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Microbiology programs are designed to give students a good understanding of microorganisms, including diversity, ecology, physiology, molecular genetics, current approaches in bacterial genomics/proteomics, and microbial associations with animal hosts and the environments. Such knowledge will provide the basis for further work with microbes in medicine, agricultural industries (including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage) and the environment (surveillance and bioremediation).

Students can take the B.Sc. program with a Major in Microbiology, or combine the minor with another major. Students should plan their programs in consultation with the microbiology faculty advisor. As course offerings may change during the program, students are strongly encouraged to review their plans at least once a year with their advisors, and to check the departmental website for program news.

Study the smallest and most predominant organisms on the planet: bacteria, archaic, viruses, yeasts and moulds. Explore varied topics, from deep sea ecosystems, or the normal microbial inhabitants of the human body, to practical matters of public health. With optional co-op, study medical, industrial and environmental impacts of microorganisms and learn about the methods used to study – and exploit – them for biotechnology or bioremediation.

Sample Careers

Food and drug microbiologist

Clinical laboratory researcher

Public health administrator

Pharmacist

Co-Op: To be eligible to continue in the Co-op program, students must meet a minimum 70% cumulative average requirement after second semester, as well as meet all work term requirements. Please refer to the Co-operative Education program policy with respect to work term performance grading, work term report grading and program completion requirements.