From global pandemics to the diversity of our gut microbiome, microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, are everywhere and shape our health, environment and futures.
Microbiology and Immunology provides a foundation for understanding how microorganisms interact with our bodies and the environment to either promote health or evade immune systems and treatments, and how our immune systems recognize and protect us against pathogens and other threats.
You’ll learn from award-winning faculty leading groundbreaking research in the fields of gut microbiology, host-microbial interactions, antibiotic and antifungal resistance, vaccine development and evaluation, and biotechnology.
Note: The Microbiology and Immunology major was previously known as Microbiology. The new name is effective for the incoming fall 2026 class.
Gain a Breadth of Knowledge
After building a foundation in the biological sciences in first year, you’ll delve deeper with courses in microbial diversity, genetics, cellular biology, and biochemistry. In upper years, you can focus your studies by choosing from electives in a wide array of topics, including virology, viral immunology, medical virology, mycology, food microbiology, enzymology, and parasitology.
Practical Lab Skills
Microbiology and Immunology is a lab-intensive program, with practical training built into nearly every semester. Building from the basics, you’ll learn essential techniques ranging from PCR and western blotting to flow cytometry and tissue culture, along with bioinformatic and data analysis skills. Students are also invited to design and test their own research questions through fourth-year independent research projects.
Hands-on Work Experiences
Students in the co-op program gain valuable work experience while earning their degree. Previous co-op employers include pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, agri-food and supply companies, and government and academic labs.
To see all courses offered in the Microbiology and Immunology program, visit our Academic Calendar.