Admissions to the Microbiology BA/BS (L&S) have been suspended as of fall 2023 and will be discontinued as of fall 2027. If you have any questions, please contact the department.
Students interested in Microbiology can contact the Microbiology major advisors to discuss the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Microbiology major. For other questions, please contact CALS Academic Affairs.
Microbiology, the study of microorganisms, helps us understand our world and solve major problems. Microorganisms, or microbes, were the first life forms on Earth and influence our lives and our planet in innumerable ways. The field of microbiology is constantly expanding as we learn more about the role of microbes in infectious disease, environmental remediation, bioenergy, food safety, antibiotic resistance, biotechnology, and much more. Communities of microbes (or "microbiomes") are critically important in human health, global warming, agricultural yield, criminal justice, economic development, and other issues of national concern.
The Microbiology major, offered by the Department of Bacteriology, is a rigorous path of study, providing a curriculum packed with deep knowledge on broad aspects of microbiology and emphasizing modern laboratory skills. The 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, and microbial biotechnology, as well as advanced topics in microbial genetics and physiology. In the instructional laboratory courses, students learn beginning through advanced laboratory techniques — gaining the type of hands-on experiences with modern equipment that employers and graduate schools seek. Additionally, students can conduct mentored and independent research projects in faculty laboratories.
The bachelor's degree provides a strong background in the biological sciences for students planning to enter medical, dental, veterinary, or other professional schools, as well as those planning graduate studies in any branch of microbiology or other biological sciences such as biochemistry, pathology, and molecular or cell biology.
Students who end their training with a bachelor's degree are well-prepared for a variety of career opportunities, including laboratory positions in pharmaceutical firms, biotechnology firms, university laboratories, and government laboratories. They also work as specialists in industrial quality testing and control and as regulatory workers in government agencies and public health laboratories. Exposure to the scientific process as well as training in microbiology allows microbiology graduates to enter fields as diverse as business, technical service, sales, and technical writing.
How to Get in
Admissions to the Microbiology [BA or BS (L&S)] have been suspended as of fall 2023, and the program will be discontinued as of fall 2027. Students interested in Microbiology can contact the microbiology major advisors to discuss the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Microbiology major. For other questions, please contact CALS Academic Affairs.
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 |
* 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 Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Students pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The College of Letters & Science allows this major to be paired with either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science curriculum.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
| Mathematics | Complete the University General Education Requirements for Quantitative Reasoning A (QR-A) and Quantitative Reasoning B (QR-B) coursework. |
| Language |
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| L&S Breadth |
|
| Liberal Arts and Science Coursework | Complete at least 108 credits. |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced work | Complete at least 60 credits at the intermediate or advanced level. |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | Complete at least 120 credits. |
| UW-Madison Experience |
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| Quality of Work |
|
Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their school/college to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences (Recommended) | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Methods | ||
| Data Science Modeling I | ||
| 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 I | 3 |
| CHEM 344 | Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 345 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| Biology Foundation | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 10-13 | |
| Introductory Biology and Introductory Biology | ||
| Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics and Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics Laboratory and Cellular Biology and Cellular Biology Laboratory and Principles of Physiology | ||
| Animal Biology and Animal Biology Laboratory and General Botany | ||
| Physics | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 8-10 | |
| General Physics and General Physics | ||
| General Physics and General Physics | ||
| 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 Microorganisms | 3 |
| MICROBIO 304 | Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | 2 |
| MICROBIO 305 | Critical Analyses in Microbiology | 1 |
| MICROBIO 450 | Diversity, Ecology and Evolution of Microorganisms (SPRING ONLY) | 3 |
| MICROBIO 470 | Microbial Genetics & Molecular Machines | 3 |
| MICROBIO 526 | Physiology of Microorganisms | 3 |
| 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. Not all elective courses are offered every semester. | ||
| Set A: | 3-6 | |
| Food Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Food Microbiology | ||
| The Microbiome of Plants, Animals, and Humans | ||
| Introduction to Disease Biology | ||
| General Bioinformatics for Microbiologists | ||
| 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) | ||
| Prokaryotic Molecular Biology | ||
| Bioinformatics for Microbiologists | ||
| Microbiology at Atomic Resolution | ||
| Set B: | 0-3 | |
| 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 | ||
| General Virology-Multiplication of Viruses | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Plant-Bacterial Interactions | ||
| Biology and Genetics of Fungi | ||
| Total Credits | 64-88 | |
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all MICROBIO courses and courses approved for the major
- 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level major credits, in residence1
- 15 credits of MICROBIO or courses counting toward the major, taken on campus
- 1
MICROBIO 300 through 699 count as upper level in the major, excluding MICROBIO 303 and MICROBIO 304. Intermediate- and advanced-level courses outside of MICROBIO that count for the major are also considered upper level.
Honors in the Major
Students may declare Honors in the Microbiology Major in consultation with the Microbiology undergraduate advisor.
Honors in the Major Requirements
To earn Honors in the Major in Microbiology, students must satisfy both the requirements for the major (above) and the following requirements:
- Earn a 3.300 University GPA
- Earn a 3.300 GPA for all courses accepted in the major
- MICROBIO 681 and MICROBIO 682 for a total of 6 credits
- 9 credits of Honors course work (with grade B or better) from:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MICROBIO 303 | Biology of Microorganisms | 3 |
| MICROBIO 304 | Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | 2 |
| MICROBIO/SOIL SCI 425 | Environmental Microbiology | 3 |
| MICROBIO 450 | Diversity, Ecology and Evolution of Microorganisms | 3 |
| MICROBIO 470 | Microbial Genetics & Molecular Machines | 3 |
| MICROBIO 526 | Physiology of Microorganisms | 3 |
| PATH-BIO/M M & I 528 | Immunology | 3 |
| MICROBIO/BIOCHEM/GENETICS 612 | Prokaryotic Molecular Biology | 3 |
| PL PATH 622 | Plant-Bacterial Interactions | 2-3 |
| ONCOLOGY/M M & I/PL PATH 640 | General Virology-Multiplication of Viruses | 3 |
| MICROBIO/BMOLCHEM 668 | Microbiology at Atomic Resolution | 3 |
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. |
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a fundamental understanding of the principles of microbiology and the necessary skills for a professional career in microbiology.
- 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.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the techniques used in microbiology and an ability to critically analyze data and integrate ideas for problem solving.
- Access the primary and secondary literature and, in combination with their own findings, effectively communicate their ideas both orally and in written form.
- Learn about and demonstrate personal and professional ethics.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
Sample Microbiology Four-Year Plan
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| General Chemistry | 4-5 | General Chem or Electives | 5 |
| Math | 3 | Math | 3-5 |
| Communication A | 3 | Foreign Language (if needed) | 4 |
| Foreign Language (if needed) | 4 | Literature Breadth | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 343 | 3 | CHEM 344 | 2 |
| Math | 3-5 | CHEM 345 | 3 |
| Intro Biology, Semester 1 | 5 | Intro Biology, Semester 2 | 5 |
| Ethnic Studies/Social Science Breadth | 3 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| Literature Breadth | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| General Physics, Semester 1 | 4-5 | General Physics, Semester 2 | 4-5 |
| MICROBIO 303 | 3 | MICROBIO 470 | 3 |
| MICROBIO 304 | 2 | BIOCHEM 501 | 3 |
| MICROBIO 305 | 1 | Research | 1-3 |
| Research | 1-3 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MICROBIO 526 | 3 | MICROBIO 450 | 3 |
| MICROBIO 527 | 2 | MICROBIO 551 | 2 |
| Microbiology Elective- Set A | 3 | Microbiology Elective- Set B | 3 |
| Research | 1-4 | Research | 1-4 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | Humanities Breadth | 3 |
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Advising and Careers
Current UW–Madison students should use Starfish to schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Biochemistry & Microbiology Undergraduate Advising Hub.
Prospective/future UW–Madison students should send an email to the Biochemistry & Microbiology Undergraduate Advising Hub to set up an appointment, which can be conducted in person or via phone call.
Read about and explore possible microbiology careers at the American Society for Microbiology website.
Learn more about health-related careers through the ExploreHealthCareers.org website.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students