Microbiology is the study of small life forms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Microbes can be both harmful and beneficial to health, the environment, and society. Many microbes are also common research organisms that are used in furthering our understanding of the fundamental properties of life.
The Microbiology major offers a foundation in biological principles with specialized courses in microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi), immunology, and molecular genetics. As a Microbiology major you learn to identify, alter, or manage the a diverse range of microbes to benefit the larger world around us.
The Microbiology major at OWU has been described by professors at other universities as "an unusually excellent microbiology education." The major provides good preparation for medical school and careers in biomedical and industrial research.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Microbiology degree provides strong background in Microbiology with more diverse training in the natural sciences by requiring additional courses in Chemistry, Physics, and Math. It is primarily intended for students planning to pursue graduate school in Microbiology or medical school. See the requirements and courses.
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Microbiology degree is designed for students interested in careers in microbiology, life sciences, and environmental sciences. Students also may pursue advanced degrees in medicine or other healthcare-related fields. Students who plan graduate study in Microbiology should pursue the B.S. degree at OWU. See the requirements and courses.
OWU also offers a minor in Microbiology.
The Microbiology major may not be combined with any other major or minor offered in the Biological Sciences. Some Microbiology B.S. students also major in Pre-Medicine. Some Microbiology B.A. students have chosen to also major in a second field that matches their interests, such as Music or Public Health.
Every Microbiology major is encouraged to seek distinctive learning, research, and field experiences. With these hands-on experiences, most Microbiology majors enter graduate school (Ph.D. or master's) or a laboratory-based career soon after completing their OWU degree.
Maddie Vroom '16 earned an American Society for Microbiology Undergraduate Research Fellowship. Vroom's research examines whether the thickness of a protective preening oil found on songbird feathers affects the ability of disease-causing bacteria to damage the plumage. Previous reports have differed on whether the oil has antibacterial properties, leading Vroom to question whether the oil's viscosity may be a factor in protecting the birds.
From your first year on campus, you can get off campus with Travel-Learning Courses, a key part of The OWU Connection. Journey to a distant land and immerse yourself in another landscape and culture.
In recent Travel-Learning Courses, students have studied biology in East Africa and the Galapagos Islands, plant ecosystems in Utah, climate change in Alaska, earth science in Iceland, and global food systems in Cuba.
Build your experience and connections to the professional world with internships at hospitals, research centers, universities, and other organizations. OWU microbiology faculty use their connections in the field to help many students secure valuable internships.
Microbiology students also have received University-funded Theory-to-Practice Grants for research projects across the country and overseas.
Very few smaller liberal arts colleges offer an undergraduate degree in microbiology. OWU's program is very strong and well-recognized, offering courses in bacterial physiology, molecular virology, parasitology, immunology, and infectious diseases.
Students have the opportunity to engage full-time in cutting-edge research with faculty mentors at OWU, with free on-campus housing and a generous stipend for 10 weeks in the summer. Students go on to present their findings at an all-college scientific symposium and often also at national and international conferences.
Our labs are equipped to support a wide diversity of molecular and cellular level study, including PCR, qPCR, and protein biochemistry, for hands-on use by OWU students. We have sophisticated microscopy equipment, such as a confocal microscope for high-resolution fluorescent imaging and a Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope for even higher resolution images. These are accessible to both students and faculty for courses and advanced independent research.
OWU students have opportunities to work as research interns with Airable Research Lab, which has labs at OWU doing early-stage research on soy-based materials.
After graduating, Olivia was accepted into the Ph.D. program in Microbiology at the University of New Hampshire. While at OWU, she worked as a microbiology lab technician and played on the women's lacrosse team.
Ohio Wesleyan Student Presents Research at Microbe 2024 National Conference
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Ohio Wesleyan Student Conducts CDC-Supported Research at Texas Children's Hospital
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Many class labs involve collecting sample microbes from the environment.
Small classroom labs allow for hands-on learning of laboratory techniques directly from the professors.
An image of a "snowtube" captured on a scanning electron microscope by students.
Microbiology majors enjoy having fun together while working in lab or on research projects!
Mindi Klaus '25 in the lab.
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) gives students the opportunity to work for the summer alongside professors as research assistants. Students present research at the Summer Science Research Symposium every September.
Plates used to quantify concentrations of different viruses.
Students working on a NASA-funded project.
A microbiology research project seeks to improve the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells.
