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Why should I consider majoring in Microbiology?
What will I learn from studying Microbiology?
What are interests and values are related to Microbiology?
What career fields are related to Microbiology?
How can I learn more about Microbiology?
It focuses on the biology of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, and fungi. Your goal is to understand the function of microbes in agriculture, medicine, ecology, and biotechnology. You will also receive training in sterile procedures; the identification, enumeration, and growth of microorganisms; the evaluation of antimicrobials and the antibiotics; and the practice of microbial genetics.
If you enjoy doing science projects, gardening, researching environmental causes, working with microscopes, caring for people in general, and keep things organized, then you might want to consider this major.
As a microbiology major, you will probably begin by familiarizing yourself with microscopes. You’ll get an overview of the diversity, structure, function, growth, reproduction, genetics, physiology, preservation, and control of microorganisms. You’ll then learn to grow and catalog a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. When you progress to biochemistry and molecular genetics, the work becomes more abstract. In lags and lectures, you use critical-thinking skills to prepare and conduct experiments. As you advance, your work focuses on bacterial mutants, the documentation of agents, and measurements with biochemical tools. You will also learn to develop new skills for particular projects. To be successful in microbiology, you should be willing to learn unfamiliar methodologies and adapt to unexpected situations.
DISCOVER Career Guidance and Information System
College of Agriculture & Life Science Academic Discovery Center
Location: Benson 240
Phone: 208-496-9830