Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology

The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology is a comprehensive program that delves into the study of bacteria, viruses, the immune system, and their roles in human health, the environment, and beyond. With strong job prospects for microbiologists holding a bachelor's degree or higher, this major equips students with hands-on practical experience through upper-division courses in immunology, bacterial infectious diseases, virology, and microbial genetics, coupled with laboratory courses.

Undergraduate Admission

To be admitted to the University of Kansas, all students must submit high school and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Prospective first-year students should be aware of the qualified admission requirements that all new first-year students must meet. International admissions information can be found through the International Support Services. Transfer students can determine how their college-level coursework will transfer by visiting the Office of the University Registrar website.

First- and Second-Year Preparation

It is crucial for students to begin meeting major requirements in their first year, particularly taking CHEM 130 and CHEM 135 in the first year, and CHEM 330, CHEM 331, CHEM 335, and CHEM 336 in the second year. Ideally, students should also take BIOL 150 and BIOL 152 during the first year, as well as BIOL 105.

Requirements for the B.S. Degree in Microbiology

In addition to degree and major requirements, all students must complete the KU Core. The major requires completing 47-56 hours of general science requirements and 34-35 hours of microbiology course requirements.

• General Science Requirements:
  • Biology Orientation Seminar: BIOL 105
  • Molecular & Cellular Biology: BIOL 150 or BIOL 151
  • Principles of Organismal Biology: BIOL 152 or BIOL 153
  • Introductory Biology Lab for STEM Majors: BIOL 154
  • Principles of Genetics: BIOL 350 or BIOL 360
  • Statistics: BIOL 370
  • Biochemistry: BIOL 600, or BIOL 636 and BIOL 638
  • Chemistry I: CHEM 130 or CHEM 190 and CHEM 191
  • Chemistry II: CHEM 135 or CHEM 195 and CHEM 196
  • Organic Chemistry I: CHEM 330 or CHEM 380
  • Organic Chemistry I Laboratory: CHEM 331
  • Organic Chemistry II: CHEM 335 or CHEM 385
  • Calculus: MATH 115, MATH 125, or MATH 145
  • Physics: PHSX 114 and PHSX 115, or PHSX 211, PHSX 216, PHSX 212, and PHSX 236
• Microbiology Course Requirements:
  • Fundamentals of Microbiology: BIOL 400 or BIOL 401
  • Fundamentals of Microbiology Laboratory: BIOL 402
  • Cell Structure & Function: BIOL 416
  • Immunology: BIOL 503 or BIOL 543
  • Immunology Laboratory: BIOL 504
  • Bacterial Infectious Diseases: BIOL 506
  • General Virology: BIOL 512
  • Virology Laboratory: BIOL 513
  • Microbial Genetics: BIOL 518
  • Microbial Genetics Laboratory: BIOL 519
  • Microbiology Required Electives: 6 hours of BIOL courses numbered 400 or higher
  • Capstone Course: Bacterial Infectious Diseases Laboratory: BIOL 507

Major Hours & Major GPA

Majors must meet the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:

• Major Hours: 35-36 hours of major courses
• Major Hours in Residence: A minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major
• Major Junior/Senior Hours: A minimum of 12 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major
• Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPA: A minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major

Sample 4-Year Plan

A sample 4-year plan for students pursuing the B.S. in Microbiology is provided, assuming students will have the equivalent of MATH 101 or MATH 104, or equivalent prior to the freshman year, fall semester.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Explain the sources of genetic variation within populations and mechanisms of evolutionary change
• Describe how organisms inherit genetic information and how cells/organs/organisms respond to environmental changes
• Explain how complex networks are formed by interactions at many biological scales
• Describe how biological structures exist at all levels of organization and influence function
• Apply the scientific method and communicate scientific arguments clearly
• Apply quantitative reasoning and mathematical tools to explain and interpret claims in the biological sciences

Departmental Honors

Undergraduate majors are eligible to graduate with honors in biology if they fulfill specific requirements, including achieving a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 in the major, completing honors research, and submitting an honors thesis.

Study Abroad

Students can consult an advisor at least 4 months before undertaking study abroad. The Office of Study Abroad provides information about studying in various countries with special arrangements with KU.