Microbiology Major Information [pdf] [Word] | Microbiology Minor Information [pdf]
What is Microbiology?
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms such as bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses. Microbiology focuses on understanding the diverse biology of microorganisms and their impact on our planet. More specifically, how microorganisms:
- grow, reproduce, and evolve;
- cause diseases or contribute to the health of humans, animals, and plants
- provide metabolic capacity that can be harnessed in industrial and bioremediation processes; and,
- affect the ecology, geochemistry, and climate on Earth.
Our Undergraduate Program in Microbiology
Our major offers a suite of diverse lecture and laboratory courses. You can also choose to conduct cutting-edge laboratory research under the mentorship of our faculty as part of your undergraduate curriculum. The diverse research interests of our faculty reflect the breadth of the microbial sciences. Qualified majors can also enroll in our combined BS/MS in Microbiology program, which can be completed in only 5 years. We also welcome students who want to expand their knowledge in Microbiology through our minor. In addition, many of our majors complement their Microbiology studies with a minor in a variety of subjects including global public health, epidemiology, environmental sciences, and foreign languages.
Some examples of what you will learn include:
- Microbial diversity and evolution
- Growth of microbial cells and populations
- Molecular architecture of microbial cells
- Regulation of gene expression and protein function
- Metabolic processes and bioenergetics
- Molecular mechanisms of microbial and viral infections
- Immunobiology and immunotherapy
- Modern applications of microbial processes: vaccine production, water treatment, alternative fuels, production of antibiotics
You will obtain laboratory experience in:
- Gene cloning, recombinant DNA techniques, genetic engineering of bacterial strains
- Western blotting, enzyme-lined immunoassay, immunofluorescence
- Culturing microbes including in bioreactors
- Determining environmental factors that influence microorganisms
- Analyzing microbial diversity
- Production and analysis of fermentation products
- Microscopy
- Tissue culture
Careers in Microbiology
Our undergraduate program in Microbiology provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a wide range of careers. Since microbes can inhabit and impact almost every environment, it is not surprising that microbiologists can pursue diverse careers in academia, industry, government agencies, and many types of companies and non-profit organizations. With a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, students are well prepared to pursue masters and doctorate degrees in any graduate program of the life sciences or a professional degree in medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry. They will also be ideally suited for employment in biotechnology, pharmaceutics, medical and forensic sciences, clinical laboratories and supply companies, or the food industry. Our students could also pursue a career in patent law, scientific writing, or in regulatory- and policy-based positions in government agencies and non-profit organizations.
Contact
For questions regarding the Microbiology undergraduate major, please contact the department directly:
Coordinating Academic Advisor
614 292-6961
Honors Advisor
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Join the American Society for Microbiology Student Chapter at OSU! Contact President Sophia Stokes for questions.
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