Microbiology Academics
The Department of Microbiology offers a wide range of academic opportunities. Our Microbiology majors (A.B. and B.S.) prepare students for careers in almost any field in medicine and biology. The curriculum provides opportunities to specialize in a variety of areas, including Biomedical Science, Microbial Ecology, Genetics & Bioinformatics, and Cellular & Molecular Biology. These degree options provide an excellent foundation for careers in microbiology, yet allow students to select courses that complement their interests.
Microbiology students Sarah Geiger, Lauren Misel and Andrew Wakefield present their research at the Undergraduate Research Forum
In addition, the department offers the Medical Laboratory Science major, which leads to a B.S. degree. It includes a one-year (senior-level) clinical lab practicum in which students apply scientific background and skills to the performance and supervision of an expanding range of complex lab diagnostic and research activities. A variety of program options for degrees and clinical internships are available within the Medical Laboratory Science Major.
Beyond our undergraduate programs, we offer a variety of graduate degree programs. Students can earn M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Microbiology, or advanced degrees in the interdisciplinary Cell, Molecular, and Structural Biology (CMSB) and Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology (EEEB) programs.
The department also participates in two interdisciplinary minors, Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, each of which are available to Microbiology majors, as well as co-majors in Premedical Studies and Environmental Science. The co-majors provide extended study in specialized areas, and must accompany a major. Both Premedical Studies and Environmental Science fit well with majors in Microbiology, and yet provide their own perspective.
To help keep track of one's academic options, we have made available some online academic advising resources, as well as access to departmental advisors.
New Course for First-Year Majors
MBI 147: Microbiology Introductory Seminar is our new course designed for first-year MBI (Microbiology) majors and students considering majoring in Microbiology.
The course is designed to introduce students to our department and the degrees we offer, the departmental and university resources that are available to help them achieve their educational objectives, and the opportunities for undergraduate research in Microbiology. It also provides students with professional orientation and networking opportunities by providing access to faculty, graduate students, alumnae, and guest microbiologists from industry, government and academia with a shared interest in the profession of Microbiology.
Join us this fall
in MBI 147
µBiology at Miami
The Microbiology Majors
Dr. Rebecca Balish talks about the microbiology majors leading to a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.
The Major in Medical Laboratory Science
Dr. Marcia Lee talks about the Medical Laboratory Science major leading to a Bachelor of Science degree.
The Major in Public Health: Human Disease and Epidemiology
Dr. Kelly Abshire talks about the Public Heath: Human Disease and Epidemiology major leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Tour the Microbiology Department
Microbiology chair & professor Luis Actis and director of the Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics Andor Kiss demonstrate full-service research facilities and teaching labs used by undergraduate and graduate students along with faculty.
Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology
Drs. Rachael Morgan-Kiss and Annette Bollmann, associate professors of microbiology, discuss the unique research opportunities provided to undergraduate and graduate students in Microbial Ecology (MBI 475/575).
Hands-on Inquiry-based Learning for First-Year Students
Microbiology faculty and students talk about their participation in a national experiment (MBI 223/224) to determine and understand the genetic content of viruses infecting bacteria.