Microbiology

Program Overview

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Microbiology at Cerritos College

Associate of Arts

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, protists) and noncellular microscopic agents (e.g. viruses). Upon completion of the Associate of Arts of Microbiology degree, students will have gained an understanding of the fundamental principles of biology and of the scientific process, and will be able to demonstrate the analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills needed for continuing academic achievement and professional success. The Associate of Arts of Microbiology degree is designed to give students a foundational degree to serve those students who wish to enter the workforce prepared with an associate degree. It may also be used as a transfer degree to a four-year institution.

Salary, Growth and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $32,000 to over $239,000 with an average salary of $115,000.

Growth

Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow nationwide from 2022 to 2032.

Careers

• Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +5.9%
  • Average Salary: $105,000
  • Salary Range: $50,000 - $165,000
• Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +7.9%
  • Average Salary: $44,000
  • Salary Range: $32,000 - $76,000
• Biochemists and Biophysicists
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +6.7%
  • Average Salary: $137,000
  • Salary Range: $96,000 - $158,000
• Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +8.6%
  • Average Salary: $132,000
  • Salary Range: $90,000 - $157,000
• Biological Scientists, All Other
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +3.9%
  • Average Salary: $121,000
  • Salary Range: $81,000 - $140,000
• Biological Technicians
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.7%
  • Average Salary: $67,000
  • Salary Range: $48,000 - $78,000
• Microbiologists
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +5.2%
  • Average Salary: $110,000
  • Salary Range: $81,000 - $130,000
• Natural Sciences Managers
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.8%
  • Average Salary: $208,000
  • Salary Range: $154,000 - $239,000+

Program Map

Pathway: to Degree

Microbiology

Associate of Arts

70.0 Units

• Major Course
• General Education Course
• Elective Course
• Milestone
• Offers Microcredential

Term 1 (Fall 2024)

• BIOL 120: Introduction To Biological Science (4.0 Units)
• MATH 114: College Algebra (4.0 Units)
• CHEM 110: Elementary Chemistry (4.0 Units)
• Department Information

Term 2 (Spring 2025)

• MATH 116: Calculus for Managerial, Biological and Social Sciences (4.0 Units)
• CHEM 111: General Chemistry (5.0 Units)
• English Composition (4.0 Units)
• Arts and Humanities (3.0 Units)

Term 3 (Summer 2025)

• Critical Thinking (3.0 Units)
• Oral Communication (3.0 Units)

Term 4 (Fall 2025)

• BIOL 201: Principles of Biology (5.0 Units)
• CHEM 112: General Chemistry (5.0 Units)
• U.S. Government (3.0 Units)
• Social and Behavioral Sciences (3.0 Units)

Term 5 (Spring 2026)

• BIOL 200: Principles of Biology (5.0 Units)
• MICR 200: Principles and Applications of Microbiology (5.0 Units)
• U.S. History (3.0 Units)
• Proficiency: Health & Wellness (1.0 Units)

Term 6 (Summer 2026)

• Humanities (3.0 Units)
• Arts (3.0 Units)

Microbiology - Associate of Arts

70.0 units}

Program Outline

• **Fundamental principles of biology and the scientific process.

• Analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills necessary for academic and professional success.
• Microscopic life, including bacteria, fungi, protists, and viruses.
This degree prepares students for entry-level positions in the workforce or further studies in microbiology-related fields.
• The program consists of
• 70 units
of coursework, typically completed within
• two years of full-time study
.
• The curriculum combines
• general education courses
with
• major-specific courses
in biology, chemistry, and microbiology.
• laboratory skills
• capstone course

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

• six terms
• four to six courses
• variety of formats

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Course Schedule:

• Fall Term 1: Introduction to Biological Science, College Algebra, Elementary Chemistry.
• Spring Term 2: Calculus for Managerial, Biological and Social Sciences, General Chemistry, English Composition, Arts and Humanities.
• Summer Term 3: Critical Thinking, Oral Communication.
• Fall Term 4: Principles of Biology, General Chemistry, U.S. Government, Social and Behavioral Sciences.
• Spring Term 5: Principles of Biology, Principles and Applications of Microbiology, U.S. History, Proficiency: Health & Wellness.
• Summer Term 6: Humanities, Arts.

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Modules and Descriptions:

• Introduction to Biological Science: Explores the fundamental principles of biology, including cell structure, genetics, and evolution.
• College Algebra: Provides a foundation in algebraic concepts and problem-solving skills.
• Elementary Chemistry: Introduces basic chemical principles and reactions.
• Calculus for Managerial, Biological and Social Sciences: Applies calculus concepts to real-world problems in biology and other fields.
• General Chemistry: Covers the structure, properties, and reactions of matter.
• English Composition: Develops writing and critical thinking skills.
• Arts and Humanities: Explores various artistic and cultural expressions.
• Critical Thinking: Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Oral Communication: Develops effective oral communication skills.
• Principles and Applications of Microbiology: Examines the world of microorganisms, including their structure, function, and impact on human health and the environment.
• U.S. Government: Explores the structure and function of the American government.
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: Investigates human behavior and social interactions.
• U.S. History: Surveys the major events and figures in American history.
• Proficiency: Health & Wellness: Focuses on maintaining personal health and well-being.
• Humanities: Explores various philosophical and ethical perspectives.
• Arts: Studies different artistic mediums and forms of expression.

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Assessment:

• Multiple assessment methods are used to evaluate student learning, including:
• Exams and quizzes
• Laboratory reports
• Presentations
• Research projects
• Portfolios
• Grading criteria vary depending on the course and assessment method.
• Student progress is monitored throughout the program to ensure they are meeting the learning objectives.

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Teaching:

• Experienced faculty with expertise in microbiology and related fields teach the courses.
• Interactive teaching methods are employed to engage students and promote active learning.
• Small class sizes allow for personalized attention and interaction between students and instructors.
• Supplemental resources such as online tutorials and study guides are available to support student learning.

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Careers:

• Graduates of the Microbiology program are prepared for a variety of careers in:
• Research laboratories
• Hospitals and clinics
• Pharmaceutical companies
• 6.5% nationwide from 2019 to 2029

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Other:

• transferable
• research internships
• The program offers a
• microcredential
in
• Principles and Applications of Microbiology
, which can be earned upon successful completion of the course.