Microbiology

Microbiology is a fundamental biological science concerned with bacteria, viruses and other microbes. Some of the most important scientific discoveries have been made by microbiologists. Since 1910, approximately one-third of the Nobel Prizes in medicine and physiology have been awarded to microbiologists. The discipline covers a wide spectrum of specialized interest areas that show how microbes affect human and animal health, our environment, food technology and safety, and the biotechnology industry. Microbiology prepares students for a wide range of important career opportunities.

The Program

In recent years, the field of microbiology has had a major impact upon virtually all other scientific disciplines. For this reason, students who choose to major in microbiology often minor in biotechnology, chemistry and food safety. Students who choose to major in other fields may find it advantageous to minor in microbiology.

Career Opportunities

A career in microbiology offers many opportunities. The microbiology major is an excellent preparation for professional school (such as veterinary and human medicine) and graduate school due to its emphasis on the pathogenesis of infectious disease, molecular biology, sterile techniques and laboratory skills. Graduates also may seek employment in the health sciences, biomedical industries, biotechnology, agricultural biosystems, food industries, pharmaceutical industries and government agencies. In these careers graduates may identify new emerging diseases; develop diagnostic tests, new medicines and vaccines; work in departments of public health or hospital laboratories to diagnose diseases; insure a safe food supply; or work in academic or private research laboratories. Microbiologists work in government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency. Many microbiologists are teachers and professors.

The Faculty and Facilities

The teaching faculty offers expertise and experience in nearly all areas of microbiology. Additionally, faculty are active researchers and devoted research mentors. Our undergraduates frequently have opportunities to perform cutting edge research in nationally funded laboratories.

The Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences is located in Van Es Hall. The modern teaching and research laboratories are especially spacious, well-equipped and pleasant.

High School Preparation

Students will find courses in science and mathematics, such as algebra, biology, physics and chemistry, to be very helpful in preparing for a major in microbiology.

The Curriculum

During the first year, students in microbiology take basic college courses in English, chemistry, biology or zoology and mathematics. The curriculum over the next three years includes advanced courses in microbiology and the life sciences. These courses include pathogenic microbiolgy, virology, immunology, parasitology, microbial genetics, food microbiology, microbial ecology and bacterial physiology. The department also offers courses in epidemiology, animal disease, and food safety to enhance our students' understanding of applied microbiology and infectious disease.

Qualified upperclass students majoring in microbiology may pursue individualized study and research under the supervision of one of the faculty.

Contact Information

Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences

North Dakota State University
Van Es Hall 150
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7667
Fax: (701) 231-9692
E-mail: Douglas.Freeman@ndsu.edu
Web: http://vetmicro.ndsu.nodak.edu/

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

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