ID
samples being prepped in biology lab

Biology - Microbiology Emphasis

Uncover groundbreaking ways to improve our health and the environment.

Available as
Major
Description

Dive Into Life's Smallest Building Blocks

Through the study of bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts, and molds, you'll discover the many microbes that make life on earth possible — and those that cause disease and death. In-depth exposure to topics like virology, immunology, and bacteriology will further show you the beneficial and detrimental functions microorganisms have on plants, animals, humans, and the planet.

An excellent path for those who wish to enter the medical, pharmaceutical, dental, agriculture, food, veterinary, or health care field, the microbiology program will help you find your niche and be successful in your chosen career.

Through projects and collaborative research, you'll develop and enhance your accuracy, precision and observation skills. Unique internship opportunities will also provide you with practical experience and help you feel prepared and empowered to take on anything in the microbiology field.

No matter your path, UW-Eau Claire's microbiology program will give you the guidance, tools and experiences needed so you can push boundaries and make a positive impact wherever you go.

Degree Types

Program Details

Degree Types
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Degree Level undergraduate
Available asMajor
Department
Program Length 4 years
Campus
Eau Claire
In-person or online
On Campus
Requires a minor No
Authored on
Hallmarks
Boundary Waters water samples
Outside-the-Classroom Learning

At UW-Eau Claire, you will have many opportunities to learn and explore outside of the classroom. Our proximity to lakes, rivers, streams, forests and wildlife areas — including a 230-acre scientific natural area — offers the perfect environment for microbiology majors. Our biology department is also associated with Beaver Creek Reserve in Eau Claire County; the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, Mississippi; and the Gerace Research Centre in the Bahamas.

UREP Mayo in Rochester program, Megan Schleuster and Abhashek Chandra in the lab
Strong Community Partnerships

UW-Eau Claire has strong ties to major clinics and hospitals, including Mayo Clinic Health System and Marshfield Clinic, as well as smaller health care facilities like the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic. Many of our microbiology students receive internship and research opportunities with these hospital systems.

aquatic life samples for Bio study
Exceptional Collections

Explore hundreds of thousands of specimens right on campus. UW-Eau Claire is home to extensive collections of amphibians, reptiles, fish, insects, invertebrates, mammals, and birds as well as saltwater aquaria and a herbarium.

Will Taylor and students on immerison biology in Galapagos Islands 2022
Course-Based Trips

Broaden your perspective and step outside your comfort zone on course-based trips to places like Costa Rica, the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos, rural Ecuador, Utah, Nebraska, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Facts List

Just
the
facts

100% Employed or Continuing Education
Every 2022-2023 graduate from this major is currently employed or continuing their education.
Investing in the Health Sciences
UWEC was awarded $340.3 million to build a state-of-the-art Science and Health Sciences Building for students pursuing STEM careers.
3500 ft2 of Greenhouse Space
UWEC features an abundance of greenhouse space — right on campus — for you to explore.
10 Pre-Professional Health Paths
These robust programs will provide you with the support and academic planning needed to enter professional degree programs.
Surrounded By Nature
Our campus is surrounded by Putnam Park, a peaceful 230-acre natural area right out your back door.
Outcomes Image
blue light used to see organisms under microscope
What can I do

Where can the biology - microbiology emphasis program lead me after graduation?

Earning a microbiology degree from UW-Eau Claire empowers you to take on many different career paths and opportunities. 

Example Careers

  • Agricultural scientist
  • Food scientist
  • Biochemist
  • Biological technicians
  • Conservation scientists
  • Forester
  • Environmental scientists
  • Geoscientist

Recent Graduates

Analytical Specialist
MillerCoors 
Wisconsin

Genotyping Technician
Marshfield Clinic 
Wisconsin

Clinical Technician, Cytogenetics 
Mayo Clinic-Rochester
Minnesota

Quality Assurance Technician
ReGen Theranostics 
Minnesota

Courses information
SampleCourses

At UW-Eau Claire, you will obtain a well-rounded, diverse education. You'll have the opportunity to dive into liberal arts courses as well as those focused specifically on microbiology.

Here are a few courses in Biology - Microbiology Emphasis at UW-Eau Claire.

BIOL 221

Foundations of Biology I

Introduction to cell biology, genetics, evolution, and microbiology.

BIOL 305

Molecular and Cell Biology

Current concepts in molecular/cell biology including structure/function of cells and cell organelles, gene function/regulation, and cell signaling.

BIOL 402

Current Topics in Virology and Immunology

Lectures and readings in immunology and virology. Emphasis on the mode of thinking and reasoning that led to earlier solutions. Discussions of current advances in the fields.

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