2025-2026 General Catalog
Source: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/microbiology-molecular-genetics/molecular-medical-microbiology-bs/ Parent: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/#programsanddegreestext
The department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics offers the major in Molecular & Medical Microbiology.
Microbiology is the branch of biology that deals with bacteria, yeasts and other fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses. These microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature and play a crucial role in areas such as agriculture, biotechnology, ecology, medicine, and veterinary science. The field of microbiology contributes to areas of fundamental inquiry such as biochemistry, cell biology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, pathogenesis, and physiology. The ease and power of simultaneous genetic and biochemical analysis of microbes led to the emergence of the new disciplines of molecular biology & molecular genetics, and spawned the new industry of biotechnology.
The Program
The Molecular & Medical Microbiology Undergraduate Program offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in the College of Biological Sciences. Both degrees are designed to provide students with quantitative skills and knowledge across the breadth of Biological Sciences, while maintaining a focus on the biology of microorganisms. The B.S. degree offers more training in mathematics, biochemistry and laboratory methodology; the A.B. degree incorporates more exposure to the liberal arts. The choice of a major program and its suitability for particular career options should be discussed with a Biology Academic Success Center (BASC) advisor.
Career Alternatives
A bachelor's degree in Molecular & Medical Microbiology serves as the foundation for advanced study in microbiology, entry into the professional schools of all health sciences, or immediate employment in biotechnology, health care and food science industries.
Related Courses
The offerings of the Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics are augmented by courses in Food Science & Technology (FST); Medical Microbiology (MMI); Molecular & Cellular Biology (MCB); Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology (PMI); Plant Pathology (PLP); and Soil Science (SSC).
Please note MIC courses are in the process of transitioning to MMG courses.
Faculty of the Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics also teach or participate in the following courses: BIS 002A, BIS 101 or BIS 101V, BIS 104, and BIS 181.
Faculty Advisor
Miriam Markum, Ph.D., Kenjiro W. Quides, Ph.D.
Honors & Honors Program
Miriam Markum, Ph.D., Kenjiro W. Quides, Ph.D.
Teaching Credential Subject Representative
Miriam Markum, Ph.D.; see the Teaching Credential/M.A. Program.
Advising
Biology Academic Success Center (BASC) in 1023 Katherine Esau Science Hall (formerly Sciences Laboratory Building); 530-752-0410.
Graduate Study
The Graduate Group in Microbiology offers programs of study and research leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.
Strong preference is given to doctoral applicants. The group offers study in general microbiology, microbial physiology, microbial genetics, molecular mechanisms of microbial regulation, molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, immunology, virology, and recombinant DNA technology. For information on the graduate study and undergraduate preparation for the program contact a graduate advisor or the Chairperson of the Group.
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