Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology

The Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology program at the University of California offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in the biological sciences, environmental health, and related fields. This interdisciplinary program combines principles of microbiology—the study of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa—with environmental toxicology, which examines the impact of chemical and biological agents on ecosystems and human health. Students in this program gain a solid foundation in the fundamentals of microbiology, including microbial physiology, genetics, and ecology, while also exploring the interactions between pollutants and living organisms. The curriculum emphasizes laboratory skills, research methodology, and data analysis, equipping students with practical experience in experimental design, microbiological techniques, and environmental sampling.

Throughout their studies, students investigate topics such as microbial roles in environmental processes, microbial contributions to disease, bioremediation strategies, and toxicological effects of environmental contaminants. The program encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, fostering an understanding of complex biological systems and their relevance to human health, agriculture, and industry. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, providing opportunities for hands-on experimentation, project-based learning, and participation in ongoing research initiatives. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and sustainability in addressing environmental challenges.

Graduates of the Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology program are well-prepared for diverse career paths, including research and development in academia, government agencies, healthcare, environmental consulting, and biotechnology industries. Many alumni continue their education through graduate or professional schools, pursuing advanced degrees in microbiology, toxicology, public health, or related disciplines. The program’s interdisciplinary approach and focus on real-world applications ensure that students develop the knowledge, skills, and ethical awareness necessary to make meaningful contributions to science and society.

Sample Pathways

Pathways within the microbiology and environmental toxicology graduate program focus on interdisciplinary approaches to addressing problems in environmental and public health.  We offer several defined training pathways, and also encourage students to create their own.

Metals in the Environment

Research includes how organisms are exposed to metals, how these metals cause toxicity, and investigating the concentration, speciation, and isotopic composition of contaminant metals and metalloids.

Microbiology

Microbiology provides research training on molecular genetic analysis of both non-pathogenic and pathogenic microbes. Students study host-pathogen interactions, ecology and evolution of pathogenic microorganisms, adaptation of pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms to environmental stresses, and mechanisms of microbial biotransformation of pollutants and toxic metals.

Cellular and Organismal Toxicology

This pathway provides training in the biochemical, molecular, cellular, and physiological processes that are impacted by exposures to such contaminants as toxic metals. Research includes exposure pathways and toxicity of contaminants and pathogens within humans, with emphasis on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying toxicity.

Microbial Biology and Pathogenesis track within the Program in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering (PBSE)

The METX Department also admits students through the PBSE program Microbial Biology and Pathogenesis (MICRO) Ph.D. track. PBSE track is a rotation-based graduate umbrella program. This training program emphasizes the application of diverse approaches, including biochemistry, genetics, genomics, ecology, and imaging to address questions at the forefront of microbial biology. Interdisciplinary research is encouraged and supported by a diverse group of faculty from the METX Department as well as from the Departments of Biomolecular Engineering; Ocean Sciences; Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology; Evolutionary and Ecology Biology; and Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Fifth-Year M.S. path

METX offers a fifth-year master of science (M.S.) degree path when earned contiguous with an appropriate Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree at UCSC. The fifth-year M.S. path provides highly motivated undergraduate majors the opportunity to earn separate B.S. and M.S. degrees in five years. The path provides the additional level of preparation and experience that students need to pursue careers in industry, government, or to increase their competitiveness for top Ph.D. programs. Students apply to be accepted into the fifth-year M.S. path in consultation with their faculty or undergraduate adviser, no later than the end of the spring quarter of the junior year.

To be accepted to the path, students will need to prepare an application and plan for their fifth-year BS/MS, providing evidence of solid academic performance in general and in their undergraduate major. The application should be submitted no later than end spring quarter of the junior year, and should include:

• A one-page personal statement describing a) the student’s motivation and academic preparation for entering the path; b) the student’s goals for the fifth-year path, including the area of concentration; c) the name of a faculty member willing to serve as their thesis adviser (if appropriate); and d) future professional goals.
• Copy of unofficial transcripts establishing the GPA requirements in the undergraduate major and overall. Applicants should possess a GPA in courses of their undergraduate major (biology, chemistry, etc.) of 3.2 or above, and an overall GPA of 3.0 or above.
• A letter of recommendation from the METX faculty member attesting to the student’s promise for a M.S. degree in METX.
• A coursework plan that will enable them to complete both the requirements for the B.S. in their undergraduate department and M.S. in METX in five years, including demonstrating sufficient coursework capacity to complete at least one to two METX graduate courses in  their final undergraduate year.

If accepted into the fifth-year B.S./M.S. path, students will go through the regular METX M.S. application process early in their senior year. The criteria for admission to the METX M.S. program  will be the same as for all METX M.S. program applicants.

Program Requirements

The METX student’s curriculum is tailored to the individual, creating a graduate experience that combines essential background material with coursework at the frontiers of science. The student, in conjunction with a faculty committee, chooses classes to complement the Ph.D. or master’s thesis work that each student is performing. Students are encouraged to explore new areas and bring this expertise back to their thesis research.

Requirements for both Master’s and Ph.D. Students in Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology

1. Core coursework. METX 200 Interdisciplinary Approaches to Problems at the Interface of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, and METX 205, Scientific Skills, Ethics, and Writing, must be taken and passed with at least a B.
2. Three additional courses. Two courses from the following: METX 201, 202, 206A, 210, 238, 250, and at least one additional approved graduate-level course within Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology or another department. Students must enroll in METX 281, 292, and 297 or 299 each quarter. Additional courses as recommended by your first-year advising committee. Must be passed with at least a B.
3. Literature review. Under direction of the student’s adviser, write a literature review of the current state of the field of the proposed dissertation research. The written review will be handed in to the student’s adviser at the end of the summer of the first year.
4. Department seminar. Give a 20-minute departmental seminar each academic year, and one 50-minute departmental seminar during the fall quarter of the third year if a doctoral student, or in spring of the second year if a master’s student.

Requirements specific to the Master’s degree

1. Master’s comprehensive examination. The master’s comprehensive exam is a presentation and defense of the student’s master’s research proposal, including relevant background knowledge. The examination will not be specifically course-based, but will draw on knowledge from courses. This examination is taken in the fall quarter of the second year.
2. Second-year seminar. The student will present a 50-minute seminar on his/her thesis work in spring quarter of the second year.
3. Thesis. Students are required to submit a thesis for fulfillment of the degree requirements. The thesis should be submitted to the student’s master’s reading committee one month before the due date.

Requirements

• Transcripts. You may upload a scanned copy of your unofficial transcripts to your online application, or send official copies to the Graduate Application Processing address
• Statement of Purpose. Recommended length is a concise 2-4 pages, single-spaced.
• The Personal History Statement is required of all applicants.This statement will be used in conjunction with your application for graduate admission and financial support. Please note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose.
• A résumé is required for some applications and optional for others.
• All recommendation letters are required to be submitted electronically through the online application.  You must register a minimum of three recommenders, and as many as five, via the Recommendations page of the online application.
• The application fee for the 2016-17 academic year is $105 for domestic applicants and $125 for international applicants. This fee can be paid by credit card or e-check (the e-check option is only available if you have a U.S. bank account). 
• Official GRE scores must be sent from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to UC Santa Cruz, School Code 4860 (no department code necessary).  Official scores must be received prior to the application deadline.
• If you are a non-native English speaker you will be required to take an English language competency exam.  UC Santa Cruz accepts the TOEFL or IELTS test.  Official scores must also be sent from the testing service to UC Santa Cruz, School Code 4860

Scholarships

• Regents Fellowships. A limited number of these fellowships are awarded to first-year graduate students in master's and doctoral programs. These awards provide a stipend and/or payment of university fees except non-resident tuition.
• Global Education

The Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology program at the University of California is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the biological and chemical processes that influence microbial life and environmental health. The program integrates principles from microbiology, chemistry, ecology, and toxicology to prepare students for careers in research, public health, environmental protection, and industry. Students in this program explore the foundational aspects of microbiology, including microbial physiology, genetics, and ecology, as well as the impacts of toxic substances on ecosystems and human health. The curriculum emphasizes laboratory skills, experimental design, data analysis, and critical thinking, enabling graduates to address complex environmental challenges. The program offers coursework in environmental chemistry, microbial genetics, environmental toxicology, and sustainability practices, often with opportunities for research projects, internships, and fieldwork. Graduates are equipped to pursue advanced degrees or careers in environmental consulting, public health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, or academia. The program faculty are actively engaged in cutting-edge research spanning infectious diseases, environmental contaminants, and bioremediation strategies. State-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities support student training and mentorship. By participating in this program, students gain a multidisciplinary perspective on microbial and environmental sciences, fostering innovative solutions to improve ecosystem health and public safety.