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1. Undergraduate

2. Majors

3. Microbiology

Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of the biology of microscopic organisms - viruses, bacteria,
algae, fungi, slime molds, and protozoa. The methods used to study and manipulate
these minute and mostly unicellular organisms differ from those used in most other
biological investigations. Recombinant DNA technology uses microorganisms,
particularly bacteria and viruses, to amplify DNA sequences and generate the encoded
products. Moving genes from one microorganism to another, or amplifying them within
microorganisms, permits application of microbial skills to solve medical and
environmental problems. Many microorganisms are unique among living things in their
ability to use gaseous nitrogen from the air for their nutritional requirements, or to
degrade complex macromolecules in such materials as wood. By rearranging the genes
that control these and other processes, scientists seek to engineer microorganisms that
will process wastes, fertilize agricultural land, produce desirable biomolecules, and
solve other problems inexpensively and safely.
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 (see our guide for applying to graduate schools).
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.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THIS MAJOR?

MICROBIOLOGY CAREER INFORMATION

Please see the links below for more details:

 Major Requirements

Undergraduate
 Overview
 Majors
o Biological Sciences
o Biochemistry
o Computational Biology
o Ecology and Evolution
o Microbiology
 Requirements
 Sample Schedule
o Molecular Biology
o Bioinformatics (retired)
o Certificate (retired)
o Declaring a Major
 Courses
 Intro Research Labs
 Forms
 Advising
 Research & Internships
 Teaching Assistant Program
 Awards and Fellowships
 Careers & Postgraduate Education
 Past Grads
 Dept Honors
 Pedagogical Innovation

Our Past Graduates

ANDREW KING
The diversity of research was an incredible advantage when I applied to graduate programs
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University of Pittsburgh
Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
Department of Biological Sciences
4249 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-624-4266
biodept@pitt.edu
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