Microbiology is the study of the properties, characteristics, and interactions of microorganisms and their affects on other organisms and the environment. Microbiology has been and continues to be at the forefront of those fields and technologies that contribute to human welfare and to our understanding of the basic mechanisms of life processes.
At UCSB, the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology offers students the opportunity to select one of three emphases within the Microbiology major: General Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or Genetic Engineering. General Microbiology: Provides students with a broad knowledge base regarding the fundamental principles and diversity of microorganisms. These studies emphasize the contribution of microbiology to our basic understanding of fundamental life processes and provide insight into how microbiology impacts our everyday lives. Biomedical Sciences: Provides general training in microbiology and specialized instruction in the fundamental principles of pathogenic microorganisms. Presently, emerging infectious diseases pose a major threat to world health and contribute to increased health care costs. Genetic Engineering: Provides general training in microbiology and specialized training in the methodology of recombinant DNA research. Students are exposed to state-of-the- art techniques in biotechnology, including DNA sequencing, gene cloning, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).