Overview
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi. Microorganisms play key roles in ecosystems and human civilization. They can both cause and prevent a wide array of diseases in humans, animals, and plants. Microbes contribute to many environmental processes, from soil formation to detoxifying polluted environments. In industry, they are key components in the manufacturing of foods such as bread and cheese, and they contain a wealth of useful compounds and enzymes for biotechnology and medicine.
The Microbiology major is administered by the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology. Both B.S. and B.A. degrees are offered. The major allows students to meet requirements for a large variety of post-graduate professional programs. Students earning a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology will be prepared for a number of career options. They may continue studies in Microbiology at the graduate level, or enter professional schools in medicine, pharmacy, optometry, dentistry, physician’s assistant, nursing, medical laboratory science, and veterinary medicine, among other health professions. They will also be prepared for technical careers in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, pharmacology, forensics, patent law, and environmental fields. Finally, they will be equipped to pursue a teaching certificate in science.
Visit the Microbiology Department website
Microbiology Advising
Click on the drop-menus below for more information and documents related to the Microbiology major.
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Change of Major Criteria for Microbiology
To declare a major, students must be in good academic standing (quarter and cumulative GPAs at 2.0 and above), a Life Science Core GPA of 2.0 or higher, and no grades lower than a C- in any attempted major requirement. If upper-division courses have been taken, a minimum upper-division GPA of a 2.0 is also required. Must be able to complete the degree within 216 units. AP/IB units or transfer units earned prior to graduating high school are excluded when determining unit range for change of major criteria and 216 unit maximum. Must have letter grade for all science courses. Freshman (up to 44.9 units)
Sophomore (45 - 89.9 units)
Junior (90 - 134.9 units)
Senior (135 units & above) or Student who was Discontinued from BIOL, MCBL, or CMDB
Completion of any 2 courses from the following:
- BIOL 005A/BIOL 05LA or BIOL 020
- CHEM 001A/CHEM 01LA
- CHEM 001B/CHEM 01LB
- MATH 007A or MATH 009A
- MATH 007B or MATH 009B
Completion of the following courses:
- BIOL 005A
- BIOL 05LA or BIOL 020
- BIOL 005B
- BIOL 005C
- CHEM 001A
- CHEM 01LA
- CHEM 001B
- CHEM 01LB
- CHEM 001C
- CHEM 01LC
- MATH 007A or MATH 009A
- MATH 007B or MATH 009B
Completion of all previously listed criteria and completion of at least one of the following sequences:
Note: Organic Chemistry is the preferred sequence
- CHEM 008A
- CHEM 08LA
- CHEM 008B
- CHEM 08LB
- CHEM 008C
- CHEM 08LC
- PHYS 002A
- PHYS 02LA
- PHYS 002B
- PHYS 02LB
- PHYS 002C
- PHYS 02LC
Completion of all previously listed criteria and the following courses:
- STAT 010*
- BCH 100 or BCH 110A
- MCBL/BIOL 121
- GPA of 2.0 or higher in all attempted upper division courses applicable to the major
*STAT100A was offered up until Fall 2021 and is accepted
- Additional Information About the Microbiology Major
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Course Planning Materials for Microbiology
Microbiology Degree Summary Sheets
Microbiology Sample Four-Year Course Plans
Microbiology Schedule of Course Offerings
Microbiology Academic Advisors
CNAS Professional Academic Advisors provide students with individual guidance throughout their academic careers at UCR and help them achieve realistic academic goals. Professional Academic Advisors can assist you with declaring or changing your major or minor, course repeats, the process for taking courses outside of UCR, taking a leave from UCR, and questions about withdrawing or readmitting to UCR.
Mark Taylor
Microbiology Advisor
Advising Caseload: A - Z
Email: mark.taylor@ucr.edu
Phone: 951-827-2488
Availability: MyAdvising.ucr.edu
Microbiology Lead Faculty Advisor
A Lead Faculty Advisor is assigned for each major. Faculty advisors are available to assist students with guidance regarding graduate or professional school, opportunities to participate in research, independent study, or internships. Faculty advisors also may provide students with advice and mentoring regarding career goals.
Dr. James Borneman
Microbiology Lead Faculty Advisor
Email: james.borneman@ucr.edu
Phone: 951-827-3584