Microbiology (Medical Microbiology) - BS

Program Overview

The BS in Microbiology with a concentration in Medical Microbiology prepares students for careers in medicine, health professions, medical microbiology, or biomedical research. It covers core concepts in microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, and biology, and offers hands-on laboratory experiences, research opportunities, and mentorship. The program aligns with premedical competencies and prepares students for the MCAT and medical school admission.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

It prepares students for the MCAT and medical school admission by covering core concepts and competencies in microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, math, physics, cell biology, animal physiology, and human biology and society.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue careers in medicine and related fields.
• Provide a strong foundation in microbiology, emphasizing its impact on human health.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on laboratory experiences.
• Prepare students for the MCAT and medical school admission.
• Offer opportunities for independent research and internships with world-renowned faculty.

Other:

• This program is available as an accelerated degree program.
• The program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students on F-1 visas.

Outline

It covers various areas, including:

• Microbiology: Introduction to microbes, their role in human health and disease, microbial genetics, immunology, and infectious diseases.
• Chemistry: General chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry, focusing on the structure and function of biological molecules.
• Cell Biology: Studying the structure and function of cells, including their organelles and membranes.
• Animal Physiology: Understanding the function of animal organ systems and their regulation.
• Human Biology and Society: Exploring the relationships between human biology, society, and health.

It also provides information on concurrent and accelerated program options.

• Laboratory reports: Students prepare detailed reports on their lab experiments, demonstrating their data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Presentations: Students present their research findings or course projects, developing their communication and critical thinking skills.
• Capstone project: Students conduct an independent research project under the guidance of a faculty member, showcasing their ability to design and execute a research study.

Teaching

These methods include:

• Interactive lectures: Lecturers incorporate active learning strategies to encourage student participation and discussion.
• Hands-on laboratory experiences: Students engage in practical experiments and learn essential laboratory techniques.
• Small group discussions: Students engage in thought-provoking discussions and collaborate on problem-solving.
• Guest lectures: Experts from various fields share their knowledge and experiences with students.

Careers

The Medical Microbiology concentration prepares students for various career paths, including:

• Medical Doctor (MD): Students can pursue further studies in medical school to become physicians.
• Dentist: Students can pursue further studies in dental school to become dentists.
• Microbiologist: Students can work in research labs, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies, studying microbes and their impact on human health.
• Other health professions: Students can pursue careers as Physician Assistants, Pharmacists, or other healthcare professionals.
• Biomedical research: Students can conduct research in various areas related to microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases.
• Students can participate in research projects and internships to gain valuable hands-on experience.
• The program is designed to prepare students for the challenges and rewards of a career in medicine or related fields.