Microbiology, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology offers students preparation for training positions leading to licensure as registered clinical laboratory scientists; for graduate studies; for various employment opportunities in the public health sector; environmental agencies; biotechnology, pharmaceutical, fermentation, sanitation, and dairy industries; or in research in university/private/clinical laboratories. Students pursuing a degree in microbiology may qualify for entrance to medical or dental schools by including appropriate elective courses in their programs.

The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology is 180 units, of which 112-114 units are in the major. For General Education (GE), microbiology majors must complete 12 units of Basic Subjects (GE Block A1, A2, and A3) + 8 units of American Institutions + 12 units of Humanities (GE Block C from 3 of the 5 areas) + 12 units of Social Sciences ;GE Block D from 3 different departments) + 4 units DF Life-Long Understanding (GE Block E, which for freshmen is fulfilled by completing NSS 101 or an equivalent course) + 12 units of upper division (UD) GE Theme (GE Block F). Two courses from Blocks C, D, E, OR F must be Diversity Courses (d=Designated Diversity Course). Microbiology majors fulfill 8 units of Natural Sciences (GE Block B) by completing required major courses: BIOL 100A for GE Block B1 + either CHEM 101 OR PHYS 101 (whichever one is completed first) for GE Block B2. Microbiology majors fulfill basic subjects –mathematics (GE – Block A4) by completing the required major course (MATH 204 or equivalent) or prerequisite course (MATH 104A or MATH 105 or equivalent) or other college level math (if changing major to biology). Microbiology majors may choose any upper division theme. They must take 1 Natural Science, 1 Social Science and 1 Humanities course from the same theme. They may not take any BIOL/MICR UD GE courses or courses cross-listed with BIOL/MICR UD GE courses to fulfill the 12 units of UD GE. Consult with a department advisor for more specifics on free electives, GE and other university requirements.

Requirements for the Major (112-114 units)

Of the 180 units required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, the major requires 112- 114. The required core courses total 95 units. In addition 17-19 advisor-approved elective units must be taken. The General Education program and other university requirements total of 76-78 units of which 12 are met through courses required by the major. Competence in mathematics through MATH 204 is required. Successful completion of the major requires a minimum C (2.0) overall grade point average in all courses required for the major. A grade of C or better is required in each of the introductory biology and microbiology courses: BIOL 100A, BIOL 100B, MICR 300A and MICR 300B (or equivalent transfer courses). At least 18 units of upper division course work that fulfills major requirements must be taken in residence (not to include courses graded CR/NC).

Lower Division Required Core Courses (49 units)

BIOL 100A - Introductory Biology I (5)
BIOL 100B - Introductory Biology ll (5)
CHEM 101† - General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 102† - General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 103† - General Chemistry III (5)
CHEM 291A - Organic Chemistry (3) *
CHEM 291B - Organic Chemistry (3) *
CHEM 292A† - Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2) *
MATH 204 - Applied Calculus I (4)
PHYS 101 - Physics (4)
PHYS 102 - Physics (4)
PHYS 103 - Physics (4)

Upper Division Required Core Courses (46 units)

MICR 300A - General Microbiology (4)
MICR 300B - General Microbiology II (4)
MICR 340 - Microbial Genetics (4)
MICR 350 - Medical Microbiology (5)
MICR 360 - Theoretical and Applied Immunology (5)
MICR 370 - Applied and Environmental Microbiology (4)
BIOL 300 - Biometrics (4)
BIOL 320 - Writing for Biologists (4)
CHEM 301 - Organic Chemistry (3) *
CHEM 431A - Biochemistry (3)
CHEM 431B - Biochemistry (3)
CHEM 431C - Biochemistry (3)
*Or one year of lower division or upper division Organic Chemistry lecture including one term of Organic Chemistry laboratory from an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university.

Elective courses (17-19 units)

With prior written approval of their adviser, students select certain courses in microbiology, biology, math, and related sciences from a current list approved by the department. These courses will be selected according to the students’ individual career plans. At least 8 units of the electives must be microbiology courses, including at least one lecture or lecture/Lab course. No upper division course with the suffix N or upper division general education course may be used to fulfill the major requirements.

Search form

Quicklinks Search Form