Microbiology, BS

The microbiology curriculum includes a wide range of introductory and specialized courses to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the field. In addition to general education classes, for your degree you’ll take:

• Two semesters each of mathematics and statistics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics
• One semester of introductory biology
• Upper-level coursework in microbiology, genetics, microbial physiology and biochemistry, environmental and public health microbiology, and pathogenic microbiology
• Additional upper-level coursework in microbiology, including a capstone experience during your senior year

Our extensive network of laboratories and learning centers ensures you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take what you've learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world scenarios. Our facilities include 10 teaching laboratories, 18 research laboratories, a microscope facility, a cell culture facility, a histology room, the Science Computer Lab, the Science Learning Center, the Environmental Interpretive Center, the 120-acre Environmental Study Area, a greenhouse, and many others.

Opportunities also exist to conduct research with UM-Dearborn faculty in laboratories on campus and at off-campus sites, including clinical settings. Our faculty are actively researching cancer, the effects of toxins on early embryonic development, plant viruses and anti-insect strategies in plants, biomarker development, gene regulation, and many other subjects. In addition to gaining laboratory and data analysis experience, students who engage in research can present their findings at department, local, and national conferences. Students also have been co-authors on published manuscripts with UM-Dearborn faculty.

Yet more hands-on experiences are available working as a student employee at the Environmental Interpretive Center, a consultant helping other students in the Science Learning Center, or a laboratory preparation assistant.

Finally, some great real-world opportunities are available in UM-Dearborn’s internship and study abroad programs. Our microbiology majors have been awarded undergraduate summer internships through the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy National Laboratories.

The minor or integrative studies concentration consists of 12 credits of upper-level courses you choose in microbiology (MICR). Most of these courses have prerequisites.

Minors are not automatically granted. Once you finish the required courses, you must declare the minor on a form that you submit to the CASL Advising and Academic Success office.