Microbiology

Microbiology is an Interdepartmental Program supervised by the Microbiology Major Committee, with academic support provided by the Program in Biology. Participating units include the Departments of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) in LSA; the Epidemiology Department in the School of Public Health; and the Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Internal Medicine in the Medical School.

Microbiology includes the study of viruses, algae, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Immunobiology is also included within the science of microbiology. A major 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.