Program Overview
Montana State University's Microbiology: Pre-Veterinary program equips students with a comprehensive foundation in microbiology, preparing them for careers in veterinary science. Through a combination of coursework and hands-on experiences, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills essential for success in the field. The program's focus on microbiology, immunology, virology, and environmental microbiology provides a solid foundation for further studies in veterinary medicine.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Microbiology: Pre-Veterinary program at Montana State University is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in microbiology, preparing them for a career in veterinary science. The program combines coursework in microbiology, immunology, virology, and environmental microbiology with hands-on laboratory experiences, allowing students to gain practical skills and develop the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities necessary for success in the field. The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with a Pre-Veterinary Option degree program at Montana State University is a four-year program consisting of a core curriculum of foundational science and microbiology courses, followed by more specialized advanced coursework in microbiology and related fields.
Outline:
The program is divided into two years of core coursework, followed by two years of more specialized coursework.
Year One
- Fall: Careers in Microbiology, Principles of Biological Diversity, College Chemistry I, University Core and Electives, Survey of Calculus, Introduction to Statistics, Introduction to Animal Science
- Spring: Principles of Living Systems, College Chemistry II, University Core and Electives
Year Two
- Fall: Cellular and Molecular Biology, Elements of Organic Chemistry, University Core and Electives, Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals - Lecture
- Spring: Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals - Lab, Biochemistry, General Microbiology
Year Three
- Fall: General Parasitology, College Physics I, Preveterinary Internship, Restricted elective and University Core
- Spring: College Physics II, Choose one of the following: Principles of Animal Breeding and Genetics, General Genetics, Microbial Genetics, Restricted elective and University Core
Year Four
- Fall: Seminar/Workshop, Microbial Physiology or Animal Physiology, Microbial Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution or Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Restricted Upper Division Microbiology Electives 12 credits
- Spring: Immunology, Introduction to Pharmacology, Medical Microbiology, Host-Associated Microbiomes, Toxicology: Science of Poisons, Medical Bacteriology, Med Bacteriology Lab, Virology, Upper Division Science Electives 9 Credits
Assessment:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including exams, quizzes, and projects. Students are also required to complete a senior thesis project, which demonstrates their research skills and ability to apply their knowledge to a real-world problem.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and laboratory exercises. The program also offers a number of opportunities for students to get involved in research, which can provide them with valuable hands-on experience.
Careers:
Graduates of the Microbiology: Pre-Veterinary program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in veterinary science. They can work as veterinarians, veterinary technicians, or researchers. They can also work in the pharmaceutical industry, the food industry, or the environmental sector.