Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics

The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at the University of California offers students an in-depth exploration of the fundamental biological processes that underpin health, disease, and biotechnology. This interdisciplinary program provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with a solid foundation in the sciences, combining coursework in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry. Throughout their studies, students engage in rigorous laboratory research, gaining hands-on experience with modern techniques and instrumentation used in cutting-edge biological research and medical diagnostics.

The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, experimental skills, and scientific communication, preparing graduates for diverse careers in healthcare, research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and academia. Students learn about the diversity and function of microorganisms — bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites — and their roles in environments ranging from human health to global ecosystems. The immunology component explores the immune system's mechanisms, immune response regulation, and the development of vaccines and immunotherapies. Molecular genetics coursework delves into gene structure, function, regulation, and the molecular basis of heredity, providing students with the knowledge to interpret genetic information and apply genetic technologies.

The curriculum includes opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and collaborative projects, fostering innovation and a practical understanding of scientific concepts. Faculty members are active researchers recognized internationally, and students are encouraged to participate in research programs that may lead to publications or conference presentations. The program also emphasizes ethical considerations and the societal impact of biological sciences, preparing students to contribute responsibly to scientific advancements and public health initiatives.

Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue further education in graduate or professional schools or to enter the workforce immediately in roles such as microbiologists, immunologists, genetic counselors, laboratory technicians, or research scientists. The UC program ensures that students graduate with a robust set of skills, scientific literacy, and a global perspective on biological sciences, empowering them to address critical biological and health-related challenges of the 21st century.

To fulfill the MIMG upper division requirements, the student must take 10 to 11 courses, totaling 45-46 units.

There are three Foundation Courses that are required:

• Biochemistry (CHEM 153A)
• Immunology (MIMG 185A)
• Introductory Microbiology (MIMG 101)

Next, the Laboratory Requirement may be satisfied by either Path 1 or Path 2 courses.  This Competency-based Research Laboratory Curriculum (CRLC) is designed to provide in-depth research opportunities for all students in the MIMG major.  Laboratory requirements may be completed as follows:

Path 1:  Students choose one of three laboratory courses referred to as Research Immersion Labs (Path 1 AL courses).  The process of discovery is demonstrated through a guided, inquiry-based experience organized around team research project objectives.  Activities span two consecutive quarters with each Research Immersion Lab followed by an Advanced Research Analysis course (Path 1 BL courses).  The first course offers hands-on experience collecting data, analyzing preliminary results, and reading the scientific literature, and the second course emphasizes rigorous quantitative and computational analysis of data, oral presentation and discussion of research ideas, and formal written documentation of research accomplishments.  All Path 1 students share their research achievements with peers and faculty by presenting a poster at a symposium at the end of BL.

Path 2:  Students interested in pursuing an independent research experience in a faculty mentor’s laboratory may fulfill departmental major requirements by completing at least two consecutive quarters of letter-graded laboratory research (Path 2 course 196A/B) coupled to participation in concurrent research seminars (180A and 180B).  This Path is suited for third-year students who maintain a 3.0 grade-point average in their major and who develop an interest in research while participating in a Research Acquaintance experience in an MIMG or MCDB faculty mentor’s laboratory.  Path 2 students should acquire in-depth and broad knowledge about their research project by evaluating relevant scientific literature, orally presenting and formally writing about their research progress.  Eligible students must apply and be approved for enrollment in Path 2 by departmental curriculum committees.  Those who complete all course requirements for Path 2 are exempt from participating in Path 1.  All Path 2 students share their research achievements with peers and faculty by presenting a poster at a symposium at the end of 180B.

The remaining requirements are Electives that are chosen by the student from departmentally approved lists.

The upper division requirements described above provide students with flexibility in planning their schedules and allows students to tailor their course choices to reflect their interests.  While the MIMG major doesn’t have specializations, this flexibility permits the student to focus on specific disciplines within the major such as:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Parasitology
• Virology

The department also has a plethora of opportunities for students to gain research experience while undergraduates.  MIMG faculty members are involved in cutting-edge research in anthrax, AIDS, bioinformatics, cancer, cellular immunology, Herpes, and protein regulation, to name a few areas of investigation.

The MIMG major provides a solid foundation for those wishing continue their education in a health-related field as well as those who are planning to go graduate school.  Microbes are everywhere!  And so are the opportunities for students in MIMG.

Requirements

• To be considered for admission to UCLA, international students must have completed secondary school with a superior average in academic subjects and have earned a certificate of completion which enables the student to be admitted to a university in the home country.
• All freshman applicants are expected to take the following tests: The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test. - or - The SAT Reasoning Test. Note: you must complete the essay portion of the SAT. We will not accept your scores if you opt not to write the essay.
• UCLA requires records from all secondary schools attended, showing subjects taken and grades received as well as any national or government certificates earned. Documents of all college or university coursework must also be sent in the original language, along with English translations. Do not send these documents now. If you apply and are admitted to UCLA, your admission packet will contain instructions on how to send your original records to us.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• A competitive score is above 100 (with sub-scores above 22).
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• A competitive score is 7 or higher.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

UCLA does not award scholarships or financial aid to undergraduate students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States. International students must prove that they have sufficient funds available to them to pay for their educational and living expenses. For example, students admitted to Fall Quarter 2016 will need a minimum of about $60,000 (with an additional $5,000 recommended for additional personal expenses, contingencies and summer expenses). This minimum amount usually grows each year.

UCLA also requires that all international students on non-immigrant visas have adequate medical insurance during all periods of enrollment. More information about these requirements will be sent to students when they are admitted.

The Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics program at the University of California offers students a comprehensive education in understanding the fundamental principles governing microorganisms, the immune system, and molecular processes within living organisms. This interdisciplinary program is designed to equip students with the scientific knowledge and research skills necessary for careers in biomedical research, healthcare, biotechnology, and academia. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory experience, enabling students to apply modern techniques in microbiology, immunology, and genetics to real-world problems. Students have opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects under the guidance of renowned faculty members, often leading to contributions in scientific publications and conferences. The program also prepares students for advanced study in graduate or medical schools, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities relevant to human health and disease management. Facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers that support innovative investigations into infectious diseases, immune system functioning, and genetic mechanisms. Graduates of the program are well-positioned for careers in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and government agencies focused on disease prevention, diagnostics, and therapeutic development. The program promotes a collaborative environment encouraging teamwork and interdisciplinary approaches, reflecting the complex nature of biological sciences. With a robust foundation in molecular techniques, bioinformatics, and experimental design, students gain the skills necessary to contribute significantly to scientific advancements in microbiology, immunology, and genetics.