Embedded Certificate in Microbiology

Microbiology Certificate Program in Biology, University of West Georgia Certificate
Directors: Dr. Sara J. Molesworth and Dr. William J. Kenyon

Eligibility
• The Microbiology Certificate program is open to all Biology majors, students pursuing either the B.S. or minor in Biology at the University of West Georgia.
• A student may formally apply to the certificate program after successful completion of Microbiology (BIOL 3310) with a grade of “C” or higher.
• Following completion of all program requirements, a certificate will be awarded by the University of West Georgia to acknowledge this academic accomplishment.
• Microbiology Certificate program application packages are available through the University of West Georgia Biology Program.

Learning Outcomes

Students will use concepts, principals, and knowledge to demonstrate mastery in two of the following four subject areas: 1. Bacteriology, 2. Microbial genetics, 3. Virology, 4. Immunology.
Students will use critical thinking skills or problem based learning skills to demonstrate mastery of the scientific method as pertains to three criteria: 1. Background knowledge, 2. Data analysis, and 3. Experimental design.
Students will acquire, organize, and present scientific information in the written or oral form and be judged in terms of three criteria: 1. Scientific content, 2. Comprehension and development of ideas, and 3. Structure and organization of their work.

Requirements (minimum of 16 total credit hours):

Required Course

(prerequisite for all 4000-level electives):
BIOL 3310 - Microbiology 4 Credit Hours (with a C or better)

Upper-Level Electives (minimum of 12 credit hours):

BIOL 4315 - Bacterial Genetics 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 4321 - Applied and Environmental Microbiology 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 4325 - Advanced Medical Microbiology 3 Credit Hours
BIOL 4728 - Bacterial Pathogenesis 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 4730 - Emerging Pathogens 4 Credit Hours
BIOL 4727 - Essentials of Immunology 4 Credit Hours

A maximum of 2 credit hours from each of the following elective courses can be counted toward the certificate.

BIOL 4983 - Advanced Undergraduate Biology Research 1.0 - 4.0 Credit Hours (with an approved placement)
BIOL 4986 - Biological Internship 1.0 - 4.0 Credit Hours (with an approved placement)

NOTES:

Credit hours from courses taken to fulfill the Microbiology Certificate also count toward the B.S. in Biology and the Biology minor. Furthermore, certificate requirements do not change the degree requirements for the B.S. in Biology and the Biology minor.
An equivalent course to BIOL 3310 from a different institution may be acceptable upon approval by certificate directors.