The Department of Microbiology consists of an energetic faculty and student body. Currently, the department consists of 24 faculty members, 35 graduate students and approximately 200 undergraduates. Microbiology is an exciting and rapidly advancing field that requires a strong foundation in molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, ecology and evolution. The field occupies a central place in the life sciences, and we are committed to providing our students with the knowledge and tools to enter this expanding field of study.

Microbiology focuses on the biology of bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses, and the immune system to better understand our world and determine solutions to challenges facing society. Developments in biotechnology, medicine, environmental studies and genetics continue to draw Microbiology onto the center stage.

Biotechnology is fundamental to solving some of the world’s largest and persistent challenges. Microorganisms play key role in allowing innovative biotechnology. Microorganisms have already created many biological innovations, we just need to understand these innovations better and determine how best to use microbes for our benefit. In medicine, infectious diseases caused by microorganisms are of central importance, with recent reports indicating that these diseases are the 3rd leading cause of death in the world. Vaccine development and the search for new drugs to fight infectious diseases are thriving areas of research. Environmental studies include the use of microorganisms to create renewable energy sources or use bioremediation to clean up polluted environments. Microbes also play a major role in regulating greenhouse gases, regulating basic ecosystem processes, and determining the distribution and diversity of plants and animals. Indeed, microorganisms are everywhere and have a central role in the environmental and human health.

The Department of Microbiology is excited by developments in these fields. We look forward to an opportunity to provide you with the knowledge and skills to participate in these interesting areas where employment prospects are excellent. Undergraduate Microbiology majors are exposed to courses and laboratories in General Microbiology, Genetics, Physiology, Immunology, Infection and Immunity, Parasitology, Virology and Ecology. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects with the faculty and graduate students, meet with our alumni, and enjoy a “small college atmosphere” in a major with classes of 30-70 students.

Introduction

Curriculum Area	Number of Courses	Number of Credits Earned	Fulfilling the Requirement
Writing	2 courses	6 credits	One course (CW) or exemption (see Writing Program) and one upper level 3-credit course in your major department
Basic Mathematics	1 course	0–3 credits	One course (R1) or a passing score on the Tier 1 Math Exemption Exam
Analytic Reasoning	1 course	3 credits	One course (R2)
Biological & Physical World	2 courses	8 credits	One course (BS) and one course (PS)
Social World & Diversity	4 courses	16 credits	One course in AL/AT (or in AL/ATDU or AL/ATDG), one course HS (or in HSDU or HSDG), one course SB (or SBDU or SBDG), and one course (AL, AT, SB, I, or SI or any of these in combination with DU or DG). Students must take one course with DU designation and one course with DG designation. Either a DU or a DG course must be taken during the student’s first year on campus.
Integrative Experience	Three 1 credit modules	3 credits	Choose 3: Microbio 494PI, 494SI, 494BI, 494DI, 494FI, 494GI, 494MI, 494NI, 494 QI, 494VI

 

General Education Requirements for Students Enrolling as Freshmen in the Fall of 2018 or Later

Class Year	Fall	Spring
Freshman	Chem 111 General Chemistry (4 cr)*1 Biol 151 (4 cr)*1, 2 Math 127 Calc for Life Sci Majors (3 cr)3 Eng 112 College Writing (3 cr)	Chem 112 General Chemistry II (4 cr)* Biol 152 (3 cr)*2 Biol 153 (2 cr) Math 128 Calc for Life Sci Majors or Statistc 240 Statistics (3 cr)3 Gen Ed with DU/DG designation (4 cr)
Sophomore	Microbio 311 Foundations in Microbio (3 cr)** Microbio 312 General Microbiology Lab (3 cr)** Chem 261 Organic Chemistry I (3 cr) * Gen Ed (4 cr) Gen Ed (4 cr)	Chem 262 Organic Chemistry II (3 cr) Chem 269 Organic Chemistry Lab (2 cr)  Microbio 330 Microbial Genetics (3 cr) Gen Ed (4 cr) or Major Elective Gen Ed (4 cr)
Junior	Physics 131 Intro Physics I (4 cr) Microbio 320 Infectious Disease & Defense (3cr) Biochem 420 Elementary Biochemistry (3 cr)	Physics 132 Intro Physics II (4 cr) Major Elective Microbio 360 Junior Writing (3 cr) (Fall or Sp)
Senior	Major Laboratory Elective 2 Major Electives Integrative Experience (3 cr) (Fall or Sp)	Microbio 480 Microbial Physiology & Diversity (3 cr) Major Laboratory Elective Integrative Experience (3 cr) (Fall or Sp)

35 Microbiology credits must be completed. Specific requirements include Microbio 310, 312, 320, 330, 360, 480 and 3 credits of Integrative Experience (494). Only 3 credits of Independent Study (396) or Practicum (398) may be applied to the 35 credit requirement.
^*Minimal grade of C- or higher required.
^**Minimal grade of C or higher required in these courses.
¹ Will fulfill Biological & Physical World GENED Requirements
² Biology Department requires a C in Bio 151 to enroll in Bio 152
³ Will fulfill R1 and R2 GENED Requirements

Microbiology Undergraduate Degree Program Schedule

There are presently two options available for Microbiology majors to fulfill the Integrative Experience Requirement.

Option 1

The IE in Microbiology (Microbio 494) consists of three 1-credit modular courses. These courses will be offered every semester, with different faculty featured each semester. The Fall IE courses will be offered on MWF at 12:20. Spring courses will be offered on MWF at 11:15. Each module will be worth 1 credit and be offered for a third of the semester, at the same course schedule day and time.

OR

Option 2

Students complete NATSCI 494I – a team-based learning course offered through the College of Natural Sciences. This 3-credit course features three modules taught in a TBL environment. The course will be offered in the Spring.

The Integrative Experience Requirement for Microbiology Majors

Honors Program Director: Professor Kristen DeAngelis 

N573 Life Sciences Lab,
Tel:  413-577-4669
Email: deangelis@microbio.umass.edu

Departmental Honors

The Commonwealth Honors College (CHC) is the home of the honors program on the University of Massachusetts campus. The Microbiology Department offers Microbiology majors the option to enroll in Departmental Honors (DH), an Advanced Scholarship Track of CHC. Participation in Microbiology Departmental Honors requires admission to the program.

How to Apply

Students in the Microbiology major who are currently members of the CHC can apply for admission to the Departmental Honors by contacting the Department’s Honors Program Director, Professor Kristen DeAngelis. For Microbiology majors who are not yet members of the CHC, apply for admission to Departmental Honors via the CHC on-line application process.

Required Course Work

MICROBIO 391H: The Secret Lifestyle of Microorganisms, Honors Colloquium for Microbiology 311 (1 cr) (Spring)

A small group tutorial discussion: the role of science in society combined with discussions of contemporary societal issues involving microbiology such as emerging infectious diseases and microbial biotechnology.  

MICROBIO 396/MICROBIO 396ISH Independent Study (ISH usually 3 cr)  

Program participants will undertake an honors section of independent study under the direction of their research sponsor.  (You will need to fill out an Independent Study Honors Contract with the Commonwealth Honors College Office)  

MICROBIO 499Y Honors Research (3 cr, Fall, Senior Year)  

Original microbiological research carried out under the direction of the research sponsor.  The honors student will take an active role in the experimental design of the research project.  The expectation is that participation in the design and implementation of a research project will help the student acquire the necessary skills to carry out independent research.

Microbio 499P Honors Project (Capstone Experience)  (3 cr, Spring, Senior Year)

The honors project consists of completing and presenting original research.  The presentation will include but not be limited to an abstract suitable for publication and a research summary in the form of a poster appropriate for presentation at a scientific meeting.  A departmental poster presentation session will be held at the end of the semester.  Students must also complete the Manuscript requirement for CHC. 

Microbiology Departmental Honors

The Department of Microbiology offers a special 5th Year Master’s Program designed exclusively for its undergraduate Microbiology majors.

This program is appropriate for academically strong students who are interested in enhancing their academic and research background before entering the professional world.

UMASS Microbiology majors who are interested in this program are strongly advised to meet with their academic advisor to discuss this option before the end of their junior year. This is necessary because an undergraduate research project will be expanded to provide the basis for the Master’s Degree project.

Application Process

Students must apply for the “5th Year Master’s Program” through the Graduate School. The standard Graduate School application must be submitted by December 20, and must include two letters of recommendation. One of the letters must be from the research advisor with whom the student intends to work. The Department does NOT require GRE’s for admission to this program.

Eligibility

UMass undergraduates in microbiology with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and a grade point average of 3.0 in all subjects required for the major in Microbiology are eligible for consideration.

Program Requirements

The Graduate School Bulletin provides general information about requirements for Master’s Degree candidates.

Accepted students would begin their graduate work during the summer following completion of their undergraduate degree. Credit Requirement: 30 credits, distributed as follows:

A minimum of 21 credits in Microbiology, with a minimum of 12 credits in the 600-800 course series. Students may transfer 1-6 credits of microbiology coursework numbered 500 or higher which they completed as an undergraduate, provided that those credits are NOT used to meet any undergraduate requirements for the University or major.

Project and Final Exam

Students are expected to present the results of their research project orally or as a poster presentation. A final oral exam is required.

Time

Students are expected to complete the Fifth Year Master’s degree in approximately 9 to 12 months. Fifth Year M.S. students are encouraged to work in a lab on their project in the summer, but this may not be a requirement.  

For more information, contact Microbiology Graduate Program Director. 

Fifth Year Master's Program in Microbiology

Selecting a Major

If you are planning to enter a medical, dental, optometry, osteopathic medical, veterinary or chiropractic school after completing your BS degree, you should select an academic major in the field of your greatest interest and ability. Many UMASS pre-professional students choose a major in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, etc. Any major is acceptable as long as it allows the student to complete the minimal pre-professional requirements (see below).

Because of stiff competition for medical school admission, students are strongly advised to select a major that is interesting and challenging to them and allows them the opportunity to pursue a variety of careers. Students preparing for careers in the health professions must be aware of cultural diversity and backgrounds of future patients. Therefore, we encourage students to pursue courses in the liberal arts, humanities and the sciences. Such students are broadly educated and better prepared to make career choices.

Minimum preparation for the pre-professional student must include two semesters each of the following: Inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, introductory biology, college mathematics, physics and English. Certain additional courses in biology, microbiology, chemistry, or mathematics may be required or recommended by some medical, dental, or veterinary schools.

Visit the CNS site for more information and to schedule appointments.

The Pre-Medical Program

This program advises all students interested in all areas of medicine and dentistry, and certain other allied health fields. All interested students, regardless of academic major, who are completing their 3rd semester at the University (1st semester for transfers, special students, continuing education, 2nd degree and graduate students) should register at the premed office. By registering with the committee, a student can take advantage of advising and counseling from the pre-medical advisors. Letters of recommendation for medical, dental and other professional schools are written by the pre-medical advisors.  A library of medical, dental, optometry, osteopathic, podiatry, chiropractic and veterinary school catalogs and other pertinent materials are available in the Pre-Med Office in Shade Tree Lab.

Medical, Dental School Acceptance Rates

Because we advise such a variety of students, it is difficult to determine accurate and meaningful statistics. Approximately 70% of our applicants gain admission, but this percentage varies greatly by age, and of course, academic and personal records of the students.  Residency in a state in which there is a state supported medical school (or schools) is also a definite advantage in gaining admission. Competition for the 100 positions at the sole state medical school in Worcester is keen since over 800 bona fide state residents apply. However, New York has 4 state supported medical schools, so NY residents have a considerably better chance of acceptance at a state school as compared to a MA resident. Similar situations occur with residents of PA, NJ and TX. Please keep this in mind when you inquire about statistics concerning the “admission success rate” for medical school applicants. In the past 10 years it is our experience that successful applicants to any US medical school must have a cumulative grade average of no lower than 3.6 (on a 4.0 scale) and no lower than 30 (~70th percentile) on the MCAT along with extensive health/community service. Our acceptance rate for applicants to dental, osteopathy, optometry podiatry and chiropractic schools ranges from 95-100%. 

Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Information from the Pre-Med Advisors