MICROBIOLOGY
Microbiology is the science which studies all microbial entities and their relationships to other forms of life. Microbiologists may study bacteria (bacteriology), viruses (virology), fungi (mycology), protozoa (protozoology), and/or algae (phycology). In addition, microbiologists can specialize in microbial physiology, microbial genetics, microbial ecology, industrial microbiology, agricultural microbiology, or clinical microbiology.

Career Opportunities
Subsets of microorganisms have been identified as agents of plant, animal, and human diseases and as necessary components in the manufacture of foods such as yogurts and cheeses or therapeutic materials such as penicillin. Microbes are used to clean up oil spills, and, in genetic engineering technology, to produce therapeutic molecules such as human insulin and growth hormone.

Microbiologists work in health care industries, government service, manufacturing, food production, and ecology. Many graduates continue their studies at graduate, medical, dental, and other professional schools.

Microbiology at USP
The microbiology curriculum at USP is one of the few in the Middle Atlantic region of the United States which meets the standards set forth by the American Society for Microbiology.

Faculty members in the Department of Biological Sciences instruct in the following areas: basic, advanced, applied, and clinical microbiology; microbial genetics and physiology; mycology, virology, and parasitology; and clinical immunology and immunobiology.

Research
Research in microbial genetics and physiology is conducted in laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment. All students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects under direct supervision of faculty members in one of the Department's several research laboratories.

Through field trips and field research, students are able to observe fascinating natural habitats that demonstrate microbial life and interrelationships with other forms of life.

Microbiology Curriculum

First Year

• Biological Sciences Orientation
• Introductory Biology I and II
• General Chemistry I and II
• Mathematical Analysis I and II
• College Composition
• Introduction to Literature
• Physical Education I and II
  

Second Year

• Biological Sciences Colloquium
• Organic Chemistry I and II
• Basics of Microbiology
• Advanced Microbiology
• Intellectual Heritage I and II
• Social Science Requirements and Biology Electives
  

Third Year

• Quantitative Science Requirement
• Introductory Physics I and II
• Molecular Structure in Biochemistry
• Nucleic Acid or Intermediary Metabolic Biochemistry
• Microbiology Electives
• Genetics
• Clinical Immunology
• Applied Microbiology
• Core Distribution Requirement
  

Fourth Year

• Biology Seminar I and II
• Microbiology and Immunology Requirements and Electives
• Core Elective