About Microbiology

Microbiology

applies the tools of chemistry, molecular biology, mathematics, and physics to the study of the structure, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, physiology, and ecology of microorganisms (bacterial, viruses, fungi, protozoa). Microbiologists discover cures for disease, increase growth and nutrition for our food supply, and safeguard the quality of life we already enjoy.

The Major

curriculum combines a foundation in biology and chemistry with microbiology courses that include:

• Bacterial genetics
• Bacterial physiology
• Microbial ecology
• Immunology
• Medical microbiology, and
• Virology

In addition, students can personalize their interests by choosing electives in research laboratory work, molecular biology, chemistry, food, and soil microbiology.

The Future

offers you choices for continued education or for immediate employment. Microbiology is the preferred degree for students who desire an advanced degree (MS or PhD) in microbiology, virology, immunology, parasitology or cell biology. It is also a helpful degree for students who are planning to attend medical or dental school, because of the breadth of the exposure of medical relevance. Graduates are qualified to enter the workforce with government agencies, institutes, or industry (biotech, cosmetic, food and water protection, health care, hospital, or pharmaceutical, to name a few).