Bachelor of Science Curriculum
Advising is mandatory; see a departmental advisor as soon as possible.
Student learning outcomes
Upon graduation, Microbiology majors should have a thorough knowledge and comprehension of the core concepts in the disciplines of molecular, cellular and organismal microbiology. In addition students will exhibit proficiency in selected laboratory skills and develop knowledge of contemporary microbiological research. This background of knowledge and experience will prepare the students for entry into professional/graduate school or for employment in government, academic or industrial positions.
Specific learning outcomes include knowledge and understanding of:
- The physiology, biochemistry and genetics of bacteria including cell structure, function, diversity, metabolism and the genetics of metabolic regulation.
- The immune response and disease-causing microorganisms including aspects of the humoral, cell-mediated and non-specific immune responses, as well as molecular bases for pathogenesis.
- Taxonomic, ecological and genetic relationships among microorganisms including nutrient cycling, microbial diversity and the biotechnological application of microorganisms to solve environmental problems.
- The scientific method of investigation and hypothesis testing including the development of theoretical and practical skills in the design and execution of experiments.
Download the form
to declare a Microbiology major
To see a sample 4 year schedule for a Microbiology degree and
important registration information, go to
the College of Arts and Sciences Student Academic
Services-Microbiology web page
Note: You should take BIOL 171-171L (3+1), Introductory Biology (prerequisite to BIOL 172-172L), as a Natural Science course counting towards your core requirements.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: A minimum of 23 credits in Microbiology and of 6 credits in approved major electives (Total 29 credits).
| REQUIRED RELATED COURSES (C grade minimum) (D for majors declared before July 2007) | |
| Biochem 441 (4), Basic Biochem, MBBE 402 (4), Principles of Biochem, or CMB 405 (4) Biochemistry | 4 |
| Biology 172-172L (3+1), Introduction to Biology II | 4 |
| Biology 275-275L (3+1), Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| Chemistry 161-161L (3+1) & 162-162L (3+1), Gen'l Chem
or Chemistry 181A-181L (4+1), Honors General Chemistry |
8 or 5 |
| Chemistry 272-272L (3+2) & 273 (3), Org. Chem | 8 |
| Math 215 (4) Applied Calculus I & Math 216 (3) Applied Calculus II or Math 241 (4) Calculus I, Math 242 (3) Calculus II and Math 242L (1) Calculus Computer Lab |
7 or 8 |
| Physics 151-151L (3+1) & 152-152L (3+1), Coll. Physics or Physics 170-170L (4+1) & 272-272L (3+1), Gen'l Physics |
8 or 9 |
| Total | 39-45 |
| REQUIRED MICROBIOLOGY COURSES (C grade minimum) | |
| Basic introductory microbiology course;Micr 351-351L (3+2), Biology of Microorganisms | 5 |
| Micr 431 (3), 431L (2), Microbial Physiology | 3 |
| Micr 461 (3), 461L (2), Immunology | 3 |
| Micr 475 (3), 475L (2), Bacterial Genetics | 3 |
| One of the following: | 3 or 5 |
| Micr 463 (3), Microbiology of Pathogens | |
| Micr 485 (3), 485L/W (2), Microbes & Their Environment | |
| Micr 490/W-490L (3+2), Animal Virology (lab & lecture are co-requisites) | |
| A total of 6 credits of the following laboratory courses: | 6 or 4 |
| Micr 431L (2), Microbial Physiology Lab | |
| Micr 461L (2), Immunology Lab | |
| Micr 463L (2), Microbiology of Pathogens Lab | |
| Micr 475L (2), Bacterial Genetics Lab | |
| Micr 485L/WI (2), Microbes & Their Environment Lab | |
| Micr 490L (2), Animal Virology Lab (Lab & Lecture are co-requisites) | |
| Total | 23 |
| APPROVED MAJOR ELECTIVES (C grade minimum) | |
| A minimum of 6 credits from the following or approved equivalents. Some of these courses have related laboratories which may be counted towards the 6 credits. | |
| All 300- & 400-level Microbiology courses not used for the 23 credits of required courses (This includes Micr 499, Microbiology Problems-directed readings & research; limit: 3 credits towards the degree) | |
| Biology 375-375L (3+1), Concepts of Genetics Biology 406 Cell Biology (see Biology 408) |
|
| Biology 407 (3), Molecular Cell Biology I (formerly Mol. Biol.) | |
| Biology 408 (3), Molecular Cell Biology II (formerly Cell Biol.) | |
| Botany 430 (2+2), Mycology Botany 480 (4), Algal Diversity and Evolution |
|
| Chemistry 351 (3), Physical Chemistry I | |
| Chemistry 352 (3), Physical Chemistry II | |
| Economics 321 (3), Introduction to
Statistics Food Sciences & Human Nutrition 430 (3), Food Chemistry Food Sciences & Human Nutrition 403 (3), Microbiology of Foods |
|
| MBBE 401 (3), Molecular
Biotechnology MBBE 405 (3), Marine Functional Genomics and Biotechnology Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences 405 (4), Plant Pathogens and Diseases Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences 486 (3), Insect- Microbe Interactions Public Health 663 (3), Principles of Epidemiology I |
|
| Zoology 340 (2), Parasitology | |
| Zoology 416 (3), Histology | |
| Zoology 417 (3), Microtechnique | |
| Zoology 631 (4), Biometry | |
| Zoology 632 (4), Advanced Biometry | |
Notes
- Major electives should be chosen with the aid and approval of the department advisor to provide a well integrated and coherent program.
- Attention is called to the College of Arts and Sciences Basic requirements and to those in areas of language and culture, humanities and social sciences. It is the student's responsibility to meet these requirements.
- Prerequisites, micro requirements, required related courses and major electives cannot be taken CR/NC; they must be taken for a letter grade.
- Students can do a laboratory teaching internship and obtain a course credit for MICR 499. Students should have previously taken a laboratory class and obtain permission from the instructor.
Sample Schedule
- Freshman Year: Start the chemistry and mathematics sequences as early as possible. Take Biology 171 and 172 if possible.
- Sophomore Year: Take Chem 272/272L, 273/273L, Physics; Micr 351, 2nd semester as soon as Chem 272 is taken.
- Junior Year: Take Micr 351 1st semester, if not yet complete. Biochemistry and other major electives may also be taken. Biochemistry is desirable for students who wish to take Micr 461, 431, 490.
- Check early on Arts and Science requirements to avoid conflicts and problems in the senior year, e.g., language and/or required "core" courses.