Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, usually organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts and molds, impact many aspects of life on Earth to the extent that life would not be possible in the absence of microbes. Though a small percentage of microbes are capable of causing diseases in plants and animals, many perform beneficial functions and can also be used to manufacture chemicals and medical products. Microbiology is a large discipline with many different subspecialties that have applications in medicine, ecology, agriculture, pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, and the food industry, among others. Typical interest and values of microbiology majors: Pre-Professional Health Club Concern for the environment Desire for intellectual growth Professional: Interest in living organisms American Association for the Advancement of Precision and attention to detail Science Society for Conservation Biology Knowledge and skills gained from studying American Institute of Biological Sciences microbiology: American Zoo and Aquarium Association Knowledge: Microbiology students will develop skills valued by Career fields related to microbiology: employers in a wide variety of industries. The Potential Employers: microbiology emphasis is an excellent preparation for Microbiologists work in a wide range of industries. students who wish to enter medical, dental, You can find them working in industries from food, veterinary, physician assistant, or other health care- agriculture, and pollution control to biotechnology, related programs after graduation. Microbiologists pharmaceuticals, and health. They also work in focus on understanding biological processes leading government agencies and labs, such as the National to ways to improve our health and environment. Institutes of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, water treatment facilities, and hospitals. The Skills: education sector employs microbiologists as teachers Ability to work independently and on a team and researchers. Ability to operate scientific equipment Research, analyze, and organize information Potential Job Titles: Works with accuracy and precision Agronomist Animal Scientist Critical observation skills Aquatic Biologist Bio-Engineer Problem-solving skills Microbiologist Botanist Oral and written communication skills Brewery Laboratory Assistant Chiropractor Defining needs and identifying resources Coastal Resources Manager Coroner Developing evaluation strategies Dentist Dietitian/Nutritionist Creating and initiating new ideas Ecologist Environ. Health Fish Hatchery Tech Forester Related student and professional organizations: Genetic Researcher Geographer Student: Horticulturist Marine Biologist Naval Architect Oceanographer Tri-Beta/Biology Club Paramedic Park Ranger Conservationists Pharmacy Tech/Sales Physical Therapist Molecular Movement Form # 0400051 Revision E Physician Public Health Worker o Books sections Science Lab Tech Science Teacher - Environmental Soil Conservationist Toxicologist - Health Care General/Other Veterinarian Water Quality Tech - Physicians Wildlife Biologist Zoologist - Science Orange Section- Jobs You Might Also Consider… o “The Internship Series: The Big Green Food Science Technician Pharmacist Internship Book-Internships and Summer Natural Scientist Manager Anesthesiologist Jobs for the Environment” Agricultural Technician Plant Scientist Blue Section- Chemical Technician Epidemiologist o Resume, cover letter, interviewing, Invasive Species Specialist Forensic Scientist networking, and job search worksheets, Clinical Laboratory Scientist books, and other resources Sample entry level jobs held by UW-Eau Claire Opportunities to enhance skills in microbiology: microbiology graduates: Research Clinical Technician-Cytogenetics, Mayo Clinic, There are many opportunities for students to Rochester, MN participate in Research Experience for Environmental Scientist, Cooper E. Engineering Undergraduates (REUs) to enhance the breadth of Co., Rice Lake, WI knowledge learned in the classroom. For additional Genotyping Technician, Marshfield Clinic, information about REU’s speak to a career associate Marshfield, WI in Career Services (Schofield 230). For additional Wildlife Biologist, Department of Natural information about research at UW-Eau Claire, contact Resources, Balsam Lake, WI the Department of Biology. Internships Learn more about microbiology: Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in Department: a position that you may be considering as a potential Contact UW–Eau Claire’s Department of Biology, career. To find an internship in biology, speak with a Phillips 330, 836-4166 career associate in Career Services or contact your adviser or the Department of Biology chair. Getting started at Career Services: Directed Studies or Independent Study Class Meet with a career counselor By participating in a directed studies or independent Take interest inventory and self-assessment tests study class, students will be able to research an area Utilize Blugold Career Success Network, a that they find particularly interesting. Speak with database of UW–Eau Claire alumni & friends your adviser about enrolling in BIOL 395, 399, or 499. available for informational interviewing Utilize Blugold CareerLink, an online job search What you can do now: database specifically for UWEC students and Get a part-time job as a technician in a lab or at a alum local hospital or pharmacy. Gain research experience by teaming with a Career Discovery Center: biology (or related field) professor and Yellow Section- conducting research o Sigi3 handouts: Get a summer job as an assistant park ranger, a - Biology - Forester zookeeper, or at a summer camp to work - Botany - Geographer outdoors with wildlife or animals - Dentist - Oceanographer Get an internship at a conservatory, the DNR, the - Env. Health Specialist National Park Service, or the Bureau of Land - Wildlife Biologist Management If animals interest you, get a job at an animal hospital, a kennel, or a humane society Form # 0400051 Revision E .