BS in Microbiology
The BS in Microbiology is a specialized implementation of the Biomedical Science Concentration within the Department of Biological Sciences that is modeled on the degree recommendations of the American Society of Microbiology. The Microbiology curriculum stresses the sciences of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics essential to the study of microbiology providing a strong foundation for medical and graduate school biomedical studies in infectious disease and immunology, and for advanced studies in environmental and industrial microbiology. The stringency of the program and the extensive laboratory training also prepares graduates for entry level positions in medical and industrial microbiology and has sufficient flexibility to allow preparation for graduate study or for employment in microbiological and allied fields.
Marketable Skills
- Communication: Reach mutual understanding through the effective exchange of information, ideas, and feelings.
- Critical thinking: Analyze and evaluate issues in order to solve problems and develop informed opinions.
- Organization: Use resources effectively and efficiently in order to stay focused on different tasks.
- Problem-solving: Find solutions to difficult or complex issues.
- Research: Be able to search, investigate and critically analyze information in response to a specific research question.
- Time management: Prioritize goals and organize time to be more productive and efficient.
Learning Outcomes
- All students will have basic knowledge about facts and principles of microbiology, cell biology, and molecular biology.
- Students will develop critical thinking skills and apply those skills to solve problems of scientific relevance.
- Students will understand and employ microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology techniques in a research laboratory setting (e.g. accurate pipetting).
- Students will carry out basic experiments in the laboratory, understand experimental controls, and analyze data to make rational conclusions.
The requirements for the BS degree in Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry consist of the general College of Science requirements: completion of at least 120 semester credit hours, a minimum of 37 of which must be in upper-division coursework, and completion of the University's General Education Core, which includes mathematics requirements MATH 1411. In addition, MATH 1312 or STAT 2480 is required.
For more information contact CORE advisors.
Fast Track
The Fast-Track Program enables outstanding undergraduate UTEP students to receive both undergraduate and graduate credit for up to 15 hours of UTEP course work as determined by participating Master's and Doctoral programs. Not all undergraduate programs have elected to participate in the Fast Track option, so students should see their departmental graduate advisor for information about requirements and guidelines. A list of courses that have been approved for possible use at the graduate level is found here.
M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration / B.S. in Microbiology
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 5304 | Accounting Analysis | 3 |
| BLAW 5306 | Business Law and Ethics | 3 |
| ECON 5311 | Managerial Economics | 3 |
| FIN 5311 | Financial Management | 3 |
| MGMT 5311 | Organizational Mgmt Seminar | 3 |
| MKT 5311 | Marketing Management | 3 |
| QMB 5311 | Quantitative Methods-Business | 3 |
| OSCM 5308 | Concepts of Production Mgmt | 3 |
M.S. in Bioinformatics / B.S. in Biomedical Sciences; B.S. in Microbiology
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BINF 5351 | Intro. Bioinformatics I | 3 |
| BINF 5352 | Intro. Bioinformatics II | 3 |
| BIOL 5351 | Intro Bio I:Basic Seq. Comp. | 3 |
| BIOL 5352 | Intro Bio II: Gene Find/Compar | 3 |
| BIOL 5316 | Biosystematics | 3 |
| BIOL 5326 | Advances Immunological Concept | 3 |
| BIOL 5329 | Physiology of Bacterial Cell | 3 |
| BIOL 5340 | Structure/Funct Macromolecules | 3 |
| BIOL 5342 | ||
| BIOL 5343 | ||
| BIOL 5344 | Molecular Pathogenesis | 3 |
M.S. in Biomedical Engineering / B.S. Biomedical Sciences; B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry; B.S. in Microbiology
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 5301 | Select Adv Topics Biol Science * | 3 |
| BIOL 5308 | Rsrch Funding & Prof Developmt | 3 |
| BIOL 5311 | Neurobiology of Brain Diseases | 3 |
| BIOL 5320 | Endocrinology | 3 |
| BIOL 5330 | Cancer Biology | 3 |
| BME 5301 | BME for Global Health | 3 |
| BME 5302 | Telemedicine & Imaging Info. | 3 |
| BME 5303 | Research & Lab Methods | 3 |
| BME 5304 | BME Device Design & Regulation | 3 |
| BME 5310 | Biomaterials | 3 |
| BME 5313 | Tissue Engineering | 3 |
| BME 5321 | Biomechatronics | 3 |
| BME 5353 | 3 | |
| BME 5390 | Special Topics in BME | 3 |
- *
Advisor approval needed
Degree Plan
Required Credits: 120
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Core Curriculum C | ||
| Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. | 42 | |
| Designated Core C | ||
| Life and Physical Science | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| General Physics I and General Physics II | ||
| OR | ||
| Introductory Mechanics and Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | ||
| and | ||
| Introductory Electromagnetism and Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Microbiology Major | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| BIOL 1305 & BIOL 1107 | General Biology and Topics in Study of Life I C | 4 |
| BIOL 1306 & BIOL 1108 | Organismal Biology and Organismal Biology Laboratory C | 4 |
| CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 4 |
| CHEM 1306 & CHEM 1106 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 4 |
| BIOL 3192 | Professional Development Sem. | 1 |
| BIOL 3314 & BIOL 3115 | Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 2324 & CHEM 2124 | Organic Chemistry and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2324 C | 4 |
| CHEM 2325 & CHEM 2125 | Organic Chemistry and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2325 C | 4 |
| CHEM 3330 | Biochem I:Struc & Function | 3 |
| MATH 1312 | Calculus II | 3 |
| or STAT 2480 | Elementary Statistical Methods | |
| MICR 2340 & MICR 2141 | General Microbiology and Gen Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| MICR 3343 & MICR 3144 | Pathogenic Microbiology and Pathogenic Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| MICR 3345 & MICR 3146 | Microbial Physiology and Microbial Physiology Lab | 4 |
| MICR 3349 & MICR 3150 | Prokaryotic Molecular Genetic and Prokaryotic Mol Genetic Lab | 4 |
| MICR 4353 & MICR 4154 | Immunology and Immunology Laboratory | 4 |
| Select nine hours of the following: | 9 | |
| Genetics 2 | ||
| Histology | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| G Protein-Coupled Recept Biol | ||
| Mammalian Physiology | ||
| Topics in Biology | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Epidemiology | ||
| General Virology | ||
| Medical Mycology | ||
| Medical Parasitology | ||
| Additional Coursework: | ||
| Select eleven hours of additional coursework, of which fours hour must be upper-division. | 11 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| 1 Although the UTEP choice is larger, these choices satisfy the requirements of both the core and the major. | ||
| 2 Strongly recommended. | ||
| C Course requires a grade of C or better. | ||
University Core Curriculum
The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.
All courses require a C or better
I. Communication (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. | ||
| Select six hours of the following: | 6 | |
| For students whose secondary education was in English: | ||
| Written and Oral Communication | ||
| Writing About Literature | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition 2 | ||
| Rhetoric, Composition & Comm | ||
| For students whose secondary education was not in English: | ||
| Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl | ||
| Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl | ||
| Total Hours | 6 | |
II. American History (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role. | ||
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
III. Language, Philosophy & Culture (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro-African Amer Studies | ||
| Latina/o Presence in the U.S. | ||
| English Literature | ||
| English Literature | ||
| Intro to American Fiction | ||
| Intro to American Drama | ||
| Intro to American Poetry | ||
| Making of the "Other" Americas | ||
| World History to 1500 | ||
| World History Since 1500 | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Introduct to Religious Studies | ||
| Seeing & Naming: Conversations | ||
| Introduction to Womens Studies | ||
| Global Feminisms | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
IV. Mathematics (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Algebra | ||
| Trigonometry and Conics | ||
| Math in the Modern World | ||
| Math for Social Sciences I | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Precalculus 1,2 | ||
| Math for Social Sciences II | ||
| Statistical Literacy | ||
| Elementary Statistical Methods | ||
| 1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted. | ||
| 2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement. | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
V. Life & Physical Sciences (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1-4 | |
| Astronomy Lab I | ||
| Elem Astronomy-Solar System | ||
| Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies | ||
| Introductory Biology Lab | ||
| Human Biology Laboratory | ||
| Topics in Study of Life I | ||
| Organismal Biology Laboratory | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Human Biology | ||
| General Biology | ||
| Organismal Biology | ||
| Human Anat/Physio Lab I | ||
| Human Anat/Physio Lab II | ||
| Human Anat/Physiology I | ||
| Human Anat/Physiology II | ||
| Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | ||
| Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | ||
| Intro General Chemistry Lab | ||
| Intro Organic & Biochem Lab | ||
| General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry | ||
| Intro to General Chemistry | ||
| Intro Organic & Biochemistry | ||
| Environmental Sci. Lab | ||
| Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301 | ||
| Intro to Environment Science 2 | ||
| Intro to Environmental Sci | ||
| Laboratory for GEOG 1306 | ||
| Physical Geography | ||
| Lab for GEOL 1313 | ||
| Lab for GEOL 1314 | ||
| Principles of Earth Sci - Lab | ||
| Laboratory for Geology 1212 | ||
| Principles of Earth Sciences | ||
| Principles of Earth Science | ||
| The Blue Planet | ||
| Natural Hazards | ||
| Intro to Physical Geology | ||
| Intro to Historical Geol | ||
| Fundamentals of Nutrition | ||
| Wellness Dynamics | ||
| Microorganisms and Disease | ||
| General Physics I | ||
| General Physics II | ||
| Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | ||
| Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | ||
| Introductory Mechanics | ||
| Introductory Electromagnetism | ||
| Total Hours | 6 | |
VI. Political Science (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations. | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
VII. Social and Behavioral Sciences (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog | ||
| Intro-Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Intro to Linguistics | ||
| Econ for Engrs & Scientists | ||
| Intro to Chicano Studies | ||
| Asian American Studies | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Mass Media and Society | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Introduction to Ed Psychology | ||
| Action Research in Classrooms | ||
| Introduction to Linguistics | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Leadership in Action | ||
| Introduction to Linguistics | ||
| Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
VIII. Creative Arts (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| History of Art I | ||
| History of Art II | ||
| Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat | ||
| Introduction to Dance | ||
| Intro-Art of Motion Pict. | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Jazz to Rock | ||
| Music, Culture, and Society | ||
| Introduction to Theatre | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
IX. Component Area Option (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice. | ||
| Intro to Global Business | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Business/Profession Comm | ||
| Intro-Computational Thinking | ||
| Computer Programming Sci/Engr | ||
| Eng Innovation and Leadership | ||
| Engineering Design Experience | ||
| Applied Engineering Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Leadership | ||
| Inquiry in Math & Science | ||
| Comm. Var. Across the Lifespan | ||
| Seminar/Critical Inquiry | ||
| Total Hours | 0 | |
4-Year Sample Degree Plan
BS in Microbiology (Starting with Calculus)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BS IN MICROBIOLOGY (STARTING WITH CALCULUS) | ||
| FRESHMAN | ||
| Fall | ||
| RWS 1301 | Rhetoric & Composition I | 3 |
| SCI 1301 | Inquiry in Math & Science | 3 |
| BIOL 1305 & BIOL 1107 | General Biology and Topics in Study of Life I | 4 |
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 | 3 |
| PSYC 1301 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| BIOL 1306 & BIOL 1108 | Organismal Biology and Organismal Biology Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 4 |
| SOPHOMORE | ||
| Fall | ||
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| CHEM 1306 & CHEM 1106 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 4 |
| PHYS 1403 | General Physics I | 4 |
| MICR 2340 & MICR 2141 | General Microbiology and Gen Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| COMM 1301 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| CHEM 2324 & CHEM 2124 | Organic Chemistry and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2324 | 4 |
| PHYS 1404 | General Physics II | 4 |
| JUNIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 2325 & CHEM 2125 | Organic Chemistry and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2325 | 4 |
| BIOL 3314 & BIOL 3115 | Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory | 4 |
| Upper-Division Menu Elective | 3 | |
| Lower-Division Elective | 4 | |
| Spring | ||
| Creative Arts Core | 3 | |
| STAT 2480 | Elementary Statistical Methods | 3-4 |
| or MATH 1312 | Calculus II | |
| CHEM 3330 | Biochem I:Struc & Function | 3 |
| BIOL 3192 | Professional Development Sem. | 1 |
| MICR 3343 & MICR 3144 | Pathogenic Microbiology and Pathogenic Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| Lower Division Elective | 3 | |
| SENIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| PHIL 2306 | Ethics | 3 |
| MICR 3345 & MICR 3146 | Microbial Physiology and Microbial Physiology Lab | 4 |
| Upper Division Menu Elective | 3 | |
| MICR 4353 & MICR 4154 | Immunology and Immunology Laboratory | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
| Upper-Division Menu Elective | 3 | |
| MICR 3349 & MICR 3150 | Prokaryotic Molecular Genetic and Prokaryotic Mol Genetic Lab | 4 |
| Upper-Division Elective | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 120-121 | |
BS in Microbiology (Starting with Pre-Calculus)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BS IN MICROBIOLOGY (STARTING WITH PRECALCULUS) | ||
| FRESHMAN | ||
| Fall | ||
| RWS 1301 | Rhetoric & Composition I | 3 |
| SCI 1301 | Inquiry in Math & Science | 3 |
| BIOL 1305 & BIOL 1107 | General Biology and Topics in Study of Life I | 4 |
| MATH 1508 | Precalculus | 5 |
| Spring | ||
| RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 | 3 |
| COMM 1301 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| BIOL 1306 & BIOL 1108 | Organismal Biology and Organismal Biology Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 4 |
| SOPHOMORE | ||
| Fall | ||
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| CHEM 1306 & CHEM 1106 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | 4 |
| PHYS 1403 | General Physics I | 4 |
| MICR 2340 & MICR 2141 | General Microbiology and Gen Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| PSYC 1301 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Creative Arts Core | 3 | |
| CHEM 2324 & CHEM 2124 | Organic Chemistry and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2324 | 4 |
| PHYS 1404 | General Physics II | 4 |
| JUNIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| Language, Philosophy, and Culture Core | 3 | |
| CHEM 2325 & CHEM 2125 | Organic Chemistry and Lab for Organic Chemistry 2325 | 4 |
| Upper Division Menu Elective | 3 | |
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Lower-Division Elective | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 3330 | Biochem I:Struc & Function | 3 |
| BIOL 3314 & BIOL 3115 | Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Cell Biol Laboratory | 4 |
| MICR 3343 & MICR 3144 | Pathogenic Microbiology and Pathogenic Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| Lower-Division Elective | 4 | |
| SENIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| MICR 3345 & MICR 3146 | Microbial Physiology and Microbial Physiology Lab | 4 |
| Upper Division Menu Elective | 3 | |
| STAT 2480 | Elementary Statistical Methods | 3-4 |
| or MATH 1312 | Calculus II | |
| BIOL 3192 | Professional Development Sem. | 1 |
| MICR 4353 & MICR 4154 | Immunology and Immunology Laboratory | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
| Upper-Division Menu Elective | 3 | |
| MICR 3349 & MICR 3150 | Prokaryotic Molecular Genetic and Prokaryotic Mol Genetic Lab | 4 |
| Lower-Division Elective | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 125-126 | |