Area of Focus
  • Science & Math
Degrees Offered
  • B.S.
Academic Division
  • Physical and Biological Sciences
Department
  • Sponsoring Department: Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology
  • Advising provided through Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Program Overview

If you’re looking to study the impact of microorganisms on humans and the environment, consider majoring in the new Microbiology degree. Students in the Microbiology major will learn fundamental concepts in biology using microorganisms as model systems, as well as the importance of microorganisms to life on earth. They will develop their understanding of the scientific method and will engage in hands-on laboratory experiences.

Researcher in the ocean

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Learning Experience

The B.S. major in microbiology is designed for students interested in careers in biomedical, environmental, and basic science fields in both industry and academia. Students are required to take introductory biology and chemistry, microbiology lecture and lab, biochemistry, computational tools, and additional courses directly relevant to microbiology. As a unique feature of this program, students also take a microbiology course with a focus on evaluating relevant scientific articles.

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First-Year Requirements

In addition to the courses required for UC admission, high school students who intend to major in microbiology should take high school courses in biology, chemistry, advanced mathematics (precalculus and/or calculus), and physics.

Find more information on first-year requirements
Student in Lab

Transfer Requirements

This is a screening major. Junior transfer students who plan to major in the biological sciences must complete the qualification requirements prior to transfer. Prospective transfer students should review the transfer information and qualification requirements on the Microbiology website. Also, students preparing to transfer from a California Community College should also reference assist.org to determine what UCSC coursework they may receive transfer credit for.

Find more information on transfer requirements
Coastal Biology

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the microbiology major will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the following areas: the biology of microbial cells; cell structure, function, and metabolic pathways; microbial ecology: microbial communities and the impact of microbes on humans and the environment; microbial evolution: genomics and genetics, including mobile genetic elements.

2. Apply the basic principles of chemistry and quantitative reasoning to solve problems in microbiology.

3. Generate hypotheses, design experiments, and evaluate data.

4. Display proficiency in microbiology laboratory skills.

5. Use effective oral and written language skills to communicate scientific data and ideas, including with other disciplines.

6. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate a range of scientific literature in microbiology.

7. Display proficiency in fundamental bioinformatic skills needed to investigate gene function and understand the general methods utilized in the field of microbial genomics.

Yanik Lab

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Internships and Career Opportunities

Microbiologists work in a number of capacities: as researchers in the biomedical, environmental, and basic science fields in health, industry, and academia; in clinical and public health diagnostics labs; in quality control and quality assurance, industrial microbiology; as educators; as governmental workers focused on public health and/or policy.

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Program Contact


apartment Physical Sciences Bldg, Rm 230
email microadvising@ucsc.edu