Bachelor of Science in Microbiology - Medical Microbiology Emphasis Weber State University, USA

The medical microbiology emphasis prepares you to identify infectious microbes in clinical samples and to describe disease progression and the immune response of the patient.

You'll receive hands-on training in the laboratory working with professors on research projects that explore how microbes impact health. You will also gain in-depth knowledge about how to treat and prevent the spread of microbial diseases. This emphasis is also beneficial if you're pursuing pre-professional programs such as pre-medical or pre-dental.

What You’ll LEARN at Weber

Develop the research skills and scientific background that you will need to excel in an advanced academic program or scientific career.

You'll have a strong foundation in microbiology, virology, biotechnology, immunology, biochemistry, physiology and public health.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Describe how microorganisms are used as model systems to study basic biology, genetics, metabolism and ecology.
• Identify ways microorganisms play an integral role in disease, and microbial and immunological methodologies are used in disease treatment and prevention.
• Explain why microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature; inhabiting a multitude of habitats and occupying a wide range of ecological habitats.
• Cite examples of the vital role of microorganisms in biotechnology, fermentation, medicine, and other industries important to human well being.
• Demonstrate that microorganisms have an indispensable role in the environment, including elemental cycles, biodegradation, etc.
• Nature of Science and Scientific Inquiry: Microbiology majors should be able to discuss science and scientific methodology as a way of knowing. Microbiology majors should make observations, develop hypotheses, and design and execute experiments using appropriate methods. They should be able to explain how the nature of science is applied to every day problems.
• Laboratory Skills: Microbiology students should master the following laboratory skills: aseptic and pure culture techniques, preparation of and viewing samples for microscopy, use appropriate methods to identify microorganisms, estimate the number of microorganisms in a sample, and use common lab equipment. They should practice safe microbiology, using appropriate protective and emergency procedures.
• Data analysis skills: Microbiology majors should be able to systematically collect, record, and analyze data, identify sources of error, interpret the results, and reach logical conclusions. They should be able to appropriately format data into tables, graphs, and charts for presentation and publication.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Microbiology majors should be able to (1) differentiate between fact and opinion, (2) recognize and evaluate author bias and rhetoric, (3) develop inferential skills, (4) recognize logical fallacies and faulty reasoning, and (5) make decisions and judgments by drawing logical conclusions using sound quantitative and statistically-based reasoning.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Microbiology majors should be competent problem-solvers. They should be able to assess the elements of a problem and develop and test a solution based on logic and the best possible information. Microbiology students should be able to analyze and interpret results form a variety of microbiological methods, and apply these methods to analogous situations. They should use mathematical and graphing skills and reasoning to solve problems in microbiology.
• Communication Skills: Microbiology majors will demonstrate competence in written and oral communication.
• Cooperation/Social Responsibility: Microbiology majors should understand and appreciate the value of cooperating and working effectively with peers and be able to demonstrate a commitment to the process of developing such skills.
• Values: Microbiology majors should identify and discuss the ethical issues and responsibilities of doing science