Major Undergraduate

Microbiology and Immunology


Study mode
Part Time Full Time
Study mode
Full Time
Murdoch code
MJ-MIIM
What is a Major?
A major is your primary area of focus within a degree. It determines the core subjects you'll study and the skills you'll master.

Major overview

Study microbiology and immunology at the forefront of infectious disease research

Microbiology and immunology are central to understanding infectious diseases and how the body defends itself. Major in microbiology and immunology as part of our flexible Bachelor of Biomedical Science and build the skills to understand microorganisms, immune responses and their impact on human health. 

Throughout your microbiology and immunology course, you’ll study areas such as bacteriology, virology, parasitology and immunology. You’ll learn how pathogens cause disease, how infections spread, and how the immune system responds to protect the body. You’ll also explore emerging challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and global infectious diseases. 

You’ll study in the Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct, which includes hospitals and leading research facilities such as the cutting-edge Anti-Microbial Resistance and Infectious Disease (AMRID) laboratory. This environment connects you to real-world research and clinical practice, providing insight into how microbiology and immunology are applied to current health challenges. 

Guided by leading academics, you’ll develop strong laboratory and analytical skills while engaging with contemporary research in biomedical science. You’ll gain hands-on experience using techniques to investigate microorganisms, immunity and disease processes. 

You can broaden your expertise and expand your career opportunities by combining Microbiology and Immunology with another biomedical science major: Biochemistry and Nutrition, Biomedicine, Clinical Laboratory Science, Genetics and Biotechnology or Pharmacology and Toxicology.
Student handling samples with gloves in a laboratory

3 reasons to study microbiology and immunology at Murdoch University

  1. Study in the Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct, with access to hospitals and research facilities including AMRID
  2. Customise your biomedical science degree by combining this major with another specialisation to expand your expertise and career opportunities. 
  3. Learn from leading academics while building practical skills through hands-on laboratory work and research-driven projects.

What you’ll learn

  • Explore microbiology, including bacteriology, virology and parasitology, to understand how microorganisms cause disease. 
  • Investigate immunology and how the immune system responds to infection and protects the body. 
  • Analyse infectious diseases, including their transmission, progression and global impact. 
  • Examine antimicrobial resistance and its implications for human health. 
  • Develop laboratory skills to culture, identify and study microorganisms and immune responses. 
  • Interpret scientific data and apply your knowledge to real-world challenges in healthcare and biomedical research.

Not only could I study a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology and Toxicology, and a Bachelor of Criminology, but I had the opportunity to study them as a combined degree.

Danika, Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences

Murdoch University MMFS student with hammer prop

Your future career in microbiology and immunology

Our Microbiology and Immunology major equips you with the expertise to tackle infectious diseases and global health challenges. Your skills can lead to roles in research laboratories, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and public health, or further study in areas such as infectious disease research, immunotherapy, vaccine development or biomedical research. 

Potential roles include: 

  • Microbiologist 
  • Immunologist 
  • Laboratory technician 
  • Research assistant 
  • Public health officer 
  • Biomedical researcher
For more details about our Microbiology and Immunology major, download our information pack.

Start dates

Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Major Structure

Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Unit code Unit name Credit points

How to Apply

Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Study a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Murdoch University and gain hands-on experience in modern labs and health facilities. Apply today.

Have a question? Get in touch.

1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

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