The Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics (MIMG) major at UCLA will provide you with the skills needed to tackle an array of societal problems, from human disease to global warming. The microorganisms that form the core of this curriculum, bacteria, eukaryotic parasites, and viruses, are agents of disease, but they also are critical to our health, food system, biotechnology (e.g. biofuels), and the environment. Our immune system controls health and disease, by detection and destruction of microorganisms and cancer cells, and is also a core of the curriculum. To this, our research and curriculum seeks a detailed molecular genetic understanding of both microorganisms and the immune system to address the most pressing questions in the field.
In addition to key core courses, the MIMG major emphasizes learning through an authentic research experience. All our students carry out primary research, either by working in a faculty member’s laboratory, or through collaborative research projects in laboratory courses. Through this research experience, we will help you develop skills need in your future careers, including the ability to present your research in both written and oral forms.
Learning Outcomes for Students with a Major in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics
Students will have the ability to do one or more of the following:
Prepare an application to one or more of the following:
—-Professional schools (Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, etc.)
—-M.S. and Ph.D. programs in the Biological Sciences
Acquire sufficient lab skills to be employed by:
—-Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical/Agricultural companies
—-Academic Research Laboratories
Have sufficient knowledge of the MIMG disciplines, combined with additional training, to become a:
—-Science Writer
—-Science Educator
Students will additionally have the ability to:
Understand how Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics impacts the world:
—-Critically assess science related to MIMG topics in news articles.
—-Explain the role of MIMG topics in medicine, ethics, research, the environment, and agriculture.
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of key concepts in MIMG through coursework
Effectively communicate on topics in MIMG both orally and in written format.
Discuss current research articles in the topics of MIMG
—-Execute database searches for appropriate scientific literature.
—-Use as evidence to substantiate conclusions.
Address scientific questions or solve problems in the MIMG field by:
—-Developing hypotheses.
—-Designing and performing experiments.
—-Analyzing data and interpreting results.