Office & Contact Information

The department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics offers the major in Molecular & Medical Microbiology.

Microbiology is the branch of biology that deals with bacteria, yeasts and other fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses. These microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature and play a crucial role in areas such as agriculture, biotechnology, ecology, medicine, and veterinary science. The field of microbiology contributes to areas of fundamental inquiry such as biochemistry, cell biology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, pathogenesis, and  physiology. The ease and power of simultaneous genetic and biochemical analysis of microbes led to the emergence of the new disciplines of molecular biology & molecular genetics, and spawned the new industry of biotechnology.

The Program

The Molecular & Medical Microbiology Undergraduate Program offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in the College of Biological Sciences. Both degrees are designed to provide students with quantitative skills and knowledge across the breadth of Biological Sciences, while maintaining a focus on the biology of microorganisms. The B.S. degree offers more training in mathematics, biochemistry and laboratory methodology; the A.B. degree incorporates more exposure to the liberal arts. The choice of a major program and its suitability for particular career options should be discussed with a Biology Academic Success Center (BASC) advisor.

Career Alternatives

A bachelor's degree in Molecular & Medical Microbiology serves as the foundation for advanced study in microbiology, entry into the professional schools of all health sciences, or immediate employment in biotechnology, health care and food science industries.

Related Courses

The offerings of the Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics are augmented by courses in Food Science & Technology (FST); Medical Microbiology (MMI); Molecular & Cellular Biology (MCB); Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology (PMI); Plant Pathology (PLP); and Soil Science (SSC).

Please note, MIC courses are in the process of transitioning to MMG courses.

Faculty of the Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics also teach or participate in the following courses: BIS 002A, BIS 101 or BIS 101V,  BIS 104, and BIS 181.

Faculty Advisor

Miriam Markum, Ph.D., Kenjiro W. Quides, Ph.D.

Honors & Honors Program

Miriam Markum, Ph.D., Kenjiro W. Quides, Ph.D.

Teaching Credential Subject Representative

Miriam Markum, Ph.D.; see the Teaching Credential/M.A. Program.

Advising

Biology Academic Success Center (BASC) in 1023 Katherine Esau Hall; 530-752-0410.

Graduate Study

The Graduate Group in Microbiology offers programs of study and research leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.

Strong preference is given to doctoral applicants. The group offers study in general microbiology, microbial physiology, microbial genetics, molecular mechanisms of microbial regulation, molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, immunology, virology, and recombinant DNA technology. For information on the graduate study and undergraduate preparation for the program contact a graduate advisor or the Chairperson of the Group.

The major requirements below are in addition to meeting University Degree Requirements & College Degree Requirements; unless otherwise noted. The minimum number of units required for the Molecular & Medical Microbiology Bachelor of Arts is 77.

¹

The BIS 2ABCD series has been discontinued. Students who have started the BIS 2ABCD series should consult with a BASC advisor to determine which course(s) will complete the lower-division biology requirement.

²

With BASC advisor approval, this combination also satisfies the Organic Chemistry requirement: CHE 118A-CHE 008B.

³

With BASC advisor approval, this combination also satisfies the Mathematics requirement: MAT 021A-MAT 017B; MAT 017A-MAT 021B.

⁴

With BASC advisor approval, these combinations also satisfy the Physics requirement: PHY 009A-PHY 009B-PHY 007B-PHY 007C; PHY 009A–PHY 009C–PHY 007A–PHY 007C.

**

Course(s) discontinued; see your advisor for course options.