Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics BS

Overview

Undergraduate students majoring in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics prepare for careers in biomedical research, medicine, dentistry, or other health professions, biotechnology and genetic engineering, industrial microbiology, agricultural or environmental sciences, public health, and law or bioethics, among others. The courses presented by the department lead to a Bachelor of … For more content click the Read More button below.

Undergraduate students majoring in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics prepare for careers in biomedical research, medicine, dentistry, or other health professions, biotechnology and genetic engineering, industrial microbiology, agricultural or environmental sciences, public health, and law or bioethics, among others. The courses presented by the department lead to a Bachelor of Science degree and depend heavily on preparation in the biological sciences, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrated knowledge of key disciplinary concepts

Address scientific questions or solve problems using quantitative, computational, and inquiry-related skills, including developing hypotheses, designing and performing experiences, analyzing data, and interpreting results

Execution of database searches for scientific literature and bioinformatics data related to investigatory tasks

Reading, analysis, and use of scientific papers in the development of research projects, in discussions with peers and mentors, and as evidence to substantiate conclusions in written assignments

Effective written and oral communication skills

Work effectively in individual and collaborative contexts

Value research and its relevance to one’s own life and society

Entry to the Major

Transfer Students

Transfer applicants to the Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics major with 90 or more units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one year of general biology with laboratory for majors, preferably equivalent to Life Sciences or 7A, 7B, and 7C; one year of calculus; one year of general chemistry with laboratory for majors; and one semester of organic chemistry with laboratory. A second semester of organic chemistry or one year of calculus-based physics is strongly recommended but not required for admission.

Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.

Students intending to major in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics may seek counseling and petition to enter the major in the Student Affairs Office, 1602B Molecular Sciences.

Major Requirements

Preparation for the Major

Life Sciences Core Curriculum

Chemistry

Select one series from:

Chemistry 14 series

Chemistry 20 and 30 series

Life Sciences

Mathematics

Select one series from:

Life Sciences 30 series

Students may select either Life Sciences 40 or Statistics 13.

Mathematics 3 series

Mathematics 31 series

Physics

Select one series from:

Physics 1 series

Physics 5 series

The Major

Two plans are offered by the department.

Plan I—Research Immersion Laboratory

Complete 10 courses as follows:

Foundation

Microbiology Research

Focus Electives

Select two courses from:

General Elective

Select one additional course from the focus electives list or from the following list. Microbiology 199 may be taken once.

Plan II—Advanced Independent Research

Complete 12 courses as follows:

Foundation

Research Apprenticeship

Select one group of courses from:

Microbiology

Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology

Scientific Analysis and Communication

Focus Electives

Select two courses from:

General Elective

Select one additional course from the focus electives list or from the following list.

Honors Program

Policies

Preparation for the Major Policies

The Major Policies

Each major course must be taken for a letter grade of C– or better, and students must have a minimum overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in the major. Students receiving a grade of D or below in two major courses, either in separate courses or repetitions of the same course, are subject to dismissal from the major.

Plan I

No more than 4 units of course 199 or a combination of 198C and 199 may be applied toward the general electives under Plan I.

Plan II

No more than 4 units of course 198C or 199 may be applied toward the general electives under Plan II.

Plan II requires submission and approval of an admissions application. Detailed information may be obtained at the Student Affairs Office, 1602B Molecular Sciences.

Honors Program

Overall grade-point averages of 3.2 and 3.5 in the preparation for the major and major respectively are required to apply for departmental honors. In addition students must have junior standing and the sponsorship of a faculty adviser from the department. If the thesis is accepted by the honors committee and students complete all major requirements with a GPA of at least 3.5, they are awarded the bachelor’s degree with departmental honors. The department also offers an honors seminar course each winter quarter that is required for the honors program. For more information, contact the Student Affairs Office, 1602B Molecular Sciences.