Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

The USF Bachelor of Science Microbiology Degree emphasizes a comprehensive program of coursework designed to cover the various sub-disciplines of microbiology, together with requirements for hands-on laboratories to expose the students to practical aspects of microbiology.

Offering a strong Liberal Arts education in Microbiology and the technical skills, Microbiology majors are prepared for careers in resource management, conservation, teaching, agriculture, medicine, dentistry, microbiology, biotechnology, or for post-graduate study in any of the various life sciences.

The course requirements provide a general background in modern biology and a specific background in four critical areas: Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, and Physiology. The Microbiology Advanced Core and Elective requirements include specialized microbiology courses necessary to qualify for certification by the National Registry of Microbiologists, American Society of Microbiology, and employment in microbiology and related fields.

Career opportunities in microbiology have now expanded to include environmental emphases such as water quality and microbial ecology, and Microbiology course offerings have diversified to cover these areas. In addition to microbiology courses, students need thorough preparation in other natural sciences to be competitive for jobs or for further study. A modern biology curriculum is built on a strong foundation of mathematics, chemistry and physics.

Microbiology Degree Sheets

• Microbiology 2002-2008

Sample Program

A sample 4 year program is shown below. Be sure to make maximum use of the vigorous advising program maintained by the Department in structuring your program.

Microbiology Electives

Approved elective courses for Microbiology majors include: MCB 5815 Medical Mycologyy, MCB 5655 Applied and Environmental Microbiology, MCB 5206 Public Health and Pathogenic Microbiology, MCB 4503 Virology, BOT 4434C Mycology, PCB 4234 Principles of Immunology, BSC 4933 Industrial Microbiology, BSC 4933 Molecular Microbiology, BSC 5931 Genetic Engineering; BSC 5931 Cellular Microbiology, BSC 5931 Ecology of Infectious Diseases, BSC 5931 Genomics/

Check the Hot Topics link on the Undergraduate Studies homepage for this semester's selected topics. Be sure to see your advisor to ensure that the course is approved for your major.

Faculty who teach microbiology elective courses:

If you would like additional information concerning any of the courses listed above, you may contact the following faculty who routinely teach them. Use the Department Directory link to find their email address.

Dao, El-Rady, Harwood, Pollenz, Scott, Shaw, TeStrake, Vandenbergh.