2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Microbiology (B.S.)



Program Contact/Coordinator

Heike Bücking, Department Head
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Alfred Dairy Science Hall 228
605-688-6141

Program Information

The program provides students with a broad background in all facets of microbiology, preparing them to pursue careers in diagnostic and research laboratories, public health, agriculture, food industry, pharmaceutical companies, academia, governmental agencies, and the private sector. With the recommended electives, the graduate is prepared to pursue health-related professional or graduate education for advanced training. The goal is to provide a sound but varied educational experience.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Microbiology major, students will:

  • Demonstrate understanding and application of evolution; biological structure and function; biological and biochemical pathways and transformations of energy and matter; and biological systems. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
  • Apply the process of science. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis; Information Literacy)
  • Demonstrate understanding of and application of quantitative reasoning; information flow, exchange, and storage in microorganisms; relationship between science and society. (Cross-curricular Skill: Information Literacy)
  • Demonstrate knowledge on how microorganisms interact with and impact their environment and the interaction between microorganisms and humans, animals and plants.
  • Describe and use new and existing methods and technologies in and out of the laboratory setting.
  • Tap into the interdisciplinary nature of science. (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
  • Communicate and collaborate with other disciplines. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)

Academic Requirements

A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be maintained in the major courses.

Course Delivery Format

Program coursework is on-campus, in classrooms and laboratories, as well as field-based settings. Additional coursework is available at off-campus attendance centers.  Limited coursework is available online.

Requirements for Microbiology Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences

Department of Biology and Microbiology Requirements


  • 25 semester credits must be upper division (300 and above), with the exception that MATH 125 and 225, Calculus II and III, may be counted as five credits toward the total.
  • Students must complete a minimum of 33 credits from the natural sciences. Refer to departments offering the degree for specific course listings.

Electives


Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences

System General Education Requirements 32-34 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 74-76 Credit Hours
Electives** 10-14 Credit Hours

**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.