B.A. Degree in Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of bacteria, viruses, yeasts, molds, algae and protozoa. These microorganisms are important in their effect on the health and well being of all living creatures, including humans, and they are the key to the biological revolution in genetic engineering. In addition, they are vital to environmental science, food production, and the marine environment. All biology majors complete lower division preparatory courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. The major consists of upper division core courses in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, ecology, evolution, and electives. These elective courses enable students to specifically prepare for professional schools, complete secondary credential in science requirements, or specialize in one or more of the following formal emphases: Bioengineering; Cellular and Molecular Biology; Ecology; Evolution and Systematics; Marine Biology; Zoology. Microbiology majors follow the lower division core for the biology program. Upper division courses are selected so that students get a basic education in the field as a whole and at the same time are able to specialize in a wide variety of academic areas including general microbiology or an emphasis in clinical laboratory science and public health microbiology. Career Opportunities: Microbiology graduates find positions with federal, state, and local agencies. They conduct applied and fundamental research, disease control and diagnosis in humans and animals, and environmental quality control assessment. Microbiologists also work in private industry (e.g., biomedical or pharmaceutical research and production, food and beverage manufacturing, and quality and safety control capacities) and in the research laboratories of private, academic, or endowed foundations.