MICROBIOLOGY

Microbiology includes the study of viruses, algae, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Immunobiology is also included within the science of microbiology. A concentration in microbiology prepares students for graduate study in microbiology, biochemistry, agricultural science, and food science as well as for study in other areas of biology which emphasize cellular structures and their function. A bachelor's degree in microbiology may qualify students for entry-level positions in medical, industrial, or governmental laboratories.

Students intending to go to graduate school should have at least two terms of research experience. These can appear as graded courses, UROP participation, or be independent of the graded curriculum. Most graduate school-bound students will have 1-2 graded research courses (2-4 credits/each) on record. Students intending to go to graduate school will need research experience as well as two terms of calculus and two terms of physics. Students intending to go to medical school will need to take two terms of Physics and CHEM 230.

Prerequisites to Concentration. BIOLOGY (171, 172/174, and 173), or BIOLOGY (195 and 173), or BIOLOGY (162, or 163, or AP credit for BIO 162); CHEM 210, 211, 215, 216; MATH 115 and 116; and PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241 (or PHYSICS 125/127 and 126/128, or PHYSICS 135/141 and 235/241). The PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241 sequence is recommended for students interested in an Honors concentration and for those who anticipate graduate work in the field of microbiology.

Concentration Program.

1. Required courses in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and Genetics

(a) BIOLOGY 207;

(b) BIOLOGY 310, 311, BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 451 (when elected with CHEM 452);

(c) MCDB 306, 429, or BIOLCHEM 416;

(d) BIOLOGY 305

2. Specified Electives (minimum 19 credits). A minimum of eleven credits must be selected from Groups 1 and 2 which include at least two courses from Group 1 and one course from Group 2. The remaining eight credits may be selected from Groups 1, 2, or 3.

Group 1: Microbial Genetics, Physiology, Cellular Biology, Diversity and Ecology

       MCDB 415, 432, 589; EEB 315, 470;
       MICRBIOL/ INTMED 460

Group 2: Microbial Pathogenesis, General Virology and Immunology

       MICRO 405, 415; EPID 460; either
       MICROBIOL 440 or MCDB 436

Group 3: Advanced Electives. A maximum of eight credits from these courses listed below may be allowed toward a microbiology concentration

    1. Advanced Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular
     Biology:

        MCDB 411 or CHEM 452, MCDB 427, MCDB 428

    2. Ecology:

         EEB 476, EEB 483

    3. Microbiology and Immunology: Any MICRBIOL course at
     the 500-level or above (with approval of a
     concentration advisor).

    4. Advanced Mathematics: Any course with a MATH 116
    prerequisite.

    5. Statistics: Any STATS course at the 400-level or above.

    6. Research: MICRBIOL 399, EEB 400, MCDB 400 (a
    maximum of 3 credits)

Note: A research course must be taken for a minimum of two credits and be completed in a single academic term. Only three credits of independent study may count towards the concentration program.

Field of Concentration: For purposes of calculating grade point average, the term 'field of concentration' means the following:

(a) All BIOLOGY, EEB, MCDB, and Biological Station courses, including cross-listed ones at the 200-level or above.

(b) All courses used to satisfy concentration requirements

(c) All required cognate courses (if any)

(d) All mandatory prerequisites.

Using non-LS&A coursework in the Microbiology concentration. All courses in Biological Chemistry (BIOLCHEM) and Microbiology and Immunology (MICRBIOL) are listed in the Online Schedule of Classes under the Medical School; Epidemiology (EPID) courses are listed under the School of Public Health. Courses not listed in this Bulletin and not cross-listed through an LS&A department count as non-LS&A course work (See "Non-LS&A Course Work" in Chapter III). BIOLCHEM 415 and 416 are listed in this Bulletin and therefore are not included in the non-LS&A credits which may be applied toward the degree. Concentrators may elect 20 credits of non-LS&A course work in the minimum 120 required for an A.B. or B.S. degree. Students pursuing a concentration in microbiology should elect cross-listed courses through the LS&A department whenever possible.

Exclusions: Students may not double concentrate in Biology, General Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Plant Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Neuroscience, nor elect a minor in Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology, Global Change or Environmental Science.

Microbiology Concentration Form

Below is the form outlining the Microbiology concentration requirements. You may view this documents as a web page or download it in Microsoft Word format. This worksheet is used by the concentration advisors.

Download the Microbiology concentration form.