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.

Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Depending on which major you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

• Research officer
• Food chemist
• Bioinformatician
• Data scientist
• Marine biologist
• Laboratory technician
• Materials scientist
• Agronomist
• Conservation officer
• Environment and resource manager