Microbiology applies the tools of chemistry, molecular biology, mathematics, and physics to the study of the structure, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, physiology, and ecology of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa).
This is an excellent degree for majors who desire an advanced degree in microbiology, virology, immunology, parasitology, cell biology, or epidemiology (master’s or doctorate).
Environmental microbiologists are concerned with microorganisms that cause pollution as well as those that can degrade pollutants in bioremediation processes.
Microbial ecologists work on land and in water studying how microbes recycle dead plants and animals and how they can be used to maintain environmental quality or correct environmental mishaps.
Industrial microbiologists fit into many categories. Food microbiologists seek better strains of organisms used to make products; some microbiologists work in pharmaceutical plants, in antibiotic development; others work on the production of solvents and other products from waste material.
Microbial geneticists and biotechnologists study microbial gene function, improve desirable microbial qualities and increase understanding of cell-regulation processes.
Microbial physiologists and biochemists study life processes that employ microbial systems and conduct basic research on microbial growth and development.
Clinical microbiologists are involved in diagnosis and identification of microbial infections and approaches to treatment.
Medical microbiologists study the biology of bacterial pathogens and the mechanisms they use to cause disease.
Virologists study the biology of viruses, the etiology and mechanisms of viral infections and diseases in biological species, and the use of viruses as molecular and biological tools.
Immunologists study the molecular and cellular biology of the immune system and its interactions with microorganisms.
Parasitologists study the biology, etiology, and epidemiology of parasites and the mechanisms by which they interact with their hosts.
Cell biologists study the molecular biology, signal transduction and cell signaling pathways involved in all aspects of biological function. This includes studies at the molecular level of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and AIDs, etc.
Epidemiologists study disease epidemics with an effort to track down the method and cause of the disease.
Students are encouraged to participate in laboratory research. Faculty-directed research programs are available to undergraduates throughout the year.
Students may be employed either as research or teaching assistants. Several endowed scholarships are available.
The objectives of the microbiology major program are to provide a conceptual knowledge base and critical thinking skills related to the following areas:
Chem 105* General College Chemistry
Chem 106 General College Chemistry
Chem 107 General College Chemistry Lab
MMBio 390R Readings in Molecular Biology