Bachelor of Science in Applied and Environmental Microbiology

The major in applied and environmental microbiology is ideal for students desiring a career at the forefront of human and plant health, industry, food science, and the environment. In this curriculum, future professional microbiologists are prepared with basic backgrounds in the areas of microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, soil microbiology, public health microbiology of food and water, plant pathology, and molecular biology. With supporting coursework in such areas as organic chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, plant science, soil science, physics, calculus, and statistics students will be well prepared for employment, further educational training at the graduate level, or for professional school (medical and dental school). Employment opportunities include: environmental laboratories (federal, state, and private); pharmaceutical industry; food industry (food production and food safety); and clinical laboratories in the health care industry. This major requires 120 total hours. Major Learning Goals The learning outcomes of the applied and environmental microbiology are centered on establishing well-rounded individuals that can solve real world problems and seize opportunities as they relate to environmental, food, water, and soil microbiology. Students will be able to take on leadership functions in a variety of careers, manage laboratories, and have a foundational knowledge of genetics, biochemistry, plant pathology, food science, soil and water science that prepares them for graduate programs. Upon completion of the major the students should be able to: Communicate effectively about microorganisms and their impact in and on the environment. Isolate and identify microorganisms from a variety of environments. Use a variety of methods to determine nutritional strategies and physiology of microorganisms. Determine and consult on the cause, and propose solutions for, problems involving microorganisms. Assist in managing medical and environmental laboratories and consulting services that diagnose and solve microbiological problems and develop opportunities in microbiology. Careers Federal or state government laboratories (CDC, FDA, USDA) Pharmaceutical industry Healthcare industry Food production specialist Food safety and clinical laboratories Private environmental consulting companies