Microbiology is the study of organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. This includes, Bacteria, Archaea, viruses, and single-celled eukaryotes. Microorganisms, or microbes, thrive in nearly all environments, from deep sea thermal vents to the human gut where it is estimated that there are more bacteria present than eukaryotic cells in the human body. Microbes perform important functions as part of biogeochemical cycling, bioremediation, biotechnology, and are critical for human health and nutrition, as well as cause human disease. Furthermore, microbes are important experimental systems to study cell physiology, photosynthesis, ecology, evolution, genetics, biotechnology, biochemistry, and human health, reaching into many areas of biology.<br><br>The microbiology concentration provides preparation for graduate study in many areas of biological science, as well as professional study in medical, dental, or veterinary school. Graduates with a BS degree may pursue careers in medicine, environmental or food safety, biotechnology, or work as technicians in university, hospital, government, or industrial research laboratories.