Future Students

Academics

Microbiology

College of Sciences


 

QUICK JUMP
  Microbiology
  Study Options
  Requirements and Core Courses
  Microbiology Facilities
  Careers in Microbiology
  Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
  Scholarships and Financial Aid
  Contact Information

Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of organisms too small to be seen by the unaided eye. Microbiologists study all aspects of these microorganisms, including what they are, how they work, their distribution in nature, and their relationship to each other and to other living things. Microorganisms can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on other organisms and profoundly affect the environment in which they live. The ability of microbes to multiply quickly into large populations with highly specialized properties make them very important in considering all aspects of life.
• Offered at WSU: Bachelor of science, minor, master of science, doctorate
• Available at: Pullman

Study Options

An option in medical technology is earned by completing one required laboratory course, Biol 418 (parasitology). A one-year internship in an accredited school of medical technology is required after graduation for those interested in becoming certified medical technologists.

Requirements and Core Courses

—Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

Microbiology majors take the following core courses as well as other University, college, and degree requirements.

CORE COURSES
Biol 106 & 107––Introductory Biology I & II
Chem 105 & 106––Principles of Chemistry I & II
Math 140––Math for Life Sciences
     or Math 171 Calculus I
Chem 345––Organic Chemistry I
Phys 101 & 102––General Physics I & II
MBioS 301––General Genetics
MBioS 303 & 304––Introductory Biochemistry & Lab
MBioS 305 &306––General Microbiology & Lab
MBioS 401--Cell Biology
MBioS 404--Molecular Genetics
MBioS 410––Medical Microbiology
MBioS 411––Diagnostic Medical Bacteriology Laboratory
MBioS 430--Combined Immunology and Virology Laboratory
MBioS 440––Immunology
MBioS 442--Virology
MBioS 494––Senior Project
Degree electives

Pre-Med students and those interested in advanced degrees should take a year of organic chemistry, which includes Chem 345, 346, and 348.

NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate. Students should consult with their academic advisor for specific details.

Microbiology Facilities

Microbiology students have access to the following outstanding lab facilities:
• Owen Science and Engineering Library, the largest of its kind in the Northwest
• Bioanalytical Laboratory
• Science Learning and Instruction Center, a resource center for science majors that provides computer access, science software and videos, old tests, and other study aids
• Electron Microscopy Center
• Nuclear Radiation Center
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Center
• X-ray Crystallography Laboratory

Careers in Microbiology

Microbiology majors have wide and diverse career opportunities in the life sciences. The biological revolution is opening up new opportunities and linking laboratory science in microbiology to the worlds of business, law, and government. Careers open to majors include research and production positions in the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, in private or governmental laboratories, and in nonprofit institutions such as clinical and hospital laboratories and institutes. Graduates are also prepared to pursue advanced degree work in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and other fields. Advanced degrees can lead to teaching at the college level or conducting basic or applied research in the government, higher education, or private industry. Others have careers in consulting, management, or administration.

Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation

• A good high school preparation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics
• At least three years of sciences and math in high school recommended
• Strong reading, writing, reasoning, and computer skills

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Microbiology majors are eligible for scholarships offered by the College of Sciences and the School of Molecular Biosciences. Additionally, a variety of federal, state, and University-sponsored programs are available to assist qualified students with education costs.

Contact Information
School of Molecular Biosciences
Washington State University
P.O. Box 647520
Pullman, WA 99164-7520
Phone: 509-335-1276
smbugrad@wsu.edu
 

Strengths of the Program

  • Receive a solid foundation in the basic properties of microorganisms in a program that focuses especially on medically related aspects of microbiology.
  • Undertake a research project of your own under a noted faculty researcher.
  • Learn research techniques and operate advanced equipment.
  • Individualize your course of study within the School of Molecular Biosciences.
  • You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.
Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us