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    Microbiology & Cell Science

    Microbiology & Cell Science

    Environmental Microbiology


    Graduate Certificate

    Environmental Microbiology


    Graduate Certificate

    Microorganisms influence climate systems, water quality, soil health and ecosystem stability. This certificate focuses on how microbes interact with the environment and how those interactions can be applied to solve real-world challenges.

    What you will study

    You will study concepts like microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, and astrobiology by exploring marine microbial ecology, studying the ecological significance of toxic organic chemicals, examining the origin and future of life in our solar system, and much more.

    Designed for Impact

    This program is ideal for students interested in applying microbiology to environmental challenges. Microbes play a critical role in restoring ecosystems, managing environmental contamination, understanding climate-driven change and supporting sustainable agriculture. 

    Flexible and Forward-Looking

    The certificate can be completed online and may serve as a steppingstone into a master's degree. Students build knowledge that applies across environmental science, biotechnology and research.


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    Library Access

    Distance Education and UF Online Students enjoy the same library privileges as on-campus students.

    • Utilize the University of Florida Library System

     


    Graduation Requirements

    • 13 credits are required to complete the certificate.
    • Only courses completed with a grade of C or higher can be counted towards the certificate.
    • Students must maintain both a 3.0 GPA in certificate courses.
      • A lower GPA will result in academic probation and possible dismissal from the program.

     

    • Required Courses

      Required courses

      Course # Course Title Pre-Req Credits Spring
      MCB 6656 Environmental Microbiology Microbiology 3 Fall
      MCB 7922 Journal Colloquy: Environmental Microbiology or Astrobiology none 1 Fall, Spring
    • Elective Courses (9 credits)

      ** Summer C refers to the 12-week summer session, mid-May through mid-August.

      Students must complete three courses (9 credits) from the list below

      Course # Course Title Pre-Req Credits Semester
      MCB 5705 Astrobiology Microbiology 3 Spring
      MCB 6151 Prokaryotic Diversity Microbiology 3 Sum C**
      MCB 6407 Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function Microbiology and Biochemistry 3 Fall
      MCB 6670C The Microbiome Microbiology 3 Spring
      SWS 5305C Soil Microbial Ecology Microbiology 3 Fall
      SWS 6366 Biodegredation and Bioremediation of Organic Contaminants Microbiology 3 Spring (of even years)
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    Microbiology & Cell Science Department
    1355 Museum Dr. Gainesville, FL, 32611 Building 981 P.O. Box 110700 Gainesville, FL 32611-0180
    (352) 392-1906

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