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University of Pittsburgh    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
 
  Mar 29, 2024
 
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Microbiology, BS


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Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, including viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, and protists. Microorganisms are important for both the good that they do (nutrient cycling, production of antibiotics, bioremediation, food production) and the bad (food poisoning, infectious diseases, epidemics). Our program provides intensive training in modern microbiology, including cutting-edge research in genomics and genetic engineering.

Microbiologists pursue careers in many fields, including agricultural, environmental, food, and industrial microbiology; public health; resource management; basic research; education; and pharmaceuticals. Jobs in all of these fields are available at the BS level as well as the MS and PhD levels. The microbiology major also incorporates the requirements expected for admission to medical, dental, and other health professional schools, and to graduate schools in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and related disciplines.

University Honors College equivalent courses may be substituted for required or elective courses.

Biological Sciences Requirements


Students in all five majors within the Department of Biological Sciences must follow general rules and fulfill certain general requirements in addition to those in their specific major:

Updated information about the department, major requirements, and course offerings is available on the department’s Web site, www.biology.pitt.edu.

Biological Sciences courses


Majors must complete a minimum of 32  credits of Biological Sciences coursework as described below.

Biological Sciences elective courses


Choose six to seven credits of courses from the following lists. At least one of the selected courses must be a lab or field course.

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