Microbiologists today apply new technical approaches such as gene cloning, electron microscopy, and computer technology to bacteria, viruses, algae, protozoa, fungi, and to animal and plant cells.

This major meets the guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology. It prepares students for work in a wide variety of scientific areas including medicine, molecular genetics, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as many other aspects of the biosciences.

The student develops a strong background in chemistry, which is excellent preparation for graduate school and the professional schools.

REQUIREMENTS
All students admitted to the University of Rhode Island are eligible to major in Microbiology.

The program requires:
Microbiology is designed to provide a basic foundation for a career in microbiology. The program provides flexibility for constructing programs to suit individual interests, such as medical, cell, or molecular biology.

The Cell and Molecular Biology Department provides a unique opportunity for a combined Cell Biology/ Microbiology concentration.

Many courses are available, and the teaching interests of the faculty are strongly cellular, with research specialties such as membrane ultrastructure and assembly, cellular immunology, phagocytosis in response to infection, receptors in E. coli colonization of the mammalian gut, electron microscopy of ciliated protozoa, and molecular biology of development in bacteria.

ACADEMIC OPTIONS
The curriculum provides the training necessary to be a competitive applicant for admission to medical and dental schools.

Students can also utilize elective credits to pursue a compatible minor such as marine biology or chemistry.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Microbiologists with the bachelor’s degree work in the medical, clinical, public health, marine, environmental, and industrial microbiology fields.

Graduates are employed as laboratory technicians in hospitals, the biotechnology industry, food and drug industries, manufacturing concerns producing biological products, and state and federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

There is also an increasing need for graduates with microbiology training in sales, management, and secondary education.

FURTHER STUDIES
The Microbiology major provides superb preparation for continuing graduate study or for admission to medical or dental school. The curriculum allows students to use elective credits to fulfill requirements for medical school.

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