Microbiology Major and Minor

Program Overview

In essence, microbiology is a field that combines the thrill of discovery with the potential to make a real difference in the world. 

It's a field that's constantly evolving, with new discoveries being made every day. So, if you're looking for a challenge that's both intellectually stimulating and practically relevant, microbiology might just be your perfect fit. Our program gives you two college affiliations, the Robert Larner College of Medicine and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This combination offers unparalleled access to faculty in multiple disciplines.  Students can take courses and pursue research in Animal Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Plant Biology, Medicine, Pathology, Pediatrics, and Pharmacology.

Curriculum

We teach the following undergraduate courses (R=Required):

MMG 1010: First-Year Colloquium for MMG majors (R)
MMG 1020: SU: Unseen Worlds – Microbes and You (R)
MMG 1650: Microbiology & Pathogenesis (Nursing Students)
MMG 2010: Microbiology & Infectious Disease (R)
MMG 2040: Introduction Molecular Genetics (R)
MMG 2060: Introduction to Biomedical Research Methods (R)
MMG 3010: Applied Cell & Mol Bio Lab
MMG 3050: Biochemistry I (1 semester) (R)
MMG 3060: Biochemistry II
MMG 3070: Biochemistry Laboratory & Discussion
MMG 3110: Bacterial Genetics (R)
MMG 3200: Environmental Microbiology
MMG 3220: Advanced Medical Microbiology
MMG 3230: Immunology

MMG 3250: Eukaryotic Virology
MMG 3400: Macromolecular Structures of Proteins & Nucleic Acids
MMG 3991: Internships; Teaching Assistants
MMG 1995,2995,3995: Undergraduate Research
MMG 3990: Advanced Special Topics
MMG 3995: Advanced Undergraduate Research  
MMG 4899: Senior Seminar
MMG 6200*: Cellular Microbiology
 

*6000-level courses can only be taken with the permission of the course instructor and the student's MMG advisor

Outcomes

Graduates of the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics major will be able to:

• Describe and apply basic molecular genetics information, concepts, and experimental techniques
• Explain and evaluate molecular genetics research orally and in writing
• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and inclusive excellence in the conduct of science and learning
• Articulate your own identity as a member of the scientific community and reflect on how that has developed throughout a progression toward career goals
   

More

Microbiologists are detectives, but instead of solving a murder, you're unraveling the mysteries of life at its smallest scale.

Here's why it's a field that'll keep you hooked:

• The Power of the Tiny:
  • We're talking about organisms that are so small, you need powerful microscopes to see them. But don't let their size fool you. They're the ultimate multitaskers, driving essential processes like nutrient cycling, food production (hello, yogurt and beer!), and even influencing our moods.
  • Think about it: a single bacterium can multiply into millions in a matter of hours. You're studying life at its most dynamic and adaptable.
• The War Against the Unseen:
  • Ever wondered how diseases like the flu or COVID-19 spread? Microbiology puts you on the front lines of understanding pathogens, how they work, and how to fight them.
  • You'll learn about antibiotics, vaccines, and the constant arms race between humans and microbes. It's like a real-life game of cat and mouse, with the stakes incredibly high.
• The Hidden World of the Microbiome:
  • Your body is a bustling ecosystem, teeming with trillions of microbes. The microbiome is the community of these microbes, and it plays a vital role in your health, immunity, and even your behavior.
  • Imagine being able to manipulate these microbial communities to improve human health, treat diseases, or even enhance athletic performance. That's the cutting edge of microbiology.
• Microbes as Problem Solvers:
  • Want to save the planet? Microbes can help! They're being used to clean up oil spills, break down plastic waste, and even produce biofuels.
  • From bioremediation to biotechnology, microbiology is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.
• The Sheer Diversity is Mind-Boggling:
  • From the deepest ocean trenches to the hottest geothermal vents, microbes thrive in the most extreme environments. You'll explore the incredible adaptability of life and discover organisms that challenge our understanding of what's possible.
  • Archaea, bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa. The diversity of microbial life is astonishing.
• Hands-on, Cutting-Edge Research:
  • Microbiology labs are where the action is. You'll be working with state-of-the-art equipment, conducting experiments, and making discoveries.
  • From culturing bacteria to analyzing DNA, you'll gain valuable skills that are highly sought after in research, medicine, and industry.

In essence, microbiology is a field that combines the thrill of discovery with the potential to make a real difference in the world. It's a field that's constantly evolving, with new discoveries being made every day. So, if you're looking for a challenge that's both intellectually stimulating and practically relevant, microbiology might just be your perfect fit.