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.

About the Major

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."

Keywords: medicine, health careers, infectious disease, agriculture, ecosystems, environment, advanced research, laboratory science, field research, pharmaceutical areas, biotechnology, public health, epidemiology, food safety, fermentation, microbiome, pro-biotics, antibiotics, bioremediation, water treatment.

Other majors in the Biological Sciences:

Biology Genetics Botany
Zoology Pre-Professional Zoology Neuroscience
Environment & Sustainability Health & Human Kinetics Biochemistry

Related Minors

Highlights

Graduate Outcomes

Malory Wolfe ’19

After graduating, Malory was accepted into the Ph.D. program in Microbiology at Miami University. While at OWU, Malory participated in Travel-Learning Courses in England and the Galapagos Islands, and conducted independent study research with OWU professor Dr. Jerry Goldstein.

Headlines

Department Contact Info

Location

Schimmel/Conrades Science Center
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, OH 43015
P 740-368-3907
F 740-368-3999
E jaarlington@owu.edu

Department Contact

Chair: Chris Wolverton
Professor of Biological Sciences
Schimmel/Conrades Science Center 339
740-368-3503
scwolver@owu.edu

Academic Assistant: Judy Arlington
Schimmel/Conrades Science Center 201
740-368-3907
jaarlington@owu.edu