UM-Dearborn

Information About the Microbiology Program

Microbiology is the study of organisms that usually require the aid of a microscope in order to be seen. Micro-organisms include viruses, bacteria, archaea bacteria, algae, fungi, and protozoa. Microbiologists seek to understand the interactions between these organisms and components of our biosphere. Many micro-organisms are essential for life, as we know it, to exist on earth. Many of these organisms produce useful biologically active products, such as enzymes and antibiotics. A small number of them cause diseases in plants and animals, including humans. The study of micro-organisms has led to many important discoveries concerning:

• the complexities, universality and mechanism of expression of the genetic code;
• the transfer of genetic information between species and modulation of the gene pool;
• the mechanism of antigen-antibody reactions and cellular immunity;
• the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids and other cellular constituents;
• the structure, function and biogenesis of membranes; and,
• the process of molecular and cellular differentiation.

In preparation for a major in microbiology, high school students should plan to take four years of English and four years of mathematics. In addition, courses in biology and chemistry are desirable. Upon entering the university, it is crucial to complete at least one calculus course, the introductory biology sequence and the general chemistry sequence before taking the first course in microbiology.

Specialty areas in microbiology include microbial genetics, microbial physiology, environmental microbiology, food microbiology, virology, and biotechnology. Microbiology also provides a foundation for studies such as molecular and cell biology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, genomics, and bioinformatics. With the sequencing of the human genome and the genomes of a number of microorganisms, scientists are beginning to understand the functions of many genes and the genetic relationships among bacteria and higher plants and animals, including humans. For many years to come, the analysis of these genomes (genomics) and the information encoded in their DNA sequences (bioinformatics) will play a major role in the development of microbiology and the other biological sciences.

The Microbiology faculty routinely engage undergraduates in their research programs and this independent research provides an important part of the undergraduate educational experience. Students have the opportunity to work one on one with faculty in the laboratory setting. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and laboratory techniques that better prepare them for a scientific career. Some of the projects in which our students have participated include:

• cloning and sequencing of the genomes of marine microbes,
• analysis of the measles virus genome,
• microbial community analysis and profiling of biosolid wastes,
• isolation and enrichment of extremophiles,
• cloning a vitamin receptor gene,
• analysis of fecal bacteria at sites along the Rouge River,
• screening bacteria isolated from the Rouge River for antibiotic resistance, and
• studying the genes of plant viruses.

At the University of Michigan-Dearborn, the program in microbiology provides a broad-based survey of the discipline that provides an excellent foundation appropriate for students desiring employment immediately following completion of the bachelor's degree, as well as those planning entry into graduate and professional schools. Our alumni are employed as research assistants and associates, professors at the university level, physicians, dentists, optometrists, and a variety of other related biomedical occupations. They are employed by organizations such as major pharmaceutical companies, the federal government (FDA and FBI, for example), and major universities around the country.

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