Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

University of Arizona

The study of small microorganisms can make a difference on a big scale, including leading to lifesaving innovations. Embrace the unknown. Microbiology is the study of microorganisms and the role they play in human, animal and plant health. This Bachelor of Science offers students a base in modern biology, specifically how microorganisms interact with their surroundings. Coursework includes food safety and consumer health plant pathology and microbiology environmental microbiology microbial genomics and biotechnology and medical microbiology. Students research microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa and touch on subjects such as bacteriology, parasitology, mycology, immunology and microbial genetics. This program cultivates students' expertise in preparation for highly specialized professions from biotechnology to medical science.LEARNING OUTCOMESMicrobial classification Upon graduation Microbiology majors will be able to identify the defining structures and functional characteristic of various microorganism classes: viruses, prokaryotes, eukaryotes and sub-groups of microorganisms within these classes.Phylogenetics Upon graduation microbiology majors will be able to understand the basis of molecular phylogenetic classifications, and demonstrate the ability to apply fundamental principles of evolution underpin microbial phylogenetics in the identification of unknown organisms.Microbial physiology Upon graduation microbiology majors will be able to identify the basic features of cellular physiology, including cellular metabolism, energetics & biosynthetic reactions.Gene regulation Upon graduation microbiology majors will be able to outline the fundamental features of gene expression & regulation. Broadly distinguish between features of gene regulation in prokaryotes versus eukaryotes.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences