Program Overview

Introduction to the Microbiology Program

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, which is the study of microorganisms such as bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, and viruses. The Department of Biological Sciences provides research opportunities for students to conduct original research and investigate different aspects of microbial structure and function.

Course of Study Bachelor of Science Degree

To complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, students must complete 120 credits, including 75 credits in the College of Letters & Science, with 36 of the 75 credits in upper-level (numbered above 300) courses, and 30 of those 36 credits in designated L&S Advanced Natural Science courses. The College requires that students complete in residence at UWM at least 15 credits in upper-division (numbered 300 or above) courses in their major.

University General Education Requirements (GER)

The University General Education Requirements include:

• Oral and Written Communication: Achieve a grade of C or better in English 102 (College Writing and Research) and complete a course designated as OWC-B.
• Quantitative Literacy: Earn at least 3 credits with a grade of C or higher in one of the specified math courses or achieve a placement code of at least 30 on the mathematics placement test.
• Arts: Select 3 credits.
• Humanities: Select 6 credits.
• Social Sciences: Select 6 credits.
• Natural Sciences: Select 6 credits (at least two courses, including one lab).
• UWM Foreign Language Requirement: Complete the foreign language requirement through two years of a single foreign language in high school, two semesters of a single foreign language in college, or equivalent.
• UWM Cultural Diversity Requirement: Complete one course from the Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences that also satisfies UWM's Cultural Diversity requirement.

College of Letters & Science Requirements

The College of Letters & Science requirements include:

• Total Credits and Upper-Division Courses Requirement: Complete 120 credits, including 75 credits in the College of Letters & Science, with 36 of the 75 credits in upper-level (numbered above 300) courses.
• L&S Advanced Natural Sciences Requirement: Complete 30 credits of the 36 credits in upper-division courses in designated L&S Advanced Natural Science courses.
• International Requirement: Complete a three-course (minimum 9 credits) combination of language other than English at the 3rd semester level or above, or non-language courses with L&S approved international content.
• Breadth Requirement: Complete 6 credits each in L&S courses designated L&S Humanities, L&S Natural Sciences, and L&S Social Sciences breadth, with one of the L&S Natural Science breadth courses being a laboratory or fieldwork course.

Microbiology Major Requirements

The Microbiology major requires a minimum of 34 credits in Microbiology, including:

• Required courses: BIO SCI 150, BIO SCI 152, BIO SCI 325, BIO SCI 383, and two of the following: BIO SCI 529, BIO SCI 535, or BIO SCI 540.
• Research Requirement: Select credits in BIO SCI 495, BIO SCI 671, BIO SCI 698, or BIO SCI 699.
• Microbiology Electives: Select additional elective credits from the list of approved courses.
• Other Requirements: Complete CHEM 102, CHEM 104, CHEM 343, CHEM 344, CHEM 345, and select one of the specified math courses.

Microbiology BS Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Microbiology BS Program will be able to:

• Use the scientific method to test hypotheses about biological questions.
• Use diverse field and laboratory skills to investigate scientific biological problems.
• Search peer-reviewed literature to obtain scientific information.
• Synthesize and integrate scientific information.
• Communicate scientific information to other scientists, students, and the general public.
• Explain evolution as the cause of the diversity of life forms, patterns, and processes.
• Relate biological information and concepts to societal and ethical questions.

Advising

Students in the Microbiology program are advised by both college advisors and faculty advisors. College advisors assist with defining academic and life goals, creating an educational plan, and understanding curriculum and degree requirements. Faculty advisors mentor students in the major, assist with understanding major requirements and course offerings, and provide guidance on internships, undergraduate research, and career paths.

Honors in the Major

Students in biological sciences who meet the specified criteria are awarded honors in the major upon graduation. The criteria include a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, a GPA of 3.750 or above in UWM courses counting toward the major, and completion of a laboratory or field research independent study or internship.

College of Letters and Science Dean's Honor List

Students with a GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester, are eligible for the Dean's Honor List.

Commencement Honors

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors.

Final Honors

Final honors are earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits, with the following GPA requirements: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above, Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above, Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.