Microbiology – Online Minor

If applying as a postbaccalaureate student for summer 2023, the deadline to apply is May 1, and classes start June 26.

Oregon State University’s minor in microbiology, offered by OSU’s College of Science, provides you with a fundamental understanding of the discipline of microbiology and its laboratory techniques. You can select a general area of study or choose from specialized topics such as immunology, virology, or human health.

Adding a minor in microbiology will pay career dividends for professionals in a variety of fields including food production, environmental science, medicine or research. It’s also a strong foundation if you’re preparing for professional or graduate school.

You’ll gain competencies in the following areas:

  • Acquiring, articulating, retaining and applying specialized language and knowledge relevant to microbiology.
  • Acquiring and demonstrating competency in lab safety and in routine and specialized microbiological lab skills applicable to microbiological research or clinical methods, including accurately reporting observations and analysis.
  • Communicating scientific concepts, experimental results and analytical arguments clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

An example of the courses that would fulfill the minor requirements could include:

Category 1: Each student must take MB 255/BHS 255 or MB 230 or (MB 302 and 303)
BHS 255*     Allied Health Microbiology
MB 230*       Introduction to Microbiology
MB 302        General Microbiology

Category 2: Take 14 - 23 credits in this category
BHS 316      Principles of Immunology
MB 320        Human Bacteriology
BHS 329      Mechanisms of Disease: Introduction to General Pathology
BOT 350      Introductory Plant Pathology
BHS 323^    Microbial Influences on Human Health
MB 340        Introductory Virology
MB 480        Parasitology

Category 3: Take 0 - 9 credits in this category
MB 330         Disease and Society
BOT 324       Fungi in Society
ANS 302       Common Diseases of Companion Animals
H 312            HIV/AIDS & STIS in Modern Society
H 320            Introduction to Human Disease
H 425            Foundations of Epidemiology

* Baccalaureate Core Course (BCC)
^ Writing Intensive Course (WIC)

Adding a microbiology minor is a good companion to other Oregon State Ecampus online degree programs, such as:

  • Public health: Combine knowledge of infectious agents with your understanding of the relationships between culture and health.
  • Natural resources and environmental sciences: Gain a deeper understanding of the historical relationship of nature and culture to identify how we can preserve our current environment.
  • Agricultural sciences: The microbiology minor is a good fit as an area of focus for this customizable program. Create your own area of expertise to fit your career goals.
  • Fisheries and wildlife sciences: Pursue your goal of maintaining a balanced ecosystem for species and habitat in the wild.
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