How do teeny-tiny organisms influence the rest of life on Earth? This is the question on the mind of Daniel Oberbuer, a senior microbiology major working in Professor Jonathan Eisen’s lab in the Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility at ٺƵ.
“I’m currently working on a study that aims to characterize the microbiome of hummingbirds in an attempt to determine whether or not they have resident gut microbes,” said Oberbuer.
Like Oberbuer, microbiology majors in the have the opportunity to see how the smallest organisms make the large world go ‘round.
What is a Microbiology Major?
Within the , there are two types of microbiology degrees: a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts.
- With a BA in microbiology, you could go into such careers as teaching in science or working with scientifically based businesses.
- A BS offers a more rigorous scientific course load, and many graduates with this degree go on to work in pharmacology, agriculture, ecology and biotechnology.
Since ٺƵ is a tier-one research university, microbiology majors have ample opportunities on campus to conduct research with world-class professors. Research internships provide students with comprehensive experience, including lab work and important lab techniques. Additionally, internships allow you to conduct research that could actually make an impact in the scientific community and beyond.
Extracurricular Opportunities in Microbiology
Besides doing research, there are other ways to get involved on campus with this major. ٺƵ boasts over 800 clubs and organizations on campus including a chapter of the American Society for Microbiology and several other biology-related clubs.
Microbiology graduate, Andre Poon ’17 BS, recommends students explore extracurricular opportunities on campus.
“I served as the education chair for the Immunization and Vaccination Awareness Club. Along with that, I was the treasurer for the Entomology Club, and I was a student teaching assistant for two upper division science courses.” — Andre Poon, 2017 Microbiology graduate
Although Poon spent most of his time with science-based activities, as the vice president for the Davis Scuba Club, he was able to relax and pursue a fun hobby in the midst of all his scientific involvements.
If you are interested in health careers there are also co-ed professional fraternities and societies specifically for pre-health majors, which includes microbiology. And if you want gain insights into classroom instruction, you can work closely with professors as a student teaching assistant.
A microbiology degree will push you to observe the small in order to understand the big picture. During your time at ٺƵ you will study everything from general biology and chemistry to the specifics of virology, microbial ecology or even bacterial physiology. It’s an encouraging environment in which to challenge yourself to reach your academic goals.