Microbiology BS
Program Purpose
Microbiology is a broad discipline, and students have a wide range of options for the study of microbiology including: microbial physiology, microbial genetics, microbial ecology, pathogenesis, immunology, virology, parasitology, epidemiology, evolution and diversity. Graduates of this degree program commonly pursue careers in academics, industry, and medicine. The Microbiology B.S. curriculum is founded on the curriculum recommendations of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and students have the opportunity to receive training in all of the recommended areas. As defined by ASM, the Recommended Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Microbiology "provide the framework for core microbiology content that is of enduring and lasting value beyond the classroom and teaching laboratory". This framework comprises six microbiological concepts and 29 fundamental statements. The former include 1) Evolution, 2) Structure and Function, 3) Metabolic Pathways, 4) Information Flow and Genetics, 5) Microbial Ecology, and 6) Impact of Microbes. Microbiology is a laboratory-based science, and as such, our curriculum supports laboratory components in most of the courses taught in the program, including those recommended by ASM.
Curricular Structure
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (61-67 total hours)
Complete the following six classes: PDBio 120 Science of Biology, MMBio 151, Introduction to Microbiology, MMBio 240* Molecular Biology, MMBio 241 Molecular & Cellular Biol Lab, PDBio 360 Cell Biology, MMBio 361 Infection and Immunity.
Complete the following Chemistry classes: Chem 105* General College Chemistry, Chem 106 General College Chemistry, Chem 107 General College Chem Lab, Chem 351 Organic Chemistry, Chem 352 Organic Chemistry, Chem 481 Biochemistry 1.
Complete four from the following microbiology core requirements: MMBio 460 Advanced Bacterial Genetics, MMBio 461 Advanced Bacterial Physiology, MMBio 462 Advanced Microbial Ecology, MMBio 463 Immunology, MMBio 464 Bacterial Pathogenesis, MMBio 465 Virology.
Complete one of the following options: Either, Phscs 105* Intro Applied Physics, Phscs 106 Intro Applied Physics Or Stat 221* Prin of Statistics
Complete at least 10 hours from the following: Bio 350 Ecology, Bio 420 Evoluational Biology, Bio 421 Evolutionary Biology Lab, Chem 482 Biochemistry 2, MMBio 399R Internship, MMBio 407 Clinical Microbiology, MMBio 417 Medical Parasitology, MMBio 430 Advanced Cell Biology, MMBio 441 Advanced Molecular Biology, MMBio 442 Advanced Molecular Biology Lab, any MMBio 460-465 course not used to fulfill the micro core requirements, MMBio 466 Virology Lab, MMBio 467 Immunology Lab, MMBio 494R Mentored Research, NDFS 361 Food Microbiology, PWS 340 Genetics, PWS 514 Soil Microbiology.
Recommended Course Engl 316.
The following courses are recommended for those students interested in graduate and professional programs: Math 119 or higher, Phscs 105, 106, 107, 108. Note: Students desiring a minor in chemistry must take Chem 223 and 2 hours of Chem 353.
Co-Curricular activities: Hands-on laboratory research experience is absolutely essential to the education of the Microbiology major. Mentored undergraduate research provides a practical learning base to complement their studies. Students are encouraged to become involved in laboratory research, producing data that leads to publications and presentations at national and international meetings.
The department has also initiated an internship program to help students find summer internships in the discipline. The department internship office informs the students of various internship programs, provides detailed information on each program, and tracks the students' progress ensuring the student has the best possible experience.
Microbiology has advanced rapidly in recent years. Our curriculum reflects current developments. Our faculty studies the current literature, maintains active research programs, mentors undergraduate and graduate students, and seeks to implement innovative pedagogies.
Learning Outcomes
Integrate Faith and Scientific Inquiry
Faculty will strive to prepare a new generation of microbiologists that are capable of excelling in careers of their choosing. Students will strive to deepen their faith in Jesus Christ and their understanding of His restored gospel as they learn the physiology, genetics, diversity, pathogenesis, immunology, and other aspects of microbial life. The program will encourage students to use existing knowledge and the scientific method to search for truth, gain a better understanding of God's creations, strengthen their faith and testimony of His divine purposes, and excel in their chosen career. Faculty and staff will strive to teach truth to deepen students' conviction that "there is no conflict between science and religion "; that "all truth is part of the gospel of Jesus Christ"; and recognize that "whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection"
We will strive to cultivate scientific excellence through scholarly and experiential learning in an appropriate learning environment. Students will strive to develop a strong foundation in the principles of microbiology through rigorous coursework and hands-on laboratory experience, undergraduate research, and other inspiring learning opportunities. Faculty will strive to emphasize and reinforce vocabulary, analytical skills, logical reasoning, critical thinking, and effective scientific communication to students. Faculty and students will also strive to continually seek divine guidance and recognize that "research and education are religious responsibilities", and emphasize to students that "whether truth comes from a scientific laboratory or by revelation from the Lord, it is compatible"
Students will strive to demonstrate faith-based habits and character traits including charity, virtue, confidence, integrity, civility, and ethical decision-making in personal, familial, academic, and professional settings. The program will prepare students to become disciple-leaders who can address current and future health, environmental, and societal challenges with consistent moral clarity and a Christ-centered perspective.
Students will be equipped with the tools, habits, knowledge, motivation, and gospel foundation for ongoing professional development and meaningful contributions to their family and communities after graduation. Graduates of the program will be prepared to pursue advanced education or careers in microbiology, healthcare, education, or other fields. Faculty and students will strive to exemplify and emulate the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by lifting others as they "go forth and serve" their families, communities, others, and the Lord; remembering that "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God".
Faculty and students will strive to "believe in, belong to and become like Jesus Christ", which will enable a supportive and inclusive environment where all students feel valued, respected, and part of a covenant community. All members of this community are invited to emulate the Savior and to honor their covenants by promoting belonging, collaboration, and mutual respect in their interactions.
Evidence of Learning
Direct Measures
- Examples of student reports and assignments will be collected that
- demonstrate the ability to develop testable hypotheses, devise experiments, acquire data, and analyze the experimental results.
- exhibit the understanding, analysis, and transfer of information from the current scientific literature.
- communicate evidence that faith and daily living may be influenced by studying microbiology.
- Reporting of average student scores on the ETS Biology Field Test or another appropriate assessment.
- Reporting the number of presentations and publications with undergradute student authors.
Indirect Measures
- Compilation of graduation exit interviews.
- Evaluation of university/college/department alumni surveys.
- Determination of average graduating student GPA.
Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement
The faculty will meet annually at a retreat to discuss and analyze the assessment data (both direct and indirect measures). From these discussions, appropriate plans will be made to improve student performance and to coordinate the activities of the individual classes so that students can accomplish their desired learning outcomes. This cycle of analysis and planning will occur yearly as a department.