Microbiology Major

Effective Winter 2016

Exclusions: Students who elect a major in Microbiology may not elect the following majors: Biology, General Biology; Cellular and Molecular Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; Biomolecular Science; or Neuroscience.   They may also not elect a minor in Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

Microbiology includes the study of viruses, algae, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Immunobiology is also included within the science of microbiology. A major in microbiology prepares students for graduate study in microbiology, biochemistry, agricultural science, and food science as well as for study in other areas of biology which emphasize cellular structures and their function. A bachelor"s degree in microbiology may qualify students for entry-level positions in medical, industrial, or governmental laboratories.

Students intending to go to graduate school should have at least two terms of research experience. These can appear as graded courses, UROP participation, or be independent of the graded curriculum. Most graduate school-bound students will have 1-2 graded research courses (2-4 credits/each) on record. 

Advising

Students are advised by a combination of Undergraduate Biology Office staff and faculty department advisors. Advising topics include investigating majors, declaring a major, course planning, research and honors, major releases, graduate school and career advice. Students who are interested in the Microbiology major should consult a general advisor during the freshman year, and are strongly encouraged to meet with a department advisor early in their academic career, but no later than the second term of their sophomore year. It is not necessary to complete every prerequisite before declaring a major. To make an appointment, go to the Program in Biology website at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/biology/.

Prerequisites to the Major

Introductory Biology Sequence:

Choose Sequence A or B:
A. BIOLOGY 171, 172 or 174, & 173; or,
B. BIOLOGY 195 (AP) & 173

Chemistry Sequence:

• CHEM 210 & 211; and,
• CHEM 215 & 216

Quantitative Analysis Sequence:

• CALCULUS I: MATH 115, 120 (AP), 175, 185, or 295; and,
• One course from: MATH 116, 121 (AP), 156, 176, 186, or 296; STATS 250 or 280; STATS 400-level or above (min. 3 credits); BIOLOGY 202; BIOPHYS/PHYSICS 290; EECS 203 or 280; EARTH 468; or other course with a MATH 115 prereq. chosen in consultation with a major advisor. [Note: Any course used to fulfill this requirement cannot also be used as a major elective; i.e., a course cannot "double-count."]

Physics Sequence:

• Physics I (lecture & lab): One of the following combinations: PHYSICS 125 & 127, 135 & 136, 140 & 141, or 160 & 161.  PHYSICS 139 (AP) will also fulfill this requirement.
• Physics II (lecture & lab): One of the following combinations: PHYSICS 126 & 128, 235 & 236, 240 & 241, or 260 & 261.  PHYSICS 239 (AP) will also fulfill this requirement.
  

Requirements for the Major

Core Courses:

• Microbiology: BIOLOGY 207
• Genetics: BIOLOGY 305
• Biochemistry: Choose from: MCDB 310, BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 351
• Advanced Laboratory: Choose from: MCDB 306, MCDB 429, or BIOLCHEM 416

Upper-Level Elective Requirement:

(A minimum of 19 credits is required)

• Groups 1 and 2: Specified Electives (A minimum of 11 credits is required):
  • Group 1 - Choose at least two courses from Group 1 (Microbial Genetics, Physiology, Cellular Biology, Diversity, and Ecology): EEB 315, 401 (applicable sections only), 446, 468, 470; MCDB 401 (applicable sections only), 408, 415, 444, 489; MICRBIOL 320, 430, 460; INTMED 320, 460.
  • Group 2 - Choose at least one course from Group 2 (Microbial Pathogenesis, General Virology, and Immunology): EPID 460; MICRBIOL 405; MICRBIOL 415; MCDB 436 or MICRBIOL 440 (only one of MCDB 436 and MICRBIOL 440 will count toward the major)
• Group 3: Additional Electives (A maximum of 8 credits may be selected):
  
  • Group 3 - Choose from: CHEM 452; EARTH 413; EEB 390, 391, 392, 400*, 416, 476, 483; EPID 399*, 504, 505, 507, 525; 2nd term of INTMED 499*; MATH courses with a MATH 116 prerequisite; MCDB 400*, 411, 416, 427, 428; MICRBIOL 399*, MICRBIOL courses at the 500-level or higher with advisor approval; STATS courses at the 400-level or higher

* Each course must be taken for a minimum of 2 credits each time.  (3 credits max. applies; see CONSTRAINTS below.)

CONSTRAINTS:

• Prerequisites, introductory science courses, and non-specific (departmental) transfer courses are EXCLUDED from the 32 cr. required for the major.
• A maximum of three credits of independent research (EEB 400, MCDB 400, EPID 399, MICRBIOL 399, INTMED 499) may be counted toward the major.

Total Credits and GPA Requirement for Microbiology:

Minimum 32 cr. in Major

Minimum 2.0 GPA in Major

GPA is calculated from all mandatory prerequisites, all courses used for major requirements (including cognates), and all courses in BIOLOGY, EEB, MCDB, EPID, INTMED, and MICRBIOL.

Honors Plan

The Program in Biology administers an Honors Program to train students to conduct independent research in the biological sciences.  Participating in the honors program allows students to develop their research skills, deepen their understanding of the field, and form productive relationships with faculty and other students.  The achievement is noted on the diploma and official transcript.

In addition to completing all the requirements for the major, an honors degree requires:

1. a major GPA of at least 3.4, and
2. the completion of a significant piece of independent research that is
3. reported in an honors thesis and
4. presented in a public forum.

For more information, consult the Program in Biology Honors Program Information page or a Program in Biology advisor.

Effective Winter 2015-Fall 2015

May be elected as an interdepartmental major, supervised by the Microbiology Major Committee

Exclusions: Students who elect a major in Microbiology may not elect the following majors: Biology, General Biology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; Biomolecular Science; or Neuroscience.   They may also not elect a minor in Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

Microbiology includes the study of viruses, algae, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Immunobiology is also included within the science of microbiology. A major in microbiology prepares students for graduate study in microbiology, biochemistry, agricultural science, and food science as well as for study in other areas of biology which emphasize cellular structures and their function. A bachelor"s degree in microbiology may qualify students for entry-level positions in medical, industrial, or governmental laboratories.

Students intending to go to graduate school should have at least two terms of research experience. These can appear as graded courses, UROP participation, or be independent of the graded curriculum. Most graduate school-bound students will have 1-2 graded research courses (2-4 credits/each) on record. Students intending to go to graduate school will need research experience as well as two terms of Calculus and two terms of Physics. Students intending to go to medical school will need to take two terms of Physics and CHEM 230.

Prerequisites to the Major

• BIOLOGY 171, 172/174, and 173; or
  BIOLOGY 195 and 173
• PHYSICS 125/127 and 126/128; or
  PHYSICS 135/136 and 235/236; or
  PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241
  
  The PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241 sequence is recommended for students interested in an Honors major and for those who anticipate graduate work in the field of microbiology.
  
  
• CHEM 210/211 and 215/216;
• Quantitative Analysis 1: One of MATH 115, 120, 156, 175, 185, or 295
• Quantitative Analysis 2: One of
  • MATH 116, 121, 255, 176, 186, or 296
  • STATS 250; 400-level or above
  • BIOPHYS 290 / PHYSICS 290
  • EECS 203 or 280
  • EARTH 468
  • Any other course with a MATH 115 prerequisite chosen in consultation with a major advisor
    
  [Note: any course used to meet this requirement cannot also be used as a major elective,i.e., a course cannot “double count”.]

Requirements for the major

1. Core:
   1. Microbiology: BIOLOGY 207.
   2. Genetics: BIOLOGY 305.
   3. Biochemistry. One of:  MCDB (BIOLOGY) 310, BIOLCHEM 415,  or CHEM 351
   4. Advanced laboratory: MCDB 306, 429, or BIOLCHEM 416.
2. Upper-Level Requirements (minimum 19 credits).
   A minimum of eleven credits must be selected from Groups 1 and 2 which must include at least two courses from Group 1 and one course from Group 2. The remaining eight credits may be selected from Groups 1, 2, or 3.
   1. Group 1 — Microbial Genetics, Physiology, Cellular
      Biology, Diversity and Ecology (select at least two courses):
      • MCDB 401 (appropriate sections only), 415, 432, 437, 444, 489
      • EEB 315, 446, 468, 470
      • MICRBIOL 430, MICRBIOL 460/INTMED 460, MICRBIOL 320/INTMED 320
   2. Group 2 — Microbial Pathogenesis, General Virology & Immunology (select at least one course):
      • MICRBIOL 405, 415;
      • EPID 460;
      • MICRBIOL 440/IMMUNO 440 or MCDB 436 (only one of these will count toward the major).
   3. Group 3 - Advanced Electives. A maximum of eight credits from the courses listed below may be applied toward a Microbiology major.
      1. Advanced Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology:
         MCDB 427, 428
         MCDB 411 or CHEM 452.
      2. Ecology:
         EEB 476, EEB 483.
      3. Epidemiology:
         EPID 504, 505, 507 or 525
      4. Microbiology & Immunology:
         Any MICRBIOL course at the 500-level or higher (with approval of advisor).
      5. Mathematics:
         Any course with a MATH 116 prerequisite.
      6. Statistics:
         Any STATS course at the 400-level or above.
      7. Research:
         • MICRBIOL 399
         • EEB 400
         • MCDB 400 (maximum of 3 credits)
         • EPID 399 (2^nd term)
         • IMTMED 499 (2^nd term)
         
         Note: A maximum of 3 credits of independent research can be applied to the major. A course must be taken for a minimum of two credits and completed in a single term to count as an elective course.

Other courses with permission of advisor.

Honors Plan

The Microbiology B.S. degree is the basis for the Honors degree in Microbiology. Students must elect two semesters of independent research, maintain a major GPA of 3.4, complete an Honors thesis and give a research presentation based on their Honors work. Prior to applying to the Microbiology Honors Program, students must identify a research mentor in one of the participating departments. Students may conduct Honors research with faculty in other units on the University of Michigan campus, but must have a formal co-sponsor relationship with a research track or tenure-track faculty in one of the participating departments. Students apply to the Honors Program in Microbiology by submitting a research proposal along with a letter from the research mentor indicating their willingness to sponsor the student's research.

Using non-LSA coursework in the Microbiology major

Epidemiology (EPID) courses are offered under the School of Public Health. Microbiology & Immunology (MICRBIOL) courses are offered by the Medical School. These and any other external courses not cross-listed through an LSA department (including some BIOLCHEM offerings) count as non-LSA course work (see “non-LSA coursework” on the LSA website). Majors may elect 20 credits of non-LSA course work in the minimum 120 required for an A.B. or B.S. degree. See an advisor with questions about your non-LSA elections

Effective Fall 2014

May be elected as an interdepartmental major, supervised by the Microbiology Major Committee

Exclusions: Students who elect a major in Microbiology may not elect the following majors: Biology, General Biology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; Biomolecular Science; or Neuroscience.   They may also not elect a minor in Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

Microbiology includes the study of viruses, algae, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Immunobiology is also included within the science of microbiology. A major in microbiology prepares students for graduate study in microbiology, biochemistry, agricultural science, and food science as well as for study in other areas of biology which emphasize cellular structures and their function. A bachelor"s degree in microbiology may qualify students for entry-level positions in medical, industrial, or governmental laboratories.

Students intending to go to graduate school should have at least two terms of research experience. These can appear as graded courses, UROP participation, or be independent of the graded curriculum. Most graduate school-bound students will have 1-2 graded research courses (2-4 credits/each) on record. Students intending to go to graduate school will need research experience as well as two terms of Calculus and two terms of Physics. Students intending to go to medical school will need to take two terms of Physics and CHEM 230.

Prerequisites to the Major

• BIOLOGY 171, 172/174 and 173; or BIOLOGY 195 and 173
• CHEMISTRY 210/211 and CHEMISTRY 215/216
• MATH 115 or 120
• One course from:
  • MATH 116 or 121
  • STATS 250
  • BIOPHYS 290 or PHYSICS 290
  • STATS 400-level or above
  • any course that lists MATH 115 as a prerequisite 

  [Note: Any course used to meet this requirement cannot also be used as an elective in the major, i.e., a course cannot “double-count.”]

• PHYSICS 125/127 and 126/128; or PHYSICS 135/136 and 235/236; or PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241.

The PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241 sequence is recommended for students interested in an Honors major and for those who anticipate graduate work in the field of microbiology.

Requirements for the major

1. Core:
   1. Microbiology: BIOLOGY 207.
   2. Genetics: BIOLOGY 305.
   3. Biochemistry. One of:  MCDB (BIOLOGY) 310, BIOLCHEM 415,  or CHEM 351
   4. Advanced laboratory: MCDB 306, 429, or BIOLCHEM 416.
2. Upper-Level Requirements (minimum 19 credits).
   A minimum of eleven credits must be selected from Groups 1 and 2 which must include at least two courses from Group 1 and one course from Group 2. The remaining eight credits may be selected from Groups 1, 2, or 3.
   1. Group 1 — Microbial Genetics, Physiology, Cellular
      Biology, Diversity and Ecology (select at least two courses):
      • MCDB 401 (appropriate sections only), 415, 432, 437, 444, 489
      • EEB 315, 446, 468, 470
      • MICRBIOL 430, MICRBIOL 460/INTMED 460, MICRBIOL 320/INTMED 320
   2. Group 2 — Microbial Pathogenesis, General Virology & Immunology (select at least one course):
      • MICRBIOL 405, 415;
      • EPID 460;
      • MICRBIOL 440/IMMUNO 440 or MCDB 436 (only one of these will count toward the major).
   3. Group 3 - Advanced Electives. A maximum of eight credits from the courses listed below may be applied toward a Microbiology major.
      1. Advanced Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology:
         MCDB 427, 428
         MCDB 411 or CHEM 452.
      2. Ecology:
         EEB 476, EEB 483.
      3. Epidemiology:
         EPID 504, 505, 507 or 525
      4. Microbiology & Immunology:
         Any MICRBIOL course at the 500-level or higher (with approval of advisor).
      5. Mathematics:
         Any course with a MATH 116 prerequisite.
      6. Statistics:
         Any STATS course at the 400-level or above.
      7. Research:
         • MICRBIOL 399
         • EEB 400
         • MCDB 400 (maximum of 3 credits)
         • EPID 399 (2^nd term)
         • IMTMED 499 (2^nd term)
         
         Note: A maximum of 3 credits of independent research can be applied to the major. A course must be taken for a minimum of two credits and completed in a single term to count as an elective course.

Other courses with permission of advisor.

Honors Plan

The Microbiology B.S. degree is the basis for the Honors degree in Microbiology. Students must elect two semesters of independent research, maintain a major GPA of 3.4, complete an Honors thesis and give a research presentation based on their Honors work. Prior to applying to the Microbiology Honors Program, students must identify a research mentor in one of the participating departments. Students may conduct Honors research with faculty in other units on the University of Michigan campus, but must have a formal co-sponsor relationship with a research track or tenure-track faculty in one of the participating departments. Students apply to the Honors Program in Microbiology by submitting a research proposal along with a letter from the research mentor indicating their willingness to sponsor the student's research.

Using non-LSA coursework in the Microbiology major

Epidemiology (EPID) courses are offered under the School of Public Health. Microbiology & Immunology (MICRBIOL) courses are offered by the Medical School. These and any other external courses not cross-listed through an LSA department (including some BIOLCHEM offerings) count as non-LSA course work (see “non-LSA coursework” on the LSA website). Majors may elect 20 credits of non-LSA course work in the minimum 120 required for an A.B. or B.S. degree. See an advisor with questions about your non-LSA elections

Effective Winter 2014-Summer 2014

May be elected as an interdepartmental major, supervised by the Microbiology Major Committee

Exclusions: Students who elect a major in Microbiology may not elect the following majors: Biology, General Biology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; Biomolecular Science; or Neuroscience.   They may also not elect a minor in Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

Microbiology includes the study of viruses, algae, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Immunobiology is also included within the science of microbiology. A major in microbiology prepares students for graduate study in microbiology, biochemistry, agricultural science, and food science as well as for study in other areas of biology which emphasize cellular structures and their function. A bachelor"s degree in microbiology may qualify students for entry-level positions in medical, industrial, or governmental laboratories.

Students intending to go to graduate school should have at least two terms of research experience. These can appear as graded courses, UROP participation, or be independent of the graded curriculum. Most graduate school-bound students will have 1-2 graded research courses (2-4 credits/each) on record. Students intending to go to graduate school will need research experience as well as two terms of Calculus and two terms of Physics. Students intending to go to medical school will need to take two terms of Physics and CHEM 230.

Prerequisites to the Major

• BIOLOGY 171, 172/174 and 173; or BIOLOGY 195 173;
• CHEMISTRY 210/211 and CHEMISTRY 215/216;
• MATH 115 and 116;
• PHYSICS 125/127 and 126/128; or PHYSICS 135/136 and 235/236; or PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241.

The PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241 sequence is recommended for students interested in an Honors major and for those who anticipate graduate work in the field of microbiology.

Requirements for the major

1. Core:
   1. Microbiology: BIOLOGY 207.
   2. Genetics: BIOLOGY 305.
   3. Biochemistry. One of:  MCDB (BIOLOGY) 310, BIOLCHEM 415,  or CHEM 351
   4. Advanced laboratory: MCDB 306, 429, or BIOLCHEM 416.
2. Upper-Level Requirements (minimum 19 credits).
   A minimum of eleven credits must be selected from Groups 1 and 2 which must include at least two courses from Group 1 and one course from Group 2. The remaining eight credits may be selected from Groups 1, 2, or 3.
   1. Group 1 - Microbial Genetics, Physiology, Cellular
      Biology, Diversity and Ecology (select at least two courses):
      • MCDB 401 (appropriate sections only), 415, 432, 437, 444, 489
      • EEB 315, 446, 468, 470
      • MICRBIOL 430, MICRBIOL 460/INTMED 460
   2. Group 2 - Microbial Pathogenesis, General Virology & Immunology (select at least one course):
      • MICRBIOL 405, 415;
      • EPID 460;
      • MICRBIOL 440/IMMUNO 440 or MCDB 436 (only one of these will count toward the major).
   3. Group 3 - Advanced Electives. A maximum of eight credits from the courses listed below may be applied toward a Microbiology major.
      1. Advanced Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology:
         MCDB 427, 428
         MCDB 411 or CHEM 452.
      2. Ecology:
         EEB 476, EEB 483.
      3. Epidemiology:
         EPID 504, 505, 507 or 525
      4. Microbiology & Immunology:
         Any MICRBIOL course at the 500-level or higher (with approval of advisor).
      5. Mathematics:
         Any course with a MATH 116 prerequisite.
      6. Statistics:
         Any STATS course at the 400-level or above.
      7. Research:
         • MICRBIOL 399
         • EEB 400
         • MCDB 400 (maximum of 3 credits)
         • EPID 399 (2^nd term)
         • IMTMED 499 (2^nd term)
         
         Note: A maximum of 3 credits of independent research can be applied to the major. A course must be taken for a minimum of two credits and completed in a single term to count as an elective course.

Other courses with permission of advisor.

Field of Major

 For purposes of calculating grade point average, the term "field of  major" means the following:

1.  

   1. All mandatory prerequisites.
   2. All courses from participating departments (BIOLOGY, EEB, MCDB, MICRBIOL, INTMED, and EPID.
   3. Any other course used to satisfy requirements for the major.

    

Honors Plan

The Microbiology B.S. degree is the basis for the Honors degree in Microbiology. Students must elect two semesters of independent research, maintain a major GPA of 3.4, complete an Honors thesis and give a research presentation based on their Honors work. Prior to applying to the Microbiology Honors Program, students must identify a research mentor in one of the participating departments. Students may conduct Honors research with faculty in other units on the University of Michigan campus, but must have a formal co-sponsor relationship with a research track or tenure-track faculty in one of the participating departments. Students apply to the Honors Program in Microbiology by submitting a research proposal along with a letter from the research mentor indicating their willingness to sponsor the student's research.

Using non-LS&A coursework in the Microbiology major

Epidemiology (EPID) courses are offered under the School of Public Health. Microbiology & Immunology (MICRBIOL) courses are offered by the Medical School. These and any other external courses not cross-listed through an LSA department (including some BIOLCHEM offerings) count as non-LSA course work (see “non-LSA coursework” on the LSA website). Majors may elect 20 credits of non-LSA course work in the minimum 120 required for an A.B. or B.S. degree. See an advisor with questions about your non-LSA elections

Effective Fall 2013

May be elected as an interdepartmental major

Exclusions: Students who elect a major in Microbiology may not elect the following majors: Biology, General Biology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; or Neuroscience.   They may also not elect a minor in Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

Microbiology includes the study of viruses, algae, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Immunobiology is also included within the science of microbiology. A major in microbiology prepares students for graduate study in microbiology, biochemistry, agricultural science, and food science as well as for study in other areas of biology which emphasize cellular structures and their function. A bachelor"s degree in microbiology may qualify students for entry-level positions in medical, industrial, or governmental laboratories.

Students intending to go to graduate school should have at least two terms of research experience. These can appear as graded courses, UROP participation, or be independent of the graded curriculum. Most graduate school-bound students will have 1-2 graded research courses (2-4 credits/each) on record. Students intending to go to graduate school will need research experience as well as two terms of Calculus and two terms of Physics. Students intending to go to medical school will need to take two terms of Physics and CHEM 230.

Prerequisites to the Major

• BIOLOGY 171, 172/174 and 173; or BIOLOGY 195 173;
• CHEMISTRY 210/211 and CHEMISTRY 215/216;
• MATH 115 and 116;
• PHYSICS 125/127 and 126/128; or PHYSICS 135/136 and 235/236; or PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241.

The PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241 sequence is recommended for students interested in an Honors major and for those who anticipate graduate work in the field of microbiology.

Requirements for the major

1. Core:
   1. BIOLOGY 207.
   2. Biochemistry. One of:  MCDB (BIOLOGY) 310 or 311, BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 351
   3. Advanced laboratory: MCDB 306, 429, or BIOLCHEM 416.
   4. Genetics: BIOLOGY 305.
2. Specified Electives (minimum 19 credits). A minimum of eleven credits must be selected from Groups 1 and 2 which must include at least two courses from Group 1 and one course from Group 2. The remaining eight credits may be selected from Groups 1, 2, or 3.
   1. Group 1 - Microbial Genetics, Physiology, Cellular
      Biology, Diversity and Ecology:
      • MCDB 415, 432, 437, 444, 489
      • EEB 315, 468, 470
      • MICRBIOL 430, MICRBIOL 460/INTMED 460
   2. Group 2 - Microbial Pathogenesis, General Virology & Immunology:
      • MICRBIOL 405, 415;
      • EPID 460;
      • MICRBIOL 440 or MCDB 436.
   3. Group 3 - Advanced Electives. A maximum of eight credits from the courses listed below may be applied toward a Microbiology major.
      1. Advanced Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology:
         MCDB 427, 428
         MCDB 411 or CHEM 452.
      2. Ecology:
         EEB 476, EEB 483.
      3. Microbiology & Immunology:
         Any MICRBIOL course at the 500-level or higher (with approval of advisor).
      4. Mathematics:
         Any course with a MATH 116 prerequisite.
      5. Statistics:
         Any STATS course at the 400-level or above.
      6. Research:

      7. MICRBIOL 399

         EEB 400

         MCDB 400 (maximum of 3 credits).

         Note: A maximum of 3 credits of independent research can be applied to the major. A course must be taken for a minimum of two credits and completed in a single term to count as an elective course.  

      8. Other courses with permission of advisor.

Field of Major

For purposes of calculating grade point average, the term "field of the major" means the following:

1. All BIOLOGY, EEB, MCDB, and Biological Station courses, including cross-listed ones, at the 200-level and above.
2. All course used to satisfy requirements for the major
3. All required cognate courses (if any).
4. All mandatory prerequisites.

Honors Plan

The Microbiology B.S. degree is the basis for the Honors degree in Microbiology. Students must elect two semesters of independent research, maintain a major GPA of 3.4, complete an Honors thesis and give a research presentation based on their Honors work. Prior to applying to the Microbiology Honors Program, students must identify a research mentor in one of the participating departments. Students may conduct Honors research with faculty in other units on the University of Michigan campus, but must have a formal co-sponsor relationship with a research track or tenure-track faculty in one of the participating departments. Students apply to the Honors Program in Microbiology by submitting a research proposal along with a letter from the research mentor indicating their willingness to sponsor the student"s research.

Using non-LS&A coursework in the Microbiology major

All courses in Biological Chemistry (BIOLCHEM) and Microbiology and Immunology (MICRBIOL) are listed in the Online Schedule of Classes under the Medical School; Epidemiology (EPID) courses are listed under the School of Public Health. Courses not listed in this Bulletin and not cross-listed through an LS&A department count as non-LS&A course work (see "Non-LS&A Course Work" in Chapter III ). BIOLCHEM 415 and 416 are listed in this Bulletin and therefore are not included in the non-LS&A credits which may be applied toward the degree. Majors may elect 20 credits of non-LS&A course work in the minimum 120 required for an A.B. or B.S. degree. Students pursuing a major in microbiology should elect cross-listed courses through the LS&A department whenever possible.

Effective Fall 2011-Summer 2013

May be elected as an interdepartmental major

Exclusions: Students who elect a major in Microbiology may not elect the following majors: Biology, General Biology; Cell and Molecular Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Plant Biology; Biochemistry; or Neuroscience.   They may also not elect a minor in Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology; Chemistry; or Biochemistry.

Microbiology includes the study of viruses, algae, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Immunobiology is also included within the science of microbiology. A major in microbiology prepares students for graduate study in microbiology, biochemistry, agricultural science, and food science as well as for study in other areas of biology which emphasize cellular structures and their function. A bachelor"s degree in microbiology may qualify students for entry-level positions in medical, industrial, or governmental laboratories.

Students intending to go to graduate school should have at least two terms of research experience. These can appear as graded courses, UROP participation, or be independent of the graded curriculum. Most graduate school-bound students will have 1-2 graded research courses (2-4 credits/each) on record. Students intending to go to graduate school will need research experience as well as two terms of Calculus and two terms of Physics. Students intending to go to medical school will need to take two terms of Physics and CHEM 230.

Prerequisites to the Major

• BIOLOGY 171, 172/174 and 173; or BIOLOGY 195 173;
• CHEMISTRY 210/211 and CHEMISTRY 215/216;
• MATH 115 and 116;
• PHYSICS 125/127 and 126/128; or PHYSICS 135/136 and 235/236; or PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241.

The PHYSICS 140/141 and 240/241 sequence is recommended for students interested in an Honors major and for those who anticipate graduate work in the field of microbiology.

Requirements for the major

1. Core:
   1. BIOLOGY 207.
   2. Biochemistry. One of:  MCDB (BIOLOGY) 310 or 311, BIOLCHEM 415, or BIOLCHEM 415, or BIOLCHEM 451 (when elected with BIOLCHEM 452), or CHEM 451 (when elected with CHEM 452).
   3. Advanced laboratory: MCDB 306, 429, or BIOLCHEM 416.
   4. Genetics: BIOLOGY 305.
2. Specified Electives (minimum 19 credits). A minimum of eleven credits must be selected from Groups 1 and 2 which must include at least two courses from Group 1 and one course from Group 2. The remaining eight credits may be selected from Groups 1, 2, or 3.
   1. Group 1 - Microbial Genetics, Physiology, Cellular
      Biology, Diversity and Ecology:
      • MCDB 415, 432, 437, 444, 489
      • EEB 315, 468, 470
      • MICRBIOL 430, MICRBIOL 460/INTMED 460
   2. Group 2 - Microbial Pathogenesis, General Virology & Immunology:
      • MICRBIOL 405, 415;
      • EPID 460;
      • MICRBIOL 440 or MCDB 436.
   3. Group 3 - Advanced Electives. A maximum of eight credits from the courses listed below may be applied toward a Microbiology major.
      1. Advanced Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology:
         MCDB 427, 428
         MCDB 411 or CHEM 452.
      2. Ecology:
         EEB 476, EEB 483.
      3. Microbiology & Immunology:
         Any MICRBIOL course at the 500-level or higher (with approval of advisor).
      4. Mathematics:
         Any course with a MATH 116 prerequisite.
      5. Statistics:
         Any STATS course at the 400-level or above.
      6. Research:

      7. MICRBIOL 399

         EEB 400

         MCDB 400 (maximum of 3 credits).

         Note: A maximum of 3 credits of independent research can be applied to the major. A course must be taken for a minimum of two credits and completed in a single term to count as an elective course.  

      8. Other courses with permission of advisor.

Field of Major

For purposes of calculating grade point average, the term "field of the major" means the following:

1. All BIOLOGY, EEB, MCDB, and Biological Station courses, including cross-listed ones, at the 200-level and above.
2. All course used to satisfy requirements for the major
3. All required cognate courses (if any).
4. All mandatory prerequisites.

Honors Plan

The Microbiology B.S. degree is the basis for the Honors degree in Microbiology. Students must elect two semesters of independent research, maintain a major GPA of 3.4, complete an Honors thesis and give a research presentation based on their Honors work. Prior to applying to the Microbiology Honors Program, students must identify a research mentor in one of the participating departments. Students may conduct Honors research with faculty in other units on the University of Michigan campus, but must have a formal co-sponsor relationship with a research track or tenure-track faculty in one of the participating departments. Students apply to the Honors Program in Microbiology by submitting a research proposal along with a letter from the research mentor indicating their willingness to sponsor the student"s research.

Using non-LS&A coursework in the Microbiology major

All courses in Biological Chemistry (BIOLCHEM) and Microbiology and Immunology (MICRBIOL) are listed in the Online Schedule of Classes under the Medical School; Epidemiology (EPID) courses are listed under the School of Public Health. Courses not listed in this Bulletin and not cross-listed through an LS&A department count as non-LS&A course work (see "Non-LS&A Course Work" in Chapter III ). BIOLCHEM 415 and 416 are listed in this Bulletin and therefore are not included in the non-LS&A credits which may be applied toward the degree. Majors may elect 20 credits of non-LS&A course work in the minimum 120 required for an A.B. or B.S. degree. Students pursuing a major in microbiology should elect cross-listed courses through the LS&A department whenever possible.