Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science, CLAS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Florida

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida gives students a strong understanding of microorganisms, cells and the molecular processes that support life. It is a good fit for students interested in scientific research, biotechnology, healthcare or public health, while also providing a strong foundation for further study in areas such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by developing a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and mathematics through courses such as Integrated Principles of Biology 1, Integrated Principles of Biology 2 and General Chemistry 1. They also build quantitative skills through subjects such as Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1, preparing them for more advanced microbiology and cell science coursework.

Year 2: Students move into more specialized scientific study with courses including Organic Chemistry 1, Organic Chemistry 2 and Organic Chemistry Laboratory, and Principles of Microbiology and Principles of Microbiology Laboratory. These subjects help students understand microorganisms in greater depth while giving them practical laboratory experience.

Year 3: Students explore more advanced areas of microbiology and cellular science through subjects such as Bacterial Pathogens, Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function and Genetics of Microorganisms. They can also explore areas such as Immunology, Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function and Molecular Genetics, allowing them to shape their studies around their interests.

Year 4: In their final year, students build on their previous knowledge through courses such as Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Advanced Microbiology Laboratory, along with upper-level electives. Students can also strengthen their computational skills through options such as Python Programming for Biology or R for Functional Genomics, helping them work confidently with biological data.

Focus Areas

Microbiology, cell biology, biomolecular sciences, molecular biology, microbial physiology, microbial genetics, bacterial pathogens, immunology, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure, molecular genetics, biochemistry, genomics, bioinformatics, programming and host-pathogen interactions.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop an understanding of microbiology, molecular biology and host-pathogen interactions, while learning how to apply research methods, evaluate scientific information and experimental data, solve biological problems and communicate scientific findings clearly through written and oral work.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program provides a strong foundation for students planning to enter medical, dental, pharmacy or veterinary programs, as well as graduate and public health programs. It can also prepare students for opportunities in government, industrial research and diagnostic laboratories by combining microbiology knowledge with laboratory, research, quantitative and computational skills. The University of Florida does not list a separate external professional accreditation for this bachelor's degree on the official program information.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Students study within the University of Florida's Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, where teaching and research are closely connected. The department reports that a majority of Microbiology and Cell Science majors participate in undergraduate research with mentors across the university, giving students practical experience that can strengthen their preparation for employment, graduate study and professional-school applications.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida gives students plenty of opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical experience. Through laboratory courses, supervised research, genome projects and biological data analysis, students can develop hands-on skills while working with real scientific questions. The program also gives students opportunities to work with faculty researchers and explore modern areas such as genomics, bioinformatics and microbiology.

Students can build practical experience through several program-specific opportunities:

Supervised undergraduate research: MCB 4911 – Supervised Research in Microbiology and Cell Science allows students to work on research projects involving experimental design, investigation, discovery and practical applications under faculty guidance.
Independent research: Through MCB 4905 – Independent Study, students can undertake individual laboratory research with a faculty member, giving them the chance to gain deeper experience in an area that matches their interests.
Advanced laboratory experience: MCB 4034L – Advanced Microbiology Laboratory provides practical training in microbiology and related research techniques, helping students become more confident working in a laboratory environment.
Microbiology laboratory: MCB 3023L – Principles of Microbiology Laboratory combines practical laboratory work with the study of microorganisms and their biological processes.
Genome and laboratory projects: Students complete genome and laboratory projects as part of the program, allowing them to apply microbiology concepts to practical scientific investigations and work with genomic information.
R and data-analysis tools: MCB 4794 – Analysis, Interpretation, and Visualization of Microbiological Data introduces students to R and command-line tools for analysing microbiological datasets, including RNA-Seq and 16S rRNA gene sequencing data.
Python programming: Students can develop computational skills through BSC 2891 – Python Programming for Biology, which introduces programming specifically for biological applications.
Faculty research opportunities: A large number of Microbiology and Cell Science majors participate in undergraduate research with faculty mentors across the University of Florida. This gives students opportunities to become involved in ongoing research projects and gain experience working alongside researchers.
Research laboratories: Students can participate in active research laboratories within the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science. Research opportunities cover areas such as microbial genetics, bacterial pathogens, immunology, genomics, cell biology and host-pathogen interactions.
Specialized research areas: Depending on their courses and research interests, students can explore microbial genetics, bacterial pathogens, immunology, cell structure and function, genome sequencing, bioinformatics, host-pathogen interactions and microbiological data analysis.
Teaching experience: Students interested in teaching can take MCB 4934 – Supervised Teaching, which provides experience supporting instruction as a teaching assistant.
Department facilities: Students are based within the University of Florida's Microbiology and Cell Science Building, which supports the department's teaching and research activities and provides an environment for students to engage with microbiology and cell science research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida prepares students for careers in microbiology, biotechnology, biomedical research, public health, government and diagnostic laboratories. It also gives students a strong foundation for continuing into professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine, or pursuing graduate study in microbiology, cell biology and related biomedical fields.

Typical career directions include research scientist, bioinformatics analyst, genomics specialist and public health microbiologist. Students can strengthen their career preparation through research, professional-development courses and biotechnology-focused experience:

Career preparation: MCB 3933 – Professional Development in Microbiology and Cell Science helps students explore career options and prepare their academic credentials for professional schools, academia, industry and other career paths. MCB 4090 – Careers for Impact in Microbiology and Cell Science helps students develop networking and communication skills while exploring experiential learning and career opportunities.
Industry preparation: MCB 4924L – Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Experience Capstone gives students exposure to biotechnology practices, including industry standards, regulatory requirements and quality practices. It helps students connect their laboratory knowledge with practical applications used in biotechnology.
Research experience: A majority of Microbiology and Cell Science majors participate in undergraduate research with mentors across the University of Florida. Students planning to continue into graduate or professional school are encouraged to complete at least two semesters of undergraduate research, helping them build practical experience and strengthen their applications.
Career areas: The University of Florida Department of Microbiology and Cell Science highlights opportunities in research and innovation, biotechnology and industry, public health and government. Potential roles include research scientist, genomics specialist, bioinformatics analyst, bioprocess scientist, regulatory affairs specialist, public health microbiologist and environmental microbiologist.
Employment and salary outlook: The department reports a 2024 median annual wage of $87,330 for microbiologists, with 4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 and approximately 1,700 job openings per year. These figures represent the broader microbiologist occupation and are not specific salary outcomes for University of Florida graduates.
Long-term professional value: Students graduate with experience across microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, laboratory research, quantitative analysis and computational biology. This combination can provide a strong foundation for developing specialist expertise through employment, graduate study or professional education.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue opportunities in government, industrial research and diagnostic laboratories or continue into graduate and professional programs. The department also offers combination-degree opportunities for students who want to connect their undergraduate education with advanced study.
Accreditation: The official program information does not identify a separate external professional accreditation specifically for this bachelor's degree. The University of Florida is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BS in Microbiology and Cell Science, students can continue into graduate study in microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry and related cellular or biomedical sciences. The University of Florida's Department of Microbiology and Cell Science offers MS and PhD programs, while the bachelor's degree can also prepare students for medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary and public health programs.