College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

B.S. in Microbiology

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Microbiology is the study of all living organisms so small that they are invisible to the naked eye. These microorganisms, which include viruses, bacteria and fungi, play an important role in understanding all aspects of life. If you are fascinated by microscopic organisms, the spread of infectious diseases, or are interested in attending medical school or graduate school in the biomedical sciences, a B.S. in Microbiology is a great choice.

The Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) Department is unique at UVM because it exists within two colleges: the Larner College of Medicine (LCOM) and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). From this position, it allows undergraduates to interact with faculty from diverse departments such as Animal Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Plant Biology, Medicine, Pathology, Pediatrics and Pharmacology. It also allows undergraduates to have research opportunities in laboratories doing biomedical research in the Larner College of Medicine and prepares you to go on to an advanced M.D. or Ph.D. degree in medicine, biotechnology, microbiology, and biochemistry.

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Major requirements

B.S. in Microbiology: Requirements

Beyond the classroom

Undergraduate students may undertake a research project as part of their degree program and also receive course credit for the experience (MMG 197/198, 297/298). Microbiology students work in faculty labs across campus, tackling issues in food safety, human and animal disease outbreaks, microbiome interactions and more. Students choose a laboratory in which to perform their research and work with the faculty member to select a project and to set expectations, scope, and parameters for the project.

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Current undergraduate research projects

Microbiology students may also earn credit for internships, either during the academic year or over the summer. Students have interned in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, with biotechnology companies, and with local cheesemakers, to name a few.

Other programs popular among students in the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Department include Emergency Medical Research Associate Program, UVM Rescue, and other opportunities with the UVM Medical Center.