Undergraduate Degree Programs

Philosophy

Our undergraduate program will give you the basics of modern microbiology together with a solid background in the physical sciences (i.e. physics, chemistry and mathematics). The program will prepare you for graduate work in Microbiology or for professions such as medicine, optometry, dentistry, oceanography, etc. A bachelor's degree will also allow for many careers in the food, pharmaceutical, health-oriented, agricultural, environmental and other industries including biotechnology.

Overview

The Department of Microbiology at UHM is an undergraduate program which meets the requirements of the American Society of Microbiology. Graduates may sit for the ASM National Board examinations for certification as professional microbiologists. Today all biological and physical sciences overlap. Theory and instrumentation developed in one field are likely to find important applications in the others. A large number of all jobs in "microbiology" in the U.S. are in some way associated with human health. At U.H., the Microbiology faculty members work with their colleagues in Oceanography, Food Sciences, Public Health, Tropical Medicine, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Tropical Agriculture and Civil and Mechanical Engineering and various research institutes. Faculty research and teaching interests span a wide range of disciplines.

Curriculum

We offer two degree options: the BA degree with a large choice of major elective courses and the more focused BS degree which is recommended for those planning to continue their studies following graduation. In addition, Microbiology courses are offered for students in nursing, dental hygiene, food science, travel and industrial management, and public health as well as for students planning to major in the many non-science fields.

Admission Requirements

Entering students must meet University admission requirements. We recommend that high school students complete a year of chemistry, 4 years of mathematics and one year of biology in preparation for the program. Once admitted to U.H., you may begin taking non-introductory courses in Microbiology as soon as prerequisite in organic chemistry is met. Undergraduates in good standing may take any microbiology course provided they have completed the proper prerequisites.

Advising

You can find out more about our courses and programs by calling the Department of Microbiology at 956-8553. Advising is mandatory. Ask to speak to an undergraduate adviser to make an appointment.

Sample programs for the BA and BS degrees in microbiology

Chem 272/272L are prereqs for Micr 351/351L. It is extremely important that the biology, math and chemistry courses listed in the first 3 semesters be taken as early as possible. Various options are shown to correspond to typical variations in student preparation.

This guide does not list University-wide and the College of Arts and Sciences core requirements. There are at least 12 semester core courses and up to 4 semester courses in required language. Average course load is 15 or 16 cr per semester; the minimum load for full-time status is 12 cr.

Minimum graduation requirements include completion of 124 units (with credit being given for exemptions to language courses passed by examination). 60 course credits shall be in non-introductory courses. Summer school options are not included, here.

Complete needed courses not taken in Year 3 in your last year. Get an appointment to check College and University requirement status with Arts and Sciences; don't get caught with unfilled requirements too late for scheduled graduation. Be sure to see your advisor again before beginning year 4!

You are responsible for your program! See your advisor frequently!