B.S. in Biology - Microbiology Emphasis

The field of biological sciences continues to experience rapid growth. The discovery of new technologies is changing our understanding of organisms, their molecular and cellular components, and their interactions with each other and the environment. By integrating the various sub-disciplines of the field, biological sciences contributes new knowledge and skills to areas such as medicine, agriculture, teaching, bioinformatics, genomics, biotechnology, and environmental and wildlife management. The program enables students to choose from an array of courses that provide the information and skills necessary to understand the complex processes of life and prepare for a career in government agencies, industry, medicine, research, teaching, or business. The program also prepares students for graduate school or professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, optometry, pharmacy, dental hygiene, or forensic science. Coursework includes a core of biological sciences courses and laboratory experiences in each of the following areas: Principles of biology Cellular and microbial biology (with molecular biology) Ecology and evolution General physiology General genetics (with molecular biology) In addition, students may choose an area of emphasis to meet the course elective requirements. These unofficial emphasis areas allow students to specialize the program to meet their career goals and can include areas such as: cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, molecular biology and biotechnology, organismal and conservation biology, physiology, and plant biology. Students also develop key career skills through laboratory exercises and field experiences that allow them to apply the principles learned in lectures. Most courses in the major include a laboratory component, providing training in skills that range from basic chemistry through physiology to complex molecular techniques. Students benefit from relatively small class sizes that enable them to work one-on-one with faculty. Facilities include well-equipped modern laboratories with sophisticated instruments and computers designed to facilitate learning and research. A quantitative approach to topics and data in most courses emphasizes the importance of mathematics skills and reasoning in career choices for biology majors. The Biology Program prepares students for a variety of professional positions—and is also preparation for entry into a professional school such as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, or dental hygiene. Our science graduates find employment in diverse occupations, including the following: Agriculture biotechnologist Animal behaviorist Animal husbandry technician Biochemical development engineer Bioinformatics specialist Biomedical technician Biostatistician Dietitian Ecologist Educator Evolutionary biologist Experimental pathologist Forensic pathology technician Geneticist Immunologist This program is focused on Microbiology Emphasis.