The Microbiology major deals with microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, & viruses. Microbiology students study microbial growth, survival, metabolism, genetics, and physiology, while examining the organism’s relationship to the environment, biotechnology, and diseases. Many microbiologist focus on a specialized field in microbiology that can be used in hospital/clinical laboratories, the environment, the food industry, research laboratories, and in colleges/universities.
Some Characteristics of Microbiology Majors: Professional: ♦ Interest in microorganisms American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science ♦ Enjoy working in a laboratory American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular ♦ Desire to understand how microbes cause diseases Biology ♦ Desire for intellectual growth American Society for Microbiology ♦ Interest in government, academic, or private jobs Association for Clinical Biochemistry ♦ Precision and attention to details ♦ Inquisitive Careers in Microbiology: Employment: What You Gain From Studying Microbiology: Microbiology can be used in medical, academic, Knowledge: veterinary, environmental, public health, food, and The Microbiology major prepares students to pursue pharmaceutical industries to examine the way medical, dental, and other health-professional microbes or microorganisms affect health care, schools, and graduate schools in microbiology, products, animals, the environment, and the food molecular biology, biochemistry, and related supply. Many entry level microbiology jobs accept disciplines. The major provides intensive training in a Bachelor’s degree. You can advance from entry modern microbiology, including cutting-edge research level to higher-level positions with additional in genomics and genetic engineering. education.
Skills: Need Bachelor’s Degree Need Further Education ♦ Critical thinking and problem solving Agriculturist Forensic scientist ♦ Work independently and on a team Biotechnologist Genetic engineer ♦ Bacteria & virus isolation and identification Brew master Immunologist ♦ Culture microorganisms Clinical lab tech Medical researcher ♦ Microscopy techniques Clinical trials asst. Medical tech Environ. scientist Parasistologist ♦ Operate scientific lab equipment Food microbiologist Pathologist ♦ Record and analyze data Geneticist Phlebotomist ♦ Oral and written communication Histotechnologist Physician
Lab coordinator/tech Physician asst. Participate in Student & Professional Organizations: Microbiologist Professor Student (Sponsored by Bio. Sci. Dept): Mycologist Public health tech Biology Club Quality assurance Virologist Pre-Vet Club Research Asst/tech Tri-Beta Honors Society Technical sales
Learn More About Microbiology careers: Biological Sciences Advisors: Langley A258 research experience program (REU, fellowship, co- www.biology.pitt.edu/undergraduate/advising op) on or off-campus. Check deadlines early. ♦ www.biology.pitt.edu/undergraduate/research ♦ Join the Bio. Newsletter for announcements ♦ www.asundergrad.pitt.edu/our/research ♦ Get advising info. before & after declaring major ♦ www.undergradresearch.pitt.edu/research- ♦ Learn about useful courses opportunities/ ♦ Inquire about research & internship opportunities ♦ www.fws.gov/northeast/youth/college.html
Career Development: WPU 2nd Floor Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA) www.careers.pitt.edu/ Being an undergraduate teaching assistant is a terrific way to share your knowledge, gain ♦ Meet with a Career Counselor (in person or virtual) confidence, and prepare yourself for leadership ♦ Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests roles. Many courses utilize UTAs, and you should ♦ Assistance w/ CVs, resumes, & cover letters contact the instructor directly. ♦ Internship placement (guaranteed) www.biology.pitt.edu/undergraduate/uta ♦ Employment search – via Future Links & Pitt ♦ Job shadowing program Places Microbiology Majors Have Interned: ♦ Career fairs GSPH –Dept. of Infectious Disease & Microbiology Carnegie Science Center What You Can Do Now: School of Medicine – Dept. of Pharmacology ♦ Gain research experience by teaming with a Biology Starkist Co. – Product Development (or related field) professor and conducting research Tutoring & Study Resources ♦ Get an internship at the CDC, NIH, hospital/clinic, Academic Resource Center (ARC) research lab, public health dept, forensics lab, Calculus & Statistics Labs medical school, or Bio. Engineering company Fish Bowl – Chemistry Dept. ♦ Get a part-time or summer job in a lab, industrial Learning Communities – various residence halls company, vet clinic, or research institute Math Assistance Center ♦ Study abroad to broaden cultural perspective and Writing Center gain international experience This handout provides a brief sample of skills, jobs, Ways To Acquire Skills in Microbiology: and tips for individuals pursuing a degree in this Internships major. It is not an exhaustive listing, but it gives Internships provide hands-on experience in an area that initial insight into a particular career field that interests you as a potential career. To find a biology would employ the skills and knowledge gained related internship speak with a Bio. Sci. advisor or a Career through this major. Contact the Biological Sciences Development advisor, and visit the links below. Advisors if you have any questions. ♦ www.biology.pitt.edu/undergraduate/research/outsid e-pitt ♦ www.biology.pitt.edu/undergraduate/research- internships/starting-intern
Research Various opportunities exist for students to participate in research experiences outside of the classroom to develop an understanding of inquiry based research. Research can be performed on campus during the term for credit or no credit, or during the summer as part of an undergraduate