Microbiology

The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Rhode Island offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Microbiology. Microbiology is the study of microorganisms - which comprise bacteria, viruses, the archea, as well as eukaryotic microbes - and their interactions with the environment, including host-pathogen interactions. Microorganisms make up the vast majority of all organisms on our planet and are responsible for most of the nutrient cycling and all of the infectious diseases that afflict humans, other animals, and plants. In order to study microorganisms and their interactions, microbiologists use a wide variety of tools and require training in a wide variety of disciplines including biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and immunology.

The B.S. degree in Microbiology is designed to provide a basic foundation for a career in microbiology and related fields. In addition, the program provides the freedom to construct an interdisciplinary curriculum through its elective system. The B.S. Microbiology program trains students for any of three paths: 1) working as a B.S. level microbiologist; 2) preparation for graduate training leading to an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in microbiology or several related fields; and 3) preparation for entry into a professional school, such as medical school or dental school. Many students major in one of the biological or health sciences as preparation to enter a professional college such as medical or dental school. The microbiology curriculum allows the student to major in microbiology and to use elective credits to fulfill any additional requirements for the professional colleges.

Microbiologists with the B.S. in Microbiology degree are needed in many disciplines including medicine, public health, environmental monitoring and protection, and industrial applications. Graduates of our B.S. Microbiology program are currently employed as laboratory/research technicians in hospitals, universities, the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, food industries, and a wide variety of state and federal agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health. There is also an increasing need for graduates with microbiology training in sales, management, and secondary education.

The faculty of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology are active research scientists, maintaining research programs that employ both undergraduate and graduate students. Many of our research projects are funded by federal, state or private grants to our faculty. Undergraduate students are encouraged to explore opportunities for conducting directed research projects with the faculty to gain active research experience. Cooperative programs with several other departments on campus permit student participation in interdepartmental research programs.

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) is the national organization for microbiologists. ASM is the largest biological science society and welcomes to full membership anyone who is interested in its objectives and has a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in microbiology or a related field. Any matriculated student majoring in microbiology or a related field is eligible for election as a student member. Please contact the Department chair for additional information or go to the ASM website.

Courses

Freshman Year
Biology (8 credits)
Language or culture cluster required (3)
Inorganic Chemistry (8)
Mathematics (3)
General Education Requirements (7)

Sophomore Year
Organic Chemistry (8 credits)
Physics (8)
Introductory Microbiology (4)
Microbiology Elective (3)
General Education Requirements (6)
Free Elective (3)

Junior Year
Genetics (4 credits)
Biochemistry (3)
Immunology (3)
General Education Requirements (6)
Microbiology Electives (3)
Quantitative Analysis (4)
Mathematics (3)
Free Electives (9)

Senior Year
Advanced Microbiology (10 credits)
Microbiology Seminar (1)
Microbiology Electives (6)
Free Electives (7)
General Education Requirements (6)