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Microbiology is the branch of biology that studies the smallest living things: bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses. It also studies immunology—how higher organisms respond to foreign substances. Environmental microbiologists identify organisms and conduct research on their uses, such as cleaning up oil spills and hazardous wastes. They also develop genetic probes that can detect microbial contaminants in the water supply. Agricultural microbiologists may work on developing disease-resistant crops or producing vaccines that protect livestock from disease. They also identify organisms that can reduce dependence on chemical pesticides. Medical microbiologists and virologists identify and study the microorganisms that cause diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, and toxic shock syndrome. Immunologists contribute to a better understanding of the immune response and to the development of vaccines.
Why
Study Microbiology at Iowa? Iowa’s microbiology program has a solid national reputation. One of the department’s strengths is the large number of research opportunities it offers to undergraduates. If you major in microbiology, you'll arrange research through faculty members and you'll conduct it in the department’s laboratories. Besides being fun and interesting, research experience will give you an advantage if you apply for science positions in industry or to graduate programs in the sciences. You'll study with some of the department's 34 faculty members, who teach and perform research in immunology, microbial genetics and physiology, microbial pathogenesis, and virology. You'll also be able to join the Microbiology Undergraduate Student Association (MUSA), which supports microbiology students. Each year a group of MUSA members attend the American Society for Microbiology’s annual meeting. Course
Work
You'll be encouraged to conduct research for credit. You also might take additional course work in subjects such as statistics, physical chemistry, or computer science, depending on what you plan to do after graduation. See Microbiology in the UI General Catalog to learn more about the major and for information about graduating with honors or earning a minor in microbiology. Summer
Microbiology Research for Undergraduates Fellowships are available to qualified applicants who would like to participate in the 10-week program, which is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in science. Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who have completed the sophomore or junior year of a bachelor’s degree program in a biological science are eligible to apply. In 2011, each of the program’s students received a stipend of $4,800 and a $515 food allowance. Housing is provided free in Mayflower Residence Hall, and additional funds for travel to and from Iowa City are provided. If you’re interested in the summer program, learn more at Summer Research Experience or e-mail undergrad-micro-info@uiowa.edu. Careers Here are some examples of positions held by graduates who majored in microbiology. Some of these require additional education and training.
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