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The smallest living things – including bacteria, viruses, and yeast—may not be visible to the human eye, but they have big effects on health, food, medicine, energy, and the environment. These tiny organisms, called microbes, were the first life forms on Earth and continue to influence the planet in significant ways. Microbiomes—communities of microbes—are increasingly studied by researchers focusing on human health, global warming, infectious disease, environmental remediation, bioenergy, and much more.

The microbiology major prepares students for modern research in microbiology, with a heavy emphasis on practical laboratory experiences. Students learn the cellular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and physiology of microbes. Through courses, students learn laboratory techniques—gaining the type of hands-on experiences with modern equipment that employers and graduate and professional schools seek. Additionally, students can conduct mentored and independent research projects in faculty laboratories where they will learn to critically evaluate scientific data, carry out laboratory experiments, and communicate scientific information.

Microbiology majors graduate prepared for careers in biotechnology, education, healthcare, information technology, and food safety. Many students pursue graduate and professional studies, including medical school, dental school and biological sciences PhD programs.

Learn through hands-on, real world experiences

With so many microbiologists on the faculty, students have numerous opportunities to conduct research in faculty labs. As one of the largest research buildings on campus, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are able to conduct cutting edge experiments using novel techniques that few other undergraduate programs allow. Through a senior-year capstone course, students conduct research under the direction of a professor or as part of class projects that have included culturing microbes from the gut of hibernating ground squirrels, comparing bacteria from the mouths of athletes and non-athletes, and culturing microbes found in deep sea vents. This kind of hands-on experience distinguishes microbiology majors from other graduates and enhances the real-world skills that are valued by post-secondary schools and employers.

Build community and networks

Through the Microbiology Club, students establish study groups, explore careers, and teach others on campus and in the community about microbiology. Through events like cheese, yogurt, and kombucha making, the club offers opportunities for community-building both within the program and with the broader university community. This student organization is the official American Society of Microbiology undergraduate chapter for the UW–Madison and provides annual travel and research awards to outstanding students.

Customize a path of study

Core courses focus on the diversity, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology of microorganisms. A variety of elective courses provide the opportunity to study environmental microbiology, food microbiology, microbial pathogenesis, immunology, virology, microbiomes, microbial biotechnology, and public health, as well as advanced topics in microbial genetics and physiology. Students may also pursue Honors in Microbiology.

Make a strong start

All courses in the program, including entry level courses, are taught by faculty who specialize in teaching microbiology.

Gain global perspective

Majors can also choose from a variety of study abroad programs including short-term field experiences, summer research opportunities and semester-long exchange programs at top universities around the world. A study abroad program in Thailand specifically tailored for microbiology majors is frequently offered and led by microbiology faculty from UW–Madison. Students can explore studying abroad as a Microbiology major by utilizing the Microbiology Major Advising Page. Students work with their advisor and the CALS study abroad office to identify appropriate programs.  

Incoming or current students in good academic standing may declare the microbiology major at any time.

Schedule an appointment with a microbiology major advisor to discuss how to declare the major, appropriate coursework to take, and much more. Please see the Advising and Careers tab for information on how to schedule an appointment with a microbiology major advisor.

University General Education Requirements

All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.

General Education
  • Breadth—Humanities/Literature/Arts: 6 credits
  • Breadth—Natural Science: 4 to 6 credits, consisting of one 4- or 5-credit course with a laboratory component; or two courses providing a total of 6 credits
  • Breadth—Social Studies: 3 credits
  • Communication Part A & Part B *
  • Ethnic Studies *
  • Quantitative Reasoning Part A & Part B *

* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements.

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Requirements

In addition to the University General Education Requirements, all undergraduate students in CALS must satisfy a set of college and major requirements. Courses may not double count within university requirements (General Education and Breadth) or within college requirements (First-Year Seminar, International Studies, Science, and Capstone), but courses counted toward university requirements may also be used to satisfy a college and/or a major requirement; similarly, courses counted toward college requirements may also be used to satisfy a university and/or a major requirement.

College Requirements for all CALS B.S. Degree Programs

Quality of Work: Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.000 to remain in good standing and be eligible for graduation.
Residency: Students must complete 30 degree credits in residence at UW–Madison after earning 86 credits toward their undergraduate degree.
First Year Seminar1
International Studies3
Physical Science Fundamentals4-5
General Chemistry I
Chemistry in Our World
Advanced General Chemistry
Biological Science5
Additional Science (Biological, Physical, or Natural)3
Science Breadth (Biological, Physical, Natural, or Social)3
CALS Capstone Learning Experience: included in the requirements for each CALS major (see "Major Requirements")

Requirements for the Major

Mathematics
Complete one of the following:5-10
Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry I
and Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II
Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1
Statistics
Complete one of the following:3
Introduction to Statistical Methods
Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences
General Chemistry
Complete one of the following:5-10
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II
Advanced General Chemistry
Chemical Principles I
and Chemical Principles II
Organic Chemistry
Complete ALL of the following:
CHEM 343 Organic Chemistry I3
CHEM 344 Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory2
CHEM 345 Organic Chemistry II3
Biology Foundation
Complete one of the following:10-13
Introductory Biology
and Introductory Biology 1
Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics
and Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics Laboratory
and Cellular Biology
and Cellular Biology Laboratory
and Principles of Physiology 1
Animal Biology
and Animal Biology Laboratory
and General Botany
Physics
Select one of the following:8-10
General Physics
and General Physics 2
General Physics
and General Physics 2
General Physics
and General Physics
Biochemistry
Complete one of the following:3-6
Introduction to Biochemistry
General Biochemistry I
and General Biochemistry II
Microbiology Courses
Microbiology Core (all required):
Except where noted, all Microbiology Core courses are offered every fall and spring semester.
MICROBIO 303 Biology of Microorganisms3
MICROBIO 304 Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory2
MICROBIO 305 Critical Analyses in Microbiology1
MICROBIO 450 Diversity, Ecology and Evolution of Microorganisms3
MICROBIO 470 Microbial Genetics & Molecular Machines3
MICROBIO 526 Physiology of Microorganisms3
MICROBIO 527 Advanced Laboratory Techniques in Microbiology (FALL ONLY)2
Microbiology Capstone (required):
MICROBIO 551 Capstone Research Project in Microbiology (SPRING ONLY)2
Microbiology Electives
Complete at least 6 credits; at least 3 credits must come from Set A. Note that not all elective courses are offered every semester.
Set A:3-6
Food Microbiology Laboratory
Food Microbiology
Host-Parasite Interactions
The Microbiome of Plants, Animals, and Humans
Introduction to Disease Biology
Environmental Microbiology
Planetary Microbiology: What Life Here Tells Us About Life Out There
Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry
Field Studies of Planetary Microbiology and Life in the Universe
Topics in Biotechnology (topics vary by semester)
Advanced Microbial Genetics
Prokaryotic Molecular Biology
Microbial and Cellular Metabolomics
Bioinformatics for Microbiologists
Microbiology at Atomic Resolution
Set B:0-3
Computational Modeling of Biological Systems
Biology of Viruses
Protein and Enzyme Structure and Function
Algae
Fungi
Plant-Microbe Interactions: Molecular and Ecological Aspects
Biophysical Chemistry
Introduction to Bioinformatics
Diseases of Wildlife
Fermented Foods and Beverages
Pathogenic Bacteriology
Immunology
Parasitology
Emerging Infectious Diseases and Bioterrorism
M M & I/POP HLTH 603
General Virology-Multiplication of Viruses
Immunology
Plant-Bacterial Interactions
Biology and Genetics of Fungi
Total Credits64-88
1

( BIOLOGY/​BOTANY/​ZOOLOGY  151 and BIOLOGY/​BOTANY/​ZOOLOGY  152) or (BIOCORE 381 / BIOCORE 382 / BIOCORE 383 / BIOCORE 384 / BIOCORE 485) are recommended.

2

(PHYSICS 103 / PHYSICS 104) or (PHYSICS 207 / PHYSICS 208) are recommended.

Honors in the Major

Students admitted to the university and to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences are invited to apply to be considered for admission to the CALS Honors Program.

Admission Criteria for New First-Year Students:

  • Complete program application including essay questions

Admission Criteria for Transfer and Continuing UW-Madison Students:

  • UW-Madison cumulative GPA of at least 3.25
  • Complete program application including essay questions

How to Apply

The application is available on the CALS Honors Program website.  Applications are accepted at any time.

New first-year students with accepted applications will automatically be enrolled in Honors in Research. It is possible to switch to Honors in the Major in the student’s first semester on campus after receiving approval from the advisor for that major.  Transfer and continuing students may apply directly to Honors in Research or Honors in the Major (after approval from the major advisor).

Requirements

All CALS Honors programs have the following requirements:

  • Earn at least a cumulative 3.25 GPA at UW-Madison (some programs have higher requirements)
  • Complete the program-specific requirements listed below
  • Submit completed thesis documentation to CALS Academic Affairs

HONORS IN THE MAJOR IN MICROBIOLOGY: Requirements

To earn Honors in the Major in Microbiology, students must satisfy the Requirements for the Major (above) as well as the following requirements. All courses used for Honors in the Major requirements must receive "B" or better grades to fulfill requirements.

University Degree Requirements 

Total Degree To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements.
Residency Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs.
Quality of Work Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation.
  1. Develop a fundamental understanding of the principles of microbiology and the necessary skills for a professional career in microbiology
  2. Apply the scientific method to questions. Formulate a hypothesis, gather data, and analyze that data to assess the degree to which their work supports the hypothesis.
  3. Demonstrate proficiency in the techniques used in microbiology and an ability to critically analyze data and integrate ideas for problem solving
  4. Access the primary and secondary literature and, in combination with their own findings, effectively communicate their ideas both orally and in written form.
  5. Learn about and demonstrate personal and professional ethics.

Four-year plan

Sample MICROBIOLOGY Four-Year Plan

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
General Chemistry14-5Gen Chem or Electives15
Math23Math23-5
COMM-A3Electives36
First-Year Seminar1 
Elective33 
 14-15 14-16
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 3433CHEM 3442
Math23-5CHEM 3453
Intro Biology, Semester 145Intro Biology, Semester 245
Elective33Electives36
 14-16 16
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
General Physics, Semester 154-5General Physics, Semester 254-5
MICROBIO 3033MICROBIO 4703
MICROBIO 3042BIOCHEM 50173
MICROBIO 3051Research61-4
Research61-4Electives (for major or other)30-4
Electives (to reach 15 crs)30-4 
 11-19 11-19
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MICROBIO 5263MICROBIO 4503
MICROBIO 5272MICROBIO 5512
Research61-4Research61-4
Electives (for major or other)36-9Electives (for major or other)37-10
 12-18 13-19
Total Credits 105-138
*

Students planning to pursue graduate studies in a biological science are encouraged to take MATH 222, PHYSICS 201/ PHYSICS 202 or PHYSICS 207/PHYSICS 208, and BIOCHEM 507/BIOCHEM 508 (see Note 7). Also recommended: CHEM 565 Biophysical Chemistry and MICROBIO/​BIOCHEM/​GENETICS  612 Prokaryotic Molecular Biology.

1

Choose 1 of 3 sequences:(CHEM 103/CHEM 104) or CHEM 109 or (CHEM 115/CHEM 116). Students who take CHEM 109 and plan to attend medical or other professional schools are advised to take one additional inorganic course (CHEM 311 or CHEM 327).

2

Math course determined by placement scores. Microbiology majors must complete math through calculus (choose from MATH 171/MATH 217 or MATH 221), and statistics (choose from STAT 301 or STAT 371).

3

Electives can be scheduled according to the student's preference. Consult your advisor and the Requirements tab.

4

The three choices are 1) ZOOLOGY/​BIOLOGY/​BOTANY  151 and ZOOLOGY/​BIOLOGY/​BOTANY  152; 2) ZOOLOGY/​BIOLOGY  101, ZOOLOGY/​BIOLOGY  102 and BOTANY/​BIOLOGY  130; or 3) Biocore. Biocore is a 3 to 4 semester sequence. Students must complete the first three lectures and the first two labs. The Biocore courses are BIOCORE 381, BIOCORE 382, BIOCORE 383, BIOCORE 384, BIOCORE 485, BIOCORE 486BIOCORE 587.

5

Physics may be taken in year 1, 2, 3, or 4 depending on the student's schedule.

6

Undergraduate research courses include 299, 699, 681‐682 (Honors Thesis), 691‐692 (Thesis). Both semesters are required for thesis credit. Students are encouraged to take several semesters of research (internship opportunities, 399, are also encouraged).

7

If BIOCHEM 507 General Biochemistry I and BIOCHEM 508 General Biochemistry II are taken, both semesters must be completed (with the recommendation of BIOCHEM 507 in fall semester of year 3 and BIOCHEM 508 in spring semester of year 3).

This sample three-year plan is a tool to assist students and their advisor(s). Students should use it —along with their DARS report, the Degree Planner, and Course Search & Enroll tools — to make their own three-year plan based on their placement scores, credit for transferred courses and approved examinations, and individual interests.

Three-year plans may vary considerably from student to student, depending on their individual preparation and circumstances. Students interested in graduating in three years should meet with an academic advisor early and often to discuss feasibility, appropriate course sequencing, post-graduation plans (careers, graduate school, etc.), and considerations they might make in pursuit of a three-year graduation plan.

While there are many advantages to attending four years of college, including making the most of research and study abroad opportunities, exploring alternative majors, completing additional majors and certificates, developing skills and interests through student groups, and personal growth, students may have reasons for wishing to graduate in fewer than four years.

The example plan assumes that students will:

  • enter their freshman year with 20 advanced standing credits, including equivalency credit for MATH 221
  • declare their major freshman year
  • take two summer terms
  • enroll in at least 15-16 credits in the fall/spring semesters 
Courses taken the summer before arriving on campus
INTER-AG 140 CALS QuickStart: Foundations1
INTER-AG 141 QuickStart: Connect2Campus1
Total Credits:2
First Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CHEM 1034CHEM 1045MICROBIO 3033
Comm A Requirement3BIOLOGY/​BOTANY/​ZOOLOGY  1515MICROBIO 3042
STAT 371 or 3013Elective3 
Humanities breadth3Humanities breadth3 
Social Science breadth3  
 16 16 5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
CHEM 3433CHEM 3453 
BIOLOGY/​BOTANY/​ZOOLOGY  1525CHEM 3442 
MICROBIO 4703BIOCHEM 5013 
International Studies CALS requirement3MICROBIO 3051 
Elective2Elective23 
 Ethnic Studies3 
 16 15 
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
MICROBIO 5272MICROBIO 5512 
MICROBIO 4503MICROBIO 5263 
PHYSICS 103 or 2074-5PHYSICS 104 or 2084-5 
Major Elective3Major Elective3 
Elective23Elective23 
 15-16 15-16 
Total Credits 98-100

 Students must earn 120 total credits to graduate, including accepted advanced standing or transfer credits.  The above charts reflect 100-102 total credits from six fall/spring semesters and two summer terms, including courses taken in the summer before the first year. 

1

The Microbiology major recommends QuickStart (INTER-AG 140 and INTER-AG 141) for the First-Year Seminar requirement.  However, this requirement can be fulfilled through courses offered in Fall and Spring semester of the first year.

2

The Microbiology major encourages students with an interest in research to work with faculty through Independent Research courses as electives.

Advising

Each student is assigned a professional academic advisor who works to understand student goals and helps to craft a path that best suits their needs. Additionally, faculty provide students with ongoing professional and scientific mentorship. More than 60% of students in the major conduct faculty-directed research. With low ratios of students to faculty, students also receive additional faculty mentoring in the classroom.

Current UW–Madison students should use Starfish to schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Biochemistry & Microbiology Undergraduate Advising Hub.

Career opportunities

Alumni hold professional positions as physicians, research scientists, public health officials, dentists, optometrists, physician assistants, physical therapists, master brewers, quality control officers, health inspectors, professors, and more.

Graduates are recognized for their skills in laboratory research and scientific communication - skills that are valued by potential employers and professional schools.

Research Faculty

Daniel Amador-Noguez
Karthik Anantharaman
Jean-Michel Ané
Briana Burton
Kerri Coon
Cameron R. Currie
Timothy J. Donohue
Katrina T. Forest (Chair)
David Hershey
Betül Kaçar
Charles W. Kaspar 
Erica L-W Majumder
Katherine D. McMahon 
Charlie Mo
Sabine Pellett
Federico E. Rey
Garret Suen
Michael G. Thomas
Jade Wang
Karen M. Wassarman
Jae-Hyuk Yu


Teaching Faculty

Melissa Christopherson
Timothy D. Paustian
Jon T. Roll
Michelle R. Rondon
Betty Slinger


Academic Advisors

Biochemistry & Microbiology Undergraduate Advising Hub
For more information, see the Department of Bacteriology directory.

A rich history of microbiology

The UW-Madison is recognized as one of the birthplaces of Microbiology, as recognized by the American Society for Microbiology’s Milestones in Microbiology. The UW–Madison is the first school to teach microbiology in the US and it is consistently ranked as one of the top public schools in the field.

Research experience

The majority of microbiology majors conduct research in a faculty-led research lab where they receive direct mentorship from professors, scientists, and graduate students. Because the UW–Madison has the highest concentration of microbiologists on any U.S. campus, students have many research options.

Student organization

The Microbiology Club is the undergraduate-led student chapter of the American Society of Microbiology. Follow them on Twitter at @MadisonMicrobio.

Global engagement

Microbiology majors can participate in several international academic experiences including short-term field experiences, summer research opportunities, and semester-long exchange programs at top universities around the world. The UW Microbiology and Public Health in Northern Thailand program occurs during the summer.

Community engagement and volunteering

Our students engage in numerous volunteer activities spearheaded by the Microbiology Club. This involves explaining microbiology and its impact during public educational events at UW–Madison. Many students also volunteer at local public schools to teach microbiology to elementary-aged students.

Students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences receive more than $1.25 million in scholarships annually. Learn more about college scholarships at https://cals.wisc.edu/academics/undergraduate-students/financing-your-education/cals-scholarships/

The Department of Bacteriology offers several scholarships to students in the Microbiology major. Awards are given annually and fund undergraduate research, provide travel stipends to microbiology students attending professional scientific conferences, or recognize outstanding graduating seniors. Learn more: https://bs.microbiology.wisc.edu/awards-and-scholarships/