With an enrollment of over 1000 undergraduate majors, Microbiology and Cell Science is one of the most popular undergraduate science programs at the University of Florida and one of the strongest microbiology programs in the country.
Programs of Study
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Bachelor of Science (on-campus)
The Bachelor of Science in microbiology and cell science, offered by both the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), offers you flexibility in a curriculum that develops an excellent knowledge base and an understanding of concepts in microbiology, cell biology and the bio-molecular sciences. Emphasis will be placed on application of the scientific method to gain an understanding of the biological world at the cellular and molecular levels. You will learn to evaluate hypotheses, to interpret experimental data and to communicate results effectively.
Additional information, including course requirements and semester plans, for the CALS major is available here.
Additional information, including course requirements and semester plans, for the CLAS major is available here.
Differences in the CALS and CLAS major extends solely to the specific coursework required to complete the respected degree. CALS requires economics and public speaking, while CLAS requires foreign language.
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Bachelor of Science (online)
The University of Florida (UF), one of the finest research institutions in the country, is now offering an Online Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Microbiology and Cell Science. This degree is perfect for students in the state of Florida interested in pursuing a career in research, graduate study in the life sciences, or gaining admissions to a professional school (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, etc.).
The Online BS in Microbiology is a 2+2, 4-year program that allows students to obtain a BS degree from the University of Florida after completing 2 years of prerequisites as part of an Associate of Arts (AA) degree from other universities, colleges, or community colleges within the state of Florida. Students who complete these prerequisites can then apply to transfer into the online program as a junior student at UF.
Students within the program would receive the same level of excellent education provided to any of the more than 1300 students who participate in Microbiology on UF’s campus each year, with the advantage of asynchronous online learning, courtesy of the department of Microbiology and Cell Science faculty and staff.
Lab courses, instructed by UF affiliate faculty, will be available at different locations around the state of Florida to facilitate the best education possible.
To learn more about this exciting program, please visit the Online BS Program website.
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Minors
BIOINFORMATICS MINOR
The Microbiology & Cell Science Department is pleased to offer an undergraduate minor in Bioinformatics. This minor is offered to students majoring in any biology-related subject, including, but not limited to, Microbiology, Biology, or Biochemistry. Bioinformatics - which we define broadly as the use of computers to answer biological questions - has become a major component of modern biological science. So integrated is bioinformatics with biology that it is difficult to find an active research program that does not rely on bioinformatic analysis to achieve results. Unfortunately, the integration of bioinformatics and traditional methods is not stressed in many undergraduate programs, leaving the next generation of biologists without the skills they need to succeed in tomorrow’s research environment. We created the undergraduate minor in Bioinformatics to provide this critical training to future professionals in the biological disciplines.
PATHOGENESIS MINOR
This minor emphasizes human infectious disease to provide a strong foundation in the field of microbial pathogenesis. This is provided by academic coursework covering fundamental and advanced aspects of microbial pathogenesis from both the host and pathogen perspective.
Professional School, Graduate School, and Career Opportunities
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Pre-Professional
Microbiology and Cell Science is a strong major for pre-professional students. Choosing a major in microbiology is a strategic decision for pre-professional students seeking a solid foundation for their journey towards medical, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physician assistant, or dental school.
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Graduate School
In addition to being a strong foundation for professional studies (medical school, pharmacy, vet med, etc.) the microbiology major serves as preparation for graduate programs. Students with an interest in research are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the department’s undergraduate research opportunities and are encouraged to consider continuing their education in the department’s respected Graduate Program in Microbiology and Cell Science. The M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are offered through the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
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Careers
A degree in microbiology and cell science paves the way for exciting careers in areas including biotechnology, pharmaceutical industry, genetic therapy and vaccine development, bioprocessing, medical diagnostics, biosafety, patent law, astro microbiology (space microbiology), marine microbiology (red tide research), military biological weapon defense, cosmetics formulation, and beer and cheese production.
The UF Career Connections Center provides career resources to all UF students.
Student Experience and Opportunities
- Research, Scholarship, and Teaching Assistant Opportunities
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Involvement
UF offers nearly 1000 student organizations - nearly 1000 ways to make new life-long friends, connect to UF, extend your education outside of the classroom, and have fun! Student Activities & Involvement offers resources including information about student organizations, individual consultations, and more.
The ASM Gators are the official UF chapter of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). ASM Gators is a student-run organization that offers undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to more fully explore the microbiology field by offering ties to research, leadership opportunities, relevant outreach programs, trips to microbiology-related institutions, and connections with fellow peers and faculty members. You can learn more about the club at their webpage, Facebook page, or Instagram to check out events.
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International Experiences
An international experience during your time at UF can be a very enriching opportunity to learn about other cultures and see the USA from the outside.
Become a Microbiology & Cell Science Major
Set up an advising appointment to learn more: https://microcell.ufl.edu/advising/