Program Overview

Biomedical Science: Medical Microbiology, B.S.

The Biomedical Science: Medical Microbiology major at the University of New Hampshire prepares students to study microorganisms and their impact on human health. Students explore bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites while building advanced laboratory skills in pathogen identification and analysis.

Program Description

The Biomedical Science: Medical Microbiology program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in infectious disease research, preparing students for careers in clinical labs, research institutions, and public health. Coursework focuses on disease prevention and treatment strategies, equipping students to contribute to global health initiatives.

Curriculum and Requirements

• The program includes coursework and laboratories in:
  • Infectious disease
  • Immunology
  • Epidemiology and community health
  • Molecular biology
  • Microbial ecology and evolution
• Students may participate in experiential learning activities, including:
  • Independent research experiences in laboratories of UNH biomedical science faculty
  • Work at the NH Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
  • Internships at biotechnology companies or the NH Department of Public Health Laboratories

Degree Requirements

• Minimum credit requirement: 128 credits
• Minimum residency requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH
• Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral
• Core curriculum required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
• Foreign language requirement: None

Major Requirements

• Foundation courses:
  • General Chemistry I and II
  • Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Laboratory
  • Calculus for Life Sciences
  • Applied Biostatistics I
  • Introduction to Physics I and II
• Bioscience core courses:
  • Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular
  • Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ecology
  • General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory
  • Principles of Genetics
  • Principles of Cell Biology
  • General Biochemistry and General Biochemistry Laboratory
• BMS:MM core courses:
  • Pathogenic Microbiology and Pathogenic Microbiology Laboratory
  • Immunology and Immunology Laboratory
  • Virology and Virology Laboratory
  • Professional Perspectives in Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences
• BMS:MM major elective courses: A total of five unique major elective courses is required, with at least one course taken in each of the following subject areas:
  • Host-Microbe Interaction Electives
  • Molecular Biology Electives
  • Community Electives
• Capstone experience: The capstone explores areas of interest based on the integration of prior learning and may be satisfied through a course, created work or product, or some form of experiential learning.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Core knowledge: Students demonstrate an understanding of core knowledge in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and biomedical sciences.
• Quantitative literacy, inquiry, and analysis: Students apply the scientific method, use graphs to represent scientific data, and apply statistical methods to interpret scientific data.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving: Students use data to troubleshoot unexpected outcomes and apply core knowledge to critically interpret scientific data.
• Written and oral communication: Students demonstrate written and oral skills to communicate scientific knowledge and experimental data.

Career Opportunities

• Biotechnology industry
• Research in academic, medical, biotechnology, or government labs
• Healthcare
• Public health departments
• Pharmaceutical research and development
• Veterinary medicine
• Forensic laboratories
• Education

Pre-Professional Health Advising

Advising is available for students pursuing health professional careers, including support throughout the process of preparing for health professions school.