University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The honours year combines a substantial supervised research project with advanced coursework and training in experimental design and data analysis. Typical topics and modules include:

• Research thesis: an original laboratory or laboratory-supported project under the supervision of academic staff, culminating in a written thesis and an oral presentation.
• Advanced microbiology: cellular and molecular microbiology, microbial physiology, pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms.
• Advanced immunology: innate and adaptive immunity, immunopathology, vaccine immunology and host–pathogen interactions.
• Techniques and skills: molecular biology methods (PCR, cloning, sequencing), microbial culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, protein analysis, and aseptic technique.
• Data analysis and experimental design: statistics for biological research, bioinformatics approaches for sequence and genomic data, reproducible research practices.
• Professional and research training: scientific communication, research ethics and biosafety, literature review and grant-writing basics.

Entry requirements

Admission to the honours year normally requires completion of a relevant three-year or equivalent bachelor degree with a science major (for example microbiology, biomedical science, molecular biology or genetics) and a sufficiently competitive grade point average/weighted average mark. Applicants are expected to have completed prerequisite coursework in microbiology, biochemistry and genetics, and to demonstrate laboratory experience and research preparedness.

International applicants must meet the University of Adelaide's English language proficiency standards. Selection for some projects may depend on the availability of suitable supervisors and laboratory facilities; applicants may be asked to submit a research proposal, academic transcript and referee reports.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of careers across research, industry and public health. Common paths include:

• Research scientist roles in university, government or industry laboratories, including basic and applied microbiology and immunology.
• Clinical laboratory and diagnostic science (with any additional professional certification required by employers or regulators).
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical development, including vaccine research, antimicrobial discovery and quality control.
• Public health and epidemiology, infection control and environmental microbiology.
• Further research training such as enrolment in a PhD or research-focused masters degree leading to careers in academia or specialised research institutes.
• Related roles in science communication, regulatory affairs, laboratory management and technical sales/support for scientific equipment or reagents.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers research-led teaching in microbiology and immunology within well-equipped laboratories and access to cross-disciplinary expertise across biological sciences and clinical research. Students benefit from close supervision on independent projects, opportunities to collaborate with researchers in health and industry across South Australia, and training that emphasises practical laboratory competence, critical analysis and scientific communication—preparing graduates to progress to research careers or skilled roles in the biosciences sector.