Microbiology (BS), Microbiology Major Emphasis

Microbiology majors should consult the appropriate advisor.  The courses listed below are for the Bachelors of Science (BS) Degree in Microbiology with an emphasis in Microbiology. The total number of credits required for the emphasis are the same as those required for the Microbiology degree.

• Program Prerequisite: Not required.
• Minor: Not required. However, Microbiology  majors will meet the requirements for a minor in Chemistry. If desired for another program, a Microbiology Minor is offered. Please see Microbiology Minor  for requirements.
• Grade Requirements: An overall GPA of 2.00 or higher in Microbiology courses is required for this major in addition to an overall GPA of 2.00 or higher.  Also refer to the General Grade Requirements for graduation.
• Credit Hour Requirements: A total of 120 credit hours is required for graduation; a minimum of 71 credits is required within the major. A total of 40 upper division credit hours is required (courses numbered 3000 and above).
• Program Code: 6015BS and emphasis 6044 (Microbiology).
• CIPC: 260502.

Advisement

All Microbiology students are encouraged to meet with a faculty advisor at least annually for course and program advisement. Call 801-626-6949 for more information or to schedule an appointment.  (Also refer to the Department Advisor Referral List.) Please note, careful planning is essential as most courses have prerequisites and some upper division courses are only offered in one semester.

Students interested in Graduate School should discuss their plans with the major advisor.

Use Grad MAPs to plan your degree.

Admission Requirements

Declare your program of study with the Microbiology Department. No special admission or application requirements are needed for this program. However, students should meet with an advisor to plan and declare their program of study.

General Education

Refer to Degree Requirements for Bachelor of Science requirements. The following courses are required for the Microbiology major and will also satisfy general education requirements: MICR 2054 , CHEM 1210 /CHEM 1215 , PHYS 1010  or PHYS 2010 . 

Program Learning Outcomes

• Describe how microorganisms are used as model systems to study basic biology, genetics, metabolism and ecology.
• Identify ways microorganisms play an integral role in disease, and microbial and immunological methodologies are used in disease treatment and prevention.
• Explain why microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature; inhabiting a multitude of habitats and occupying a wide range of ecological habitats.
• Cite examples of the vital role of microorganisms in biotechnology, fermentation, medicine, and other industries important to human well being.
• Demonstrate that microorganisms have an indispensable role in the environment, including elemental cycles, biodegradation, etc.
• Nature of Science and Scientific Inquiry: Microbiology majors should be able to discuss science and scientific methodology as a way of knowing. Microbiology majors should make observations, develop hypotheses, and design and execute experiments using appropriate methods. They should be able to explain how the nature of science is applied to every day problems.
• Laboratory Skills: Microbiology students should master the following laboratory skills: aseptic and pure culture techniques, preparation of and viewing samples for microscopy, use appropriate methods to identify microorganisms, estimate the number of microorganisms in a sample, and use common lab equipment. They should practice safe microbiology, using appropriate protective and emergency procedures.
• Data analysis skills: Microbiology majors should be able to systematically collect, record, and analyze data, identify sources of error, interpret the results, and reach logical conclusions. They should be able to appropriately format data into tables, graphs, and charts for presentation and publication.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Microbiology majors should be able to (1) differentiate between fact and opinion, (2) recognize and evaluate author bias and rhetoric, (3) develop inferential skills, (4) recognize logical fallacies and faulty reasoning, and (5) make decisions and judgments by drawing logical conclusions using sound quantitative and statistically-based reasoning.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Microbiology majors should be competent problem-solvers. They should be able to assess the elements of a problem and develop and test a solution based on logic and the best possible information. Microbiology students should be able to analyze and interpret results form a variety of microbiological methods, and apply these methods to analogous situations. They should use mathematical and graphing skills and reasoning to solve problems in microbiology.
• Communication Skills: Microbiology majors will demonstrate competence in written and oral communication.
• Cooperation/Social Responsibility: Microbiology majors should understand and appreciate the value of cooperating and working effectively with peers and be able to demonstrate a commitment to the process of developing such skills.
• Values: Microbiology majors should identify and discuss the ethical issues and responsibilities of doing science