Microbial Biology
Download as PDF
Program Type
Overview
The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology (PMB) offers an undergraduate major program in Microbial Biology, leading to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Microbial biology focuses on small life forms such as microbes, viruses, and fungi that make up the majority of planetary biomass. Microbes play fundamental roles in maintaining biosphere health. They degrade environmental pollutants, supply essential nutrients and chemicals directly to multicellular organisms, and engage in numerous beneficial symbioses with higher organisms.
Admission to the Major
Advice on admission for freshmen and transfer students can be found on the Rausser College of Natural Resources Admissions Guide page or the college's Prospective Student website. Freshman students may apply directly to the major, or they may select the Rausser College of Natural Resource's undeclared option and declare the major by the end of their fourth semester. Transfer students may apply directly to the major through the UC application.
Information for current Berkeley students who would like to declare the major after admission, including information on a change of major or change of college, please see chapter 6 of the Rausser College of Natural Resources Undergraduate Student Handbook.
Research Opportunities
In addition to the Berkeley campus Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP), Rausser College students can also apply for the college's Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) program. For more information, please see the college's website.
Honors Program
Students with a GPA of 3.6 or higher may enroll in the Rausser College of Natural Resources Honors Program (H196) once they have reached upper division standing. To fulfill the program requirements, students work with a faculty sponsor to design, conduct, and report on an individual research project. For further information about registration for the honors symposium and the honors requirements, please see the college's website.