knowledge related to the most common protocols implemented in an environmental and food microbiology laboratory.

The course aims to provide students with the ability to define the analytical methods and procedures to be adopted to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the quality/process and safety indicators of food along its entire production chain starting from the raw material. Finally, the course will provide the necessary operational tools to apply the concepts of industrial microbiology to the laboratory.

After graduating students are able:

• Define endosymbiotic theory with respect to mitochondria and chloroplasts;
• State at least two characteristics that all living cells share (e.g., membrane, DNA, and metabolism);
• Describe the evidence that supports the theory that mitochondria evolved from bacteria;
• Describe the evidence that supports the theory that chloroplasts evolved from cyanobacteria.
• Explain why glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and the tricarboxylic (Krebs) cycle are so highly conserved in living cells (e.g., 12 essential precursors and energy);
• List three mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria;
• State two processes by which mutations can occur;
• Describe how mutations and horizontal gene transfer, together with selective pressure, can lead to a rise of antibiotic resistance (or xenobiotic bioremediation or spread of virulence mechanisms);
• Give an example of a bacterial pathogen that evolved naturally or artificially to become attenuated (e.g., vaccine strains, intracellular pathogens, etc.). Support the example with evidence;
• Analyze and interpret sequence data to determine if horizontal gene transfer, mutation, or recombination has occurred;
• Give an example of a trait (e.g., N2 fixation, pathogenicity island, type III secretion, etc.) that is found in diverse bacteria, and provide evidence that explains how that trait came to be found in these diverse bacteria;
• Define the term nosocomial infection;
• Define the term emergent disease;
• Distinguish between the terms endemic, epidemic, and pandemic;
• Describe two human practices (in medicine and agriculture) that have led to the increase of antibiotic resistance (e.g., antibiotics and sub-therapeutic doses of antibiotics in feed, stopping antibiotic therapy too soon, repeated use of the same antibiotic);
• Describe two human practices that have led to the development of dead zones in bays or oceans;
• Give an example of a disease that has emerged due to human activities, and state what those human activities were (e.g., AIDS, Ebola virus, bird flu, Lyme disease, etc.);
• Explain how public health policies (e.g., quarantine and vaccination) can alter epidemic/pandemic progression;
• Explain how not completing a full treatment of antibiotics can lead to an increase in resistance in a bacterial population;
• Describe the general process of sexual reproduction, and how it relates to the definition of species in eukaryotic organisms;
• Describe the general process of asexual reproduction/binary fission;
• Describe the concept of a species with regard to a core genome and genomic islands;
• Explain why the traditional definitions of species using reproductive isolation do not apply to Bacteria and Archaea;
• Discuss one benefit and one problem of this definition of a species: “Bacterial and Archaeal species are often defined when there is more than 70% DNA hybridization among strains”;
• List the three Domains of the phylogenetic tree of life. State a unique characteristic of each Domain;
• List two features of a useful molecular/evolutionary clock;
• Explain what features of 16S rRNA make it useful to compare the evolutionary relationship between organisms;
• Determine the two most related and two least related organisms from a short list of 16S rRNA sequences;
• Draw inferences about the evolutionary relatedness of organisms based on phylogenetic trees;
• List three different bacterial cell morphologies;
• Identify microbial structures from a given image;
• Describe how the cell structure of Gram-negative and Gram-positive cells leads to a given Gram stain result;
• Explain how bright-field microscopy works and why specimens must be stained;
• Explain how phase-contrast microscopy works and why specimens do not need to be stained;
• Decide on the correct type of microscopy and sample preparation for a given situation;
• Explain how magnification and resolution are controlled in a microscope;
• State the advantages and disadvantages of using bright-field, phase-contrast, dark-field, fluorescence, confocal scanning laser, transmission electron, and scanning electron microscopy for a given situation.

Compulsory Subjects

The curriculum covers a comprehensive range of subjects. The major subjects (or modules) are:

• Chemistry for the Life Sciences;
• Introduction to Medical Sciences;
• Physiology of Human Cells;
• Molecular Biology of the Gene;
• Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences;
• Physiology of Human Organ Systems;
• Microbes, Infection & Immunity;
• Energy for Life;
• Research Skills for Medical Sciences;
• The Molecular Biology of The Cell;
• Molecular Microbiology;
• Honors Advanced Molecular Biology;
• Medical Sciences Honours Research Project;
• Medical Science Data Analysis Paper;
• Medical Science General Essay Paper;
• Genetic Manipulation;
• Metabolism and Molecular Biology;
• Molecular Ecology and Evolution;
• Genome Expression and Organisation;
• Advanced Microbial Function;
• Bacterial Genetics;
• Animal Biodiversity;
• Virology;
• The Multicellular Organism;
• Principles of Pharmacology.

Career Perspectives

After completing the professional education program of the specialty «Microbiology» at IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus a specialist can perform professional work as:

• Research Laboratory Technician;
• Quality Control Analyst;
• Clinical Microbiologists or Immunologists;
• Food or Dairy Microbiologist;
• Environmental Microbiologist;
• Recombinant DNA Technologist;
• Fermentation Technologist;
• Research Scientist;
• College Teacher;
• Public Health Microbiologist;
• Academic Researcher;
• Biomedical Scientist;
• Biotechnologist;
• Clinical Research Associate;
• Clinical Scientist, Immunology;
• Food Technologist;
• Medicinal Chemist;
• Microbiologist;
• Nanotechnologist;
• Pharmacologist;
• Research Scientist (Life Sciences);
• Technical Brewer;
• Water Quality Scientist.

Why Study Microbiology in Europe?

If you’re looking to study Microbiology in Europe, the International European University, Ukraine – Malta Campus is an excellent option for international students. Our Life Sciences School is consistently ranked among the TOP-10 Life Sciences Schools in Europe, and the quality of education is top-notch. Studying Microbiology at IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus offers a fantastic opportunity to obtain a high-quality degree from one of the best universities in the EU.

At IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus, international students gain access to award-winning teaching methods and internationally recognized qualifications used worldwide. Pursuing a degree in Microbiology from IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus involves practicing Microbiology skills through various classroom discussions, group activities, and individual assignments. By studying Microbiology at IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus, students acquire the skills and knowledge to communicate effectively in Microbiology.

Career Perspectives in Europe

Earning a degree in Microbiology from IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus can prepare you for various career opportunities in the public and private sectors. Graduates can find work in sciences, medicine, education, and many other fields, or even start their businesses. Studying Microbiology at IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus can also increase your earning potential and make you stand out in the job market.

Application Process for Microbiology Degree in Europe

The application process for a Microbiology Degree at IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus is easy and fast compared to other European Microbiology universities. International students are provided with full support along the way, making it easy to collect necessary documents, submit the application, and obtain a Student Visa.

Rich Cultural Experience in Europe

At IEU, Ukraine – Malta Campus, international students get to experience Maltese culture, which is rich in history and tradition. Exploring the islands is an eye-opening experience for students who have never left their home country before. During their time abroad, students can also travel around Europe, which allows them to see how other cultures live and what they value most about life. Pursuing a Microbiology Degree abroad offers unforgettable experiences, such as visiting museums or historical sites, trying new foods from around the world, learning how people celebrate holidays differently, meeting new friends from all over the world who share similar interests, and many more!