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Undergraduate Program

UW Microbiology

Course Planning

Freshman Year

  • Inorganic chemistry (Chem 142, 152, 162) and the math requirement should be completed in the first year. Those considering graduate work should consider completing one year of calculus (Math 124, 125, 126), or alternatively Quantitative Science 291, 292, and 381.
  • Complete Language skills requirements if possible, and begin courses for the Additional Writing and Areas of Knowledge requirements. The Quantitative/Symbolic reasoning requirement is satisfied by taking the math course(s) that are required of microbiology majors.

Sophomore

  • By the end of the second year the basic biological sequence Biol 180, 200, 220; Organic Chemistry, Chem 223, or 237 or honors 335.
  • Continue courses for areas of Knowledge and Additional Writing requirements.

Junior and Senior

  • Usually the microbiology courses are distributed between the junior and senior years. There is a broad choice of electives in many departments. For students considering graduate research work, Bioc 440, 441, 442 is the preferred sequence. Microm 499 (undergraduate laboratory research) are strongly recommended for all students, but particularly those who plan to attend graduate programs in biological science.
  • It is recommended that students considering certain professional graduate programs (medical school, dental school, and pharmacy) take additional requirements not needed for the major. 
  • Complete the Areas of Knowledge requirements and electives.