The Bachelor of Science degree program in Microbiology at the University of Wyoming is an inter-departmental major involving the collaborative teaching, advising, and research expertise of over 20 faculty microbiologists from the Colleges of Agriculture, Arts and Sciences, and Health Sciences. Students receive individualized academic advising from faculty mentors and may obtain their degree in either the College of Agriculture or the College of Arts and Sciences. The curriculum is organized to provide students maximum flexibility in meeting their University Studies Program requirements. It prepares our graduates for the future by combining a firm foundation in the basic sciences of biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, physics, and mathematics with a central core of microbiology courses that include General Microbiology as well as a variety of specialty Microbiology courses emphasizing the diversity and applied significance of microbes. It also provides opportunities for students to choose elective microbiology courses that allow them to specialize in areas of microbiology unique to their interests and future career plans. Finally, the Program provides opportunities for all interested students to complete laboratory-based or field-based research experiences under the direction of a faculty mentor.<br><br>Microbiology is the study of life forms too small to be seen without magnification. Microbes include the bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, and sub-cellular agents like the viruses, prions, and viroids. The science of Microbiology includes numerous sub-specialty sciences that reflect the diversity of microbial life forms (e.g. bacteriology, virology, and mycology, etc.) as well as other sub-specialties that reflect their significance in applied areas like medical microbiology/infectious diseases, immunology, microbial ecology and bioremediation, food microbiology, industrial microbiology, and biotechnology. Areas of basic sciences like biochemistry, molecular biology, and molecular genetics are also important sciences in Microbiology. Throughout its history, Microbiology has played key roles in the development of our understanding of basic biochemical and genetic processes, control of infectious diseases, production of increased food supplies, and production of numerous commercial products that continue to enrich the quality of our lives.