Biological Sciences, Microbiology Concentration, BS

Program Overview

The Biological Sciences program with a Microbiology Concentration prepares students for careers in microbiology-related fields or graduate studies. It specializes in microbiology subfields, develops laboratory skills, and offers electives in genetics, physiology, and virology. The program also includes a Chemistry minor and prepares students for certification as Clinical Laboratory Scientists.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Name: Biological Sciences, Microbiology Concentration, BS
• Department: Biological Sciences
• Overview: Prepares students for positions in industries that use or detect microorganisms, as well as graduate studies in basic, applied, or medical microbiology.
Specializes in instruction in basic microbiology, immunology, medical microbiology, microbial physiology, bacterial genetics, and bacterial diversity. Designed to accommodate those pursuing certification as Clinical Laboratory Scientists (medical technologists).
• Objectives:
• Gain specialized knowledge in microbiology subfields
• Develop skills in laboratory techniques and experimental design
• Prepare for careers in microbiology-related fields or graduate studies

Outline:

Major Core Requirements

• Courses:
• BIOL 30 - Principles of Biology I (4 units)
• BIOL 31 - Principles of Biology II (4 units)
• BIOL 107 - Immunology (3 units)
• MICR 101 - General Microbiology (5 units)
• MICR 127 - Microbial Physiology (3 units)
• MICR 141 - Pathogenic Microbiology I (3 units)
• MICR 166 - Bacterial Genetics (4 units)

Major/Laboratory Electives

• Courses:
• Electives:
• BIOL 115 - General Genetics (4 units)
• BIOL 116 - Molecular Genetics (4 units)
• BIOL 118 - Evolution (4 units)
• BIOL 124 - Systems Physiology (3 units)
• BIOL 134 - Vertebrate Histology (4 units)
• BIOL 135A - Eukaryotic Cell and Molecular Biology I (3 units)
• BIOL 156 - Ecological Sampling Design and Analyses (3 units)
• MICR 122 - Bacterial Diversity (2 units)
• MICR 123 - Food Microbiology (2 units)
• MICR 140 - Hematology (3 units)
• MICR 142 - Pathogenic Microbiology II (3 units)
• MICR 170 - General Virology (3 units)
• Laboratory Electives:
• BIOL 107L - Immunology Laboratory (2 units)
• BIOL 116L - Molecular Genetics Laboratory (3 units)
• BIOL 180 - Individual Studies (1-4 units)
• BIOL 182 - Tutor Assistant in Biology (1-2 units)
• BIOL 184 - Directed Reading (1-4 units)
• BIOL 186 - Senior Thesis (2-4 units)
• CHEM 180 - Individual Studies (1-4 units)
• MICR 122L - Bacterial Diversity Laboratory (2 units)
• MICR 123L - Food Microbiology Laboratory (2 units)
• MICR 127L - Microbial Physiology Laboratory (2 units)
• MICR 140L - Hematology Laboratory (2 units)
• MICR 141L - Pathogenic Microbiology I Laboratory (3 units)
• MICR 142L - Pathogenic Microbiology II Laboratory (3 units)

Chemistry Minor Requirements

• Courses:
• CHEM 1A - General Chemistry (5 units)
• CHEM 1B - General Chemistry (5 units)
• CHEM 112A - Organic Chemistry (3 units)
• CHEM 112B - Organic Chemistry (3 units)
• CHEM 113A - Organic Chemistry Lab (2 units)
• CHEM 120S - Chemical Safety Seminar (1 unit)

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Microbiologist
• Laboratory Technician
• Medical Technologist
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist
• Researcher
• Science Writer
• Science Educator
• Career Opportunities:
• Biotechnology industry
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Food industry
• Environmental industry
• Healthcare industry
• Career Outcomes:
• Successful careers in microbiology-related fields
• Preparation for graduate studies in microbiology