Microbiology Program: Interdepartmental major

Agriculture C Building, Room 6007, (307) 766-3522
FAX: (307) 766-3875
E-mail: microbiology@uwyo.edu
Program Director: Mark Gomelsky

Microbiology is the study of life forms too small to be observed without the aid of magnification. Major groups include the prokaryotic microbes (bacteria and archaea) and eukaryotic microbes (fungi, protozoa, algae), as well as viruses. In addition, related disciplines such as immunology and molecular biology are included because of their historical origins within microbiology.

As such, the science of microbiology is divided into subspecialty areas that reflect not only the individual groups of microbes (e.g., bacteriology, virology, mycology, etc.), but also their significance in applied areas (e.g., medical microbiology/infectious diseases, microbial ecology, food microbiology, industrial microbiology, biotechnology, etc.) or in areas of basic science (e.g., molecular genetics). Throughout its history, microbiology has played a key role in the development of our understanding of basic biochemical and genetic processes, control of infectious diseases, production of increased and improved food supplies, and the production of numerous commercial products. With the development of molecular techniques to construct genetically engineered microbes, microbiologists will continue to make expanding contributions in these and other areas.

Because microbiology is a diverse science, individuals trained as microbiologists find exciting career opportunities in many areas of the basic and applied sciences. Typically, microbiologists are employed in five major sectors: private industry; clinical laboratories; government agencies; universities and various other settings such as water treatment, food production/inspection facilities, and other public health-related areas. Recent manpower assessment studies at both the national and regional levels have provided evidence for a continuing and expanding need for microbiologists such that successful undergraduate students completing this program may look forward to exciting careers. In addition, undergraduates trained in the microbiological sciences are well prepared for competitive application to graduate school programs and professional programs in human or veterinary medicine, optometry or dentistry.

The Bachelor of Science degree program in microbiology is organized as an interdepartmental major involving the collaborative teaching, advising, and research expertise of microbiology faculty from the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, and College of Health Sciences. The program is administered by a Program Director and the Interdepartmental Microbiology Steering Committee, representing each of the participating colleges. Students obtain their degree in the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources. Additional information about the microbiology program may be obtained at the following website address and by contacting the Program Director.

www.uwyo.edu/uwag/departments/microbiology.html

BLEDAR BISHA, Animal Sciences
GRANT BOWMAN, Molecular Biology
ELIZABETH CASE, Veterinary Sciences
HANNAH CROCKER CUNNINGHAM, Animal Sciences
BRIDGET DECKER, Molecular Biology
DANA DITTOE, Animal Sciences
JASON GIGLEY, Molecular Biology
MARK GOMELSKY, Molecular Biology
LIANA BOGGS LYNCH, Botany
EUNSOOK PARK, Molecular Biology
AMY SAVILLE RHOAD, Veterinary Sciences
HOLLY STEINKRAUS, Molecular Biology
LINDA VAN DIEPEN, Ecosystem Science and Management
DANIEL WALL, Molecular Biology
RACHEL WATSON, Division of Kinesiology and Health
KASSANDRA WILLINGHAM, Molecular Biology

Programs

Major

Microbiology, B.S.

Microbiology Program: Interdepartmental major

Programs

Courses