HELP 2025-2026 Catalog Department of Microbiology Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window) Facebook this Page (opens a new window) Tweet this Page (opens a new window)

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Department Chair: Michele Culumber
Location: Tracy Hall Science Center, Room 450
Telephone: Katie Nelson, 801-626-6949
Professor: Michele Culumber; Associate Professors: Daniel Clark, Matthew Crook, and Katrina Twing; Assistant Professors: Alex Benedict, Olof Nilsson, and Lisa Wiltbank

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and protozoa) including their structure, metabolism, distribution, and ecological relationships. Knowledge gained by microbiologists leads to a better understanding of molecular-level life processes and to beneficial applications in agriculture, industry, and medicine. The field is expanding, with special emphasis being given to genetic engineering, biotechnology, cell culture, disease and the immune response, production and storage of food, research and development and quality assurance of industrial products, disposal and detoxification of wastes, and the monitoring of environmental quality.

Interdisciplinary Programs

The Department of Microbiology contributes courses and faculty expertise to the interdisciplinary Environmental Science major (BS) sponsored by the College of Science. In addition, the department participates in A.S. Biology.

Courses

Microbiology Course Descriptions  

Programs

• Microbiology (BS)
• Microbiology (BS), Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology Emphasis
• Microbiology (BS), Medical Microbiology Emphasis
• Microbiology (BS), Microbiology Major Emphasis
• Microbiology (BS), Public and Environmental Health Emphasis

   BIS emphases are also offered for most programs with a minor.

• Microbiology (BIS)

• Microbiology Minor

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