Microbiology is the study of life forms too small to be observed without the aid of magnification; major groups of microbes include the bacteria, fungi (yeasts and molds), protozoa, and algae, as well as the 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 numerous 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 microbiology curriculum is organized to provide students with the maximum flexibility in meeting their university studies program requirements. In addition, the curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for the future by combining a firm foundation in the basic sciences with a central core of microbiology classes, followed by the opportunity for students to specialize in areas of microbiology suiting their individual interests via the selection of electives. Prior to graduation, microbiology majors must complete the basic requirements and all microbiology core course requirements as listed below. Finally, to assure breadth of exposure in microbiology, students must complete 6 semester hours of microbiology electives.
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