Microbiology Chair: Dr. Richard Adler

 Concentration Advisors: Dr. Richard Adler and Dr. Sonia Tiquia

Microbiology is the study of organisms that usually require the aid of a microscope in order to be seen. Micro-organisms include viruses, bacteria, archaea bacteria, algae, fungi, and protozoa. Microbiologists seek to understand the interactions between these organisms and components of our biosphere. Many micro-organisms are essential for life, as we know it, to exist on earth. Many of these organisms produce useful biologically active products, such as enzymes and antibiotics. A small number of them cause diseases in plants and animals, including humans.
The study of micro-organisms has led to many important discoveries concerning:

• the complexities, universality and mechanism of expression of the genetic code;
• the transfer of genetic information between species and modulation of the gene pool;
• the mechanism of antigen-antibody reactions and cellular immunity;
• the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids and other cellular constituents;
• the structure, function and biogenesis of membranes; and,
• the process of molecular and cellular differentiation. 

Printable degree requirement brochure (Acrobat document)