Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, the smallest living things on earth, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae. While microorganisms are most known for their ability to cause disease, they are actually ubiquitous on earth and central to many of the essential life processes on this planet. The field of microbiology is a major contributor to human, animal, plant, and environmental health as well as central to the food/beverage, biotechnology, bioremediation, and pharmaceutical industries. This curriculum will examine the diverse roles of microorganisms and cover the fundamentals of microbial diversity, physiology, and genetics. Students will examine the roles and interactions of microbial populations in aquatic, terrestrial, human, animal, and plant systems.A degree in microbiology can open the door to a wide variety of careers in different industries. Studying microbiology will prepare students to go to medical, dental, veterinary, or graduate school, and also provides them a highly employable career option in healthcare, industry, or government agencies. A degree in microbiology allows students to easily enter the workforce or continue on to a professional or graduate program.
Matriculation Requirements
BIOL 1610 College Biology I BB with C- or higher and approval of Biology Department advisor.
Graduation Plan
This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.
Plan of Study Grid | First Year |
|---|
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| BIOL 1610 | College Biology I BB | 4 |
| BIOL 1615 | College Biology I Laboratory | 1 |
| ENGL 1010 | Introduction to Academic Writing CC | 3 |
| MATH 1050 | College Algebra QL | 4 |
| 3 |
| | Credit Hours | 15 |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| BIOL 1620 | College Biology II | 3 |
| BIOL 1625 | College Biology II Laboratory | 1 |
| ENGL 2010 | Intermediate Academic Writing CC | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 2 |
| | Credit Hours | 15 |
| Second Year |
|---|
| Semester 3 |
|---|
| MICR 3450 | General Microbiology | 3 |
| MICR 3455 | General Microbiology Laboratory | 1 |
| 3 |
| CHEM 1210 | Principles of Chemistry I PP | 4 |
| CHEM 1215 | Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| 3 |
| | Credit Hours | 15 |
| Semester 4 |
|---|
| CHEM 1220 | Principles of Chemistry II PP | 4 |
| CHEM 1225 | Principles of Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| PHIL 205G | Ethics and Values IH GI | 3 |
| MICR 3650 | Microbial Genetics | 4 |
| MATH 1100 | Survey of Calculus QL | 3 |
| | Credit Hours | 15 |
| Third Year |
|---|
| Semester 5 |
|---|
| MICR 3150 | Microbial Ecology WE | 4 |
| CHEM 2310 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 2315 | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| | Credit Hours | 15 |
| Semester 6 |
|---|
| MICR 3550 | Microbial Physiology | 4 |
| CHEM 2320 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 2325 | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 2010 | College Physics I PP | 4 |
| PHYS 2015 | College Physics I Lab | 1 |
| | Credit Hours | 14 |
| Fourth Year |
|---|
| Semester 7 |
|---|
| 3 |
| 3 |
| BIOL 3600 | Biological Chemistry | 3 |
| BIOL 3605 | Biological Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| | Credit Hours | 17 |
| Semester 8 |
|---|
| BIOL 497R | Biology Colloquium | 1 |
| BIOL 492R | Professional Development | 1 |
| 6 |
| BIOL 4940 | Student Seminar WE | 2 |
| 4 |
| | Credit Hours | 14 |
| | Total Credit Hours | 120 |
