Microbiology is the perfect curriculum for students interested medical school, graduate school or other health professions. The program was designed to give a well-rounded, cutting edge education, including courses in virology, microbial physiology, genetics, and infectious diseases, and to fulfill medical and graduate school pre-requisites. The Microbiology faculty are experienced educators who also conduct state of the art research programs. Undergraduate research opportunities are available in many faculty research laboratories and provide students with the valuable and unique opportunity to work one on one with well known scientists.
Microbiology is the study of the biology of microorganisms and how they interact with their surroundings. Microbiologists explore the diversity of microbial life, they examine what allows some microbes, symbionts, to live in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner with their host organisms while others become parasitic or pathogenic and cause disease and deterioration. Thus, specialization in the field of microbiology encompasses not only study of the fundamental processes of bacteria, but also the examination of animal, plant and bacterial viruses, as well as animal and plant defense systems that counter infection and invasion by microorganisms. Microbiologists develop techniques to identify microbes, to kill them when they harm, or to utilize them (e.g. to produce food and pharmaceuticals, to degrade toxic waste, etc.). Microbiologists solve problems on the cutting-edge of science, utilizing ultra-modern equipment and techniques.
The term 'Microorganism' is derived from the greek word 'micros' which translates into 'very small' and refers to things that cannot be seen with the bare (human) eye. Generally, the term microorganism or "microbes" refers to viruses, bacteria, blue-green algae, yeasts, molds, plasmodium and other single-celled organisms. However, more recently, broader views have included multi-cellular organisms like nematodes, pinworms, roundworms, and other.
Microorganisms provide the primary steps of life on earth. Understanding microbes is instrumental to our current knowledge in understanding biology in general since the metabolic pathways and genetic systems within bacteria have served as the stepping stones for later discoveries in other systems. Microbiology, including the subfields of virology and immunology, continues to be at the forefront of scientific investigation. Microbiological principles are being applied in ecology, biotechnology, medicine, agriculture and the food industry. The field is full of potential.
Students of microbiology will find opportunities in academia, industry, medicine, public health, biotechnology, law, and many other areas.
The Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology has a large number of microbiologists and is responsible for the microbiology undergraduate program. Classroom scene
It houses the support for all students in the major: advisors, textbooks and exam files, career information, and computer facilities.
The major provides a strong background in the basic sciences and flexibility for the development of individualized interests.
The following departments participate in the undergraduate program in microbiology at The University of Arizona:
- Veterinary Science & Microbiology (administrative responsibility; student resources and advising)
- Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology
- Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
Degree and Major Requirements
The program encompass lectures, hands-on laboratory experiences, explorations of future workplaces, and other activities.
- As a student in our department you are invited to participate (often in paid positions!) in cutting-edge research projects which are conducted in our laboratories or any other laboratory on campus.
- Our courses cover all areas of biology: anatomy, bacteriology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, histology, immunology, molecular biology, parasitology, physiology, virology, and so forth. You will acquire a broad and in-depth understanding of biological processes, how life works, and how living beings interact with each other and with their environment.
- You will learn biotechnology and recombinant DNA methods, how to handle and identify microorganisms, parasites and pathogens, as well as understanding the interactions between microbes, humans, animals and plants, and how to utilize your knowledge and skills to better our future.
- Other course work will provide you with a sound basis in chemistry, physics, mathematics and statistics.
- In order to broaden your scope you might want to expand into environmental, soil and water sciences, pharmacology, toxicology, oncology, plant-microbe interactions.
- And last but not least, classes in communication, computer applications, foreign languages, leadership skills, and other fields will provide you with a well-rounded education so that you will be able to successfully pursue your future careers in an ever more competitive job market.
Four-year schedule: The following is a generalized schedule. Click here for a more specific schedule
Year 1: Inorganic Chemistry (8 units), Introductory Biology (8 units), Calculus
Year 2: Organic Chemistry (8 units), Genetics, Intro Microbiology, Physics
Year 3: Biochemistry; Bacterial Physiology; Microbiology Electives, Biostatistics
Year 4: Immunology; Bacterial Genetics; Microbiology Electives; Analytical Chemistry
Students who graduate from our program are accepted into medical, graduate, and other professional schools, and by employers all across the United States and the world where they work in health-related professions, and in areas that safeguard the supply of drugs, water, food, shelter, clothing, and more. The majority of students who major in Microbiology chooses to go on to pursue advanced degrees in medical or veterinary schools, dentistry, pharmacy or medical technology, or in graduate programs leading to an M.S. or a Ph.D.
Other microbiology graduates pursue employment right after graduation in a multitude of allied health and other professional areas in private industry as well as in the public service arena. Job opportunities exist in a variety of different areas: hospitals; veterinary clinics; the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries; agricultural production facilities; diagnostic services; consulting and insurance agencies ... the possibilities are almost limitless. The types of jobs are as countless as the employment areas; micro graduates work as technicians, receptionists, researchers, doctors and veterinarians, counselors, advisors, scientific writers, analysts, investigators, journalists, administrators, film makers, sales professionals, managers, and in many other occupations.