Microbiology, B.S.

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, mainly bacteria and viruses, but also single-celled organisms and some fungi and invertebrates. Some cause disease while others live as mutually beneficial symbiotes of humans and other organisms. Most live independently in the environment, altering soil, aquatic and marine chemistry in ways that shape our food supply, entire ecosystems and even planetary climate. In this program, students will build a foundation in biology and chemistry from which to then explore the diversity of microscopic life, particularly as it impacts human health and society. From the agents of infectious disease to the microbes that help make our food, from the microbes of the soil to the microbes of the sea, these invisible multitudes shape our world. Students will graduate prepared to work in microbiology laboratories, or go on to professional health care or scientific graduate study.

Requirements for the Microbiology Major:

Core Curriculum Requirements

Students must complete the Undergraduate Core Curriculum requirements. Specific courses that must be taken to satisfy the core curriculum requirements include natural and social science courses.

See Undergraduate Core Curriculum

Major Requirements:

68 hours

57 hours of Science Requirements:

6 hours of Electives:

Choose from:

3 hours of Statistics:

STAT 146 - Introductory Biostatistics

2 hours of Capstone:

Senior Capstone from:

Notes:

A 2.000 cumulative average must be attained in all major courses.
Students planning to attend Medical School or other professional health schools should take Human Physiology as one of their electives. Consult with the pre-professional health adviser about all health professional plans.

TOTAL Minimum Hours Required for Degree: 120 Semester Hours

B.S. Microbiology

This block serves as a guideline for progress toward a degree. See your academic advisor.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

BIOL 160 General Biology I
BIOL 161 General Biology I Lab
CHEM 160 General Chemistry I
CHEM 161 General Chemistry I Lab
STAT 146 Biostat or Math Persp. elec.*
THEO 111 Theological Foundations †
CORE 101 Goa I

Total (14)

Spring Semester

BIOL 162 General Biology II
BIOL 163 General Biology II Lab
CHEM 162 General Chemistry II
CHEM 163 General Chemistry II Lab
ENGL 101 English Composition *
CORE 100 First Year Seminar †
CORE 101 Goa I

Total (14)

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

BIOL 203 Food Microbiology
BIOL 204 Food Microbiology Lab
CHEM 240 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 241 Organic Chemistry I Lab
STAT 146 Biostat or Math Persp. elec.*
Second Language Elective I *
BIOL 299 Prof Comm Sci (oral comm flag)

Total (15)

Spring Semester

BIOL 230 Genetics
BIOL 231 Genetics Lab
CHEM 242 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 243 Organic Chemistry II Lab
PHIL 100 Intro to Ethics *
Second Language Elective II *
Social Science Elective *, **

Total (17)

Junior Year

Fall Semester

BIOL Elective OR BIOL 358 Molecular Biology
BIOL 364 Virology or BIOL 366 Immunology
Solidarity & Kinship Flag Elective **
ENGL 205 Lit and Moral Imag. **
HIST 199 Historical Persp. Elective **

Total (15-16)

Spring Semester

CHEM 440 Biochemistry I
BIOL 450 General Microbiology
BIOL 451 General Microbiology Lab
PHIL 200 Phil Persp. Elective **
Creative Perspectives Elective **

Total (13)

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Capstone (≥ 2 credits required)
BIOL Elective OR BIOL 358 Molecular Biology
BIOL 364 Virology or BIOL 366 Immunology
PHYS 160 College Physics I
PHYS 161 College Physics I Lab
Theo. Persp. Elective **

Total (13-16)

Spring Semester

Capstone (≥ 2 credits required)
PHYS 162 College Physics II
PHYS 163 College Physics II Lab
E/RS Flag Elective **
Humanities Elective **
General Elective

Total (14)

Notes:

*, **, † - Courses with the same symbol can be swapped. E/RS and Solidarity & Kinship flag may double count with other requirements.
120 hours total and a minimum GPA of 2.0 overall and in the major required for the degree.