Microbiology and Cell Science | CALS

This major prepares students for entry into professional programs in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine and provides a strong foundation for graduate studies in microbiology, cell biology and related cellular and biomedical sciences. The major also provides a background for entry into government, industrial research and diagnostic laboratories.

The curriculum develops fundamental knowledge of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and viruses. Courses include the physiology and genetics of microorganisms, mechanisms of pathogenesis and innate immunity systems, astrobiology, bacterial and genome sequencing and bioinformatics.

Coursework for the Major

All majors must take 28 credits: 18 credits are core requirements, 7 credits are department electives and 3 credits are the quantitative requirement. A minimum of one credit in an advanced laboratory is required as part of the 7 department-elective credits.

Minimum grades of C, attained within two attempts (including withdrawals), are required in all critical-tracking courses, major courses, department core requirements, department electives and the quantitative requirement. Second attempts must be completed the next semester of enrollment. A 2.0 cumulative GPA of also is required.

Required Coursework

All majors must complete the biology and general chemistry sequences and calculus by the end of the sophomore year. CHM 2210 must be completed by the end of tracking term five. To continue in the major, students must attain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA in these graded courses with no grade lower than a C.

Core Requirements

If students take both classes, one will count as a core course and the other will roll over into the 7-credit department elective requirement.

Department Elective Requirements

A total of 7 credits of approved department electives, including one credit in an advanced lab, are required. The list of approved department electives is available on the department website. A maximum of four credits of approved department electives may be taken in other departments. The remaining six credits must be chosen from approved department electives.
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Programming or Biostatistics with Programming Requirement

A total of 3 credits of approved courses meets this requirement. Select from BSC 2891, MCB 4325C, or any equivalent programming class. Several of these courses are also department electives and cannot be used to fulfill both the quantitative and the department elective requirements. No overlap is allowed. STA 2023 will not fulfill this requirement.

Course Details

MCB 4911 may be taken for a maximum of three credits per semester and six credits total. This policy applies to all microbiology and cell science majors registered for undergraduate research in other out-of-department undergraduate research courses such as BCH 4905, BMS 4905, ZOO 4905, etc.

MCB 4934 is often used for TA positions as Supervised Teaching. TA positions may be repeated for two semesters with one lab assignment per semester.

Enrollment in MCB 4911, MCB 4905, and MCB 4934 will not fulfill any credits toward the microbiology department elective requirements; they will count only as general elective credit toward the 120 credits for the B.S. degree.

Relevant Minors and/or Certificates

The Department of Microbiology and Cell Science also offers a minor in bioinformatics to students majoring in any biology-related subject, including and not limited to microbiology, biology, or biochemistry.
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So integrated is bioinformatics with biology that it is difficult to find an active research program that does not rely on bioinformatic analysis to achieve results. Unfortunately, the integration of bioinformatic and traditional methods is not stressed in many undergraduate programs, leaving the next generation of biologists without the skills they need to succeed in tomorrow’s research environment. The undergraduate minor in bioinformatics provides this critical training to future professionals in the biological disciplines.

Research

A majority of majors are actively involved in undergraduate research for credit with mentors throughout the university. Preprofessional and graduate school-bound majors are encouraged to do a minimum of two semesters of undergraduate research. The department has a comprehensive list of mentors across campus who allow undergraduate students to do valuable research under their guidance. Please refer to the department website for more information on undergraduate research, finding a mentor and a contact list of UF faculty who have worked with microbiology and cell science majors.
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Enrollment in MCB 4911 will not fulfill any credits toward the microbiology major requirements; they will count only as general elective credit toward the 120 credits for the B.S. degree.

The Bachelor of Science in microbiology and cell science, offered by both the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, offers students flexibility in a curriculum that develops an excellent knowledge base and an understanding of concepts in microbiology, cell biology and the biomolecular sciences. Emphasis will be placed on application of the scientific method to gain an understanding of the biological world at the cellular and molecular levels. Students will learn to evaluate hypotheses, to interpret experimental data and to communicate results effectively.

Before Graduating Students Must

Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Content

1. Describe fundamental concepts, skills and processes in microbiology, molecular biology and in host/pathogen interactions.
2. Apply fundamental concepts, skills and protocols used to conduct research in fields of microbiology, molecular biology and in host/pathogen.

Critical Thinking

1. Evaluate information and data in the general areas of microbiology and the cellular and molecular biological sciences.
2. Solve typical problems that are encountered in general areas of microbiology and cellular and molecular biological sciences.

Communication

1. Communicate effectively in written form in a manner appropriate in microbiology and the cellular and molecular biological sciences.
2. Communicate orally (including visual aids) in an effective manner appropriate in microbiology and the cellular and molecular biological sciences.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Genome and lab projects
• Presentations
• Exams
• Final grades

Applicants who should complete the SSAR:

• Attended a high school regionally accredited in the United States for at least three years.
• Attended a DODEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) school.

Applicants who should not complete the SSAR:

• Attended a secondary school located outside the United States for more than one semester.
• Studied a curriculum that did not follow the standard U.S. system.

Required: At least three full years of your most recent secondary school transcripts, including courses in progress (grades 9, 10 and 11 + senior schedule) in both the native language of instruction and a word for word certified English translation (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts are accepted electronically via the status Check Status page for the review process, while official transcripts and translations are required upon enrollment.

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English proficiency. English proficiency examination results, such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test, are encouraged for non-native English speakers, but are not required for freshman admission. SAT or ACT results are required for all freshman applicants.

• A copy of your transcript for any school you have attended with the grades you have earned
• A list of your high school activities including jobs, clubs, sports, community service, etc.
• Information about your parent(s) or guardian(s), such as educational background, occupation and employer information

Add UF as a university to receive your application and review our specific application requirements.

Fill in your profile information. Your profile is where you'll enter information that will be sent to all schools to which you apply. The University of Florida requires the following sections:

• Information about who you are and how to contact you, your address, citizenship, high school and family information
• Current-year coursework
• Honors and distinctions
• Activities and experiences

Complete the UF Supplement. This includes a few additional short-answer questions so that we can learn more about you when reviewing your application.

Complete the essay questions. The essay helps our admissions staff get to know you better. Use this space to tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn elsewhere in your application. And remember, the best essay topic for you is going to be the one that you are most excited to write about.

Once you have submitted your application, a link will appear on your status page to create your Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR). List your high school courses and grades exactly as they appear on your transcript. You must complete the SSAR by December 1 for your application to be complete. If you begin the SSAR separately before submitting your UF application, be sure to link it to your application once your application has been submitted.

Submit your test scores to UF no later than December 15. You may either self-report your SAT and/or ACT scores through your application status page or send official scores from the testing agency. Since accuracy is critical, students who choose to self-report should have a copy of their SAT/ACT score report(s) available to reference when submitting their scores. Because UF superscores both the SAT and ACT, we encourage you to submit scores for all SAT or ACT tests you have taken. If admitted, students who have self-reported their scores in the admissions process will be required to submit official scores from the testing agency to UF by May 1. UF Institutional Codes:

You may request to begin your studies in either the Summer B or Fall term. The term requested DOES NOT affect the consideration of your application. If you are admitted, we will try to offer you the term you requested, but space limitations may mean you receive an offer for a different term.

When you submit your application, pay the $30 nonrefundable fee by credit card unless you qualify for a fee waiver. In both the Common and Coalition applications, you can indicate in the profile section if you qualify for a fee waiver.

You will receive an email 24-48 hours after submitting your application with instructions to create your MyAdmissions application status credentials. Once completed, you can log in to the MyAdmissions app status portal to keep track of your application status and the materials that UF has received. This is also where you will find the link to create your SSAR.