MAJOR: MICROBIOLOGY
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After completion of introductory microbiology and other core courses, students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology study the structure, growth and metabolism, physiology, and genetics of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and the diseases that they produce. Students also study how the vertebrate immune system works to combat those diseases. Micro majors take courses that explore how cells receive signals from their environments, how cells adjust to read different sets of genes, and how cells can be genetically engineered. Other topics of study include public health, tumor biology, yeast cell biology, and molecular biology. This option prepares students for a variety of careers, including business, law, biotechnology, medicine, public health, or research.

Declare This Major

Current UT undergraduates interested in changing to the microbiology major should complete the following instructions:

  1. Complete the entry-level courses (Calculus 1, CH301/302, and BIO311C/D) with at least a C- or higher
  2. View the online information session.
  3. Complete the questionnaire at the end of the session and bring it your advising appointment.
  4. Schedule an appointment with the Biological Sciences Advising Center.

Current students who have not yet completed the entry-level requirements should schedule an appointment with an academic advisor in WCH 1.106. Contact the appropriate College of Natural Sciences Advising Center to schedule an appointment and change majors to biological sciences.

Prospective University of Texas at Austin students should visit to learn about the application process and how to declare a major.

Required Courses

For information on required courses, students can view the Microbiology degree plan. For additional information, view biological sciences course descriptions by major options, course syllabi, and Frequently Asked Questions related to the School of Biological Sciences.

Specializations

Microbiology is one option within the Bachelor of Science in Biology degree, view all options within biology.

Personality

To gain a perspective on students in the School of Biological Sciences, read personal stories from biology students and view related student organizations.