Microbiology Major | Department of Biological Sciences

Microbiology is the study of the biology of microscopic organisms - viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi, slime molds, and protozoa. The methods used to study and manipulate these minute and mostly unicellular organisms differ from those used in most other biological investigations. Recombinant DNA technology uses microorganisms, particularly bacteria and viruses, to amplify DNA sequences and generate the encoded products. Moving genes from one microorganism to another, or amplifying them within microorganisms, permits application of microbial skills to solve medical and environmental problems. Many microorganisms are unique among living things in their ability to use gaseous nitrogen from the air for their nutritional requirements, or to degrade complex macromolecules in such materials as wood. By rearranging the genes that control these and other processes, scientists seek to engineer microorganisms that will process wastes, fertilize agricultural land, produce desirable biomolecules, and solve other problems inexpensively and safely.

Microbiologists pursue careers in many fields, including agricultural, environmental, food, and industrial microbiology; public health; resource management; basic research; education; and pharmaceuticals. Jobs in all of these fields are available at the BS level as well as the MS and PhD levels (see our guide for applying to graduate schools). The Microbiology major also incorporates the requirements expected for admission to medical, dental, and other health-professional schools, and to graduate schools in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and related disciplines.

This major is designed to be completed in 4 academic years. Specific course sequencing cannot be changed. If you are looking for a major that can be completed in fewer than 4 academic years, we offer a BS in Biological Sciences which is much more flexible in course sequencing. Occasionally a student bringing in transfer credit may have a different timeline; please see a Bio Advisor to discuss.

Microbiology BS Requirements

All students within the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences must complete General Education Requirements. These courses provide breadth to your education beyond training in the Biological Sciences.
All majors within the Department of Biological Sciences must also complete Co-requisite courses in Chemistry, Math, and Physics; these courses give you the scientific background to maximize your education within the Microbiology major.
The major progress tracker below is a comprehensive list of the courses Microbiology majors must complete to obtain the B.S. degree. Review the BIOSC Courses webpage for available BIOSC electives. It is the student's responsibility to track their progress through the major and general education requirements.
- Microbiology Progress Tracker
- Dietrich School Microbiology Major Sheet

Sample Schedule

This is a sample schedule of how one could arrange a well-balanced curriculum for a major in Microbiology. We recommend students enroll in no more than 6 - 8 credits of science/math each term. Also, make sure to balance all labs across several terms.

Please note: The following schedule is only a suggestion for completing a major in Microbiology. There are many other ways to organize the courses. You should work with one of our Biological Sciences Advisors to create a plan suitable for you and your specific educational plans.

Year One

Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Course	Credits	Course	Credits
BIOSC 0150 CHEM 0110 with lab WorkCmp GenEd Elective	3 4 3 3 1	BIOSC 0157 lab BIOSC 0160 CHEM 0120 with lab SemComp* GenEd Elective	2 3 4 3 3 1
Total	14	Total	15
*Or take in Year 2 Fall semester

Year Two

Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Course	Credits	Course	Credits
BIOSC 0267 BIOSC 0350 CHEM 0310 GenEd* GenEd Elective	2 3 3 3 3 3	MATH 0220 CHEM 0320 CHEM 0345 lab GenEd Elective Elective	4 3 2 3 3 1
Total	16	Total	16
*Or take Year 2 Spring semester

Year Three

Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Course	Credits	Course	Credits
BIOSC 1000 BIOSC 1850 PHYS 0110 / 0174 GenEd Elective	3 3 3 / 4 3 3	BIOSC 1280 Micro. Elect. Lab PHYS 0111 / 0175 GenEd Elective*	3 1 3 / 4 3 3
Total	15 - 16	Total	13 - 15
*Replace with PHYS 0212/0219 and 1 cr. elective only if applying to medical, dental, physical therapy, optometry, or (some) veterinary schools.

Year Four

Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Course	Credits	Course	Credits
Micro. Elect. BIOSC 1865 BIOSC 1860 lab GenEd Elective Elective	3 3 2 3 3 2	BIOSC 0370 / 1130 or Micro. Elect. BIOSC 1570 BIOSC 1571 (Writ) STAT 1000 GenEd GenEd	3 1 1 4 3 3
Total	16	Total	15

Careers