Biology is the study of living systems and how they function. Because the biological sciences have had and continue to have profound impact on questions of concern to human society - longevity, environmental quality, biotechnology - knowledge of the biological sciences is an important aspect of higher education. The mission of the Department of Biology is to advance the life sciences through research and to educate and prepare the next generations of scientists, educators, professionals, and scientifically literate citizens. Students select one of four majors (i.e. Aquatic Biology, Biology, Microbiology, and Wildlife Biology) and have the option of selecting a concentration (i.e. Teacher Certification in Life Sciences, Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical, and Pre-Physician Assistant). Interested students should contact the College of Science and Engineering advising center for more information.<br><br>Microbiology is the study of microscopic life forms. Bacteria and archaea are the oldest and most successful life forms on Earth. They can live in temperatures well below freezing to above boiling. Others can live in very acid or very alkaline environments and in the presence of chemicals or radiation that may be lethal to other organisms. Fossilized microbes have been dated to be up to 3.5 billion years old.<br><br>Viruses, which are more numerous than bacteria, have none of the properties of life. Although most people associate microorganisms with disease, the majority are actually beneficial and in some cases are used to produce economically important materials, or as vectors for the treatment of disease.<br><br>In the microbiology program at Texas State, we learn about the different types of microorganisms, their biology, where they are found, their interactions with humans, and the interactions of microorganisms with each other and the environment.