Undergraduate

Undergraduate Overview

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 climate change. 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. Please see MIMG sample plans and requirements here. 

In addition to key core courses, the MIMG major emphasizes learning through an authentic research experience (Path 1 or Path 2).  All our students carry out primary research, either by working in a faculty member’s laboratory (Path 2), or through collaborative research projects in laboratory courses (Path 1).  Through this research experience, we will help you develop skills needed in your future careers, including the ability to present your research in both written and oral forms. 

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.

Students can reach MIMG Advisors, Dr. Fonseca and Sierra, at undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu. The MIMG Advising website has additional details about MIMG advising services. 

MIMG Requirements

 MIMG General Catalog 

Sample MIMG Course Plans

MIMG students should work with MIMG Advisors and UCLA College Advisors for UCLA degree planning. This ensures timely graduation and completion of all degree requirements while allowing students to make the most of their UCLA experience. 

The below sample MIMG major plans are examples only and do not apply to all students. You must meet the requisite requirements to enroll. Students, please contact MIMG Advisors (undergrad@microbio.ucla) with your UID to discuss your personal plan or ask for feedback on a draft plan. 

MIMG Advisors can provide sample major plans in alternative formats by request. Please email undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu to inquire about sample majors plans in your preferred format. 

 

Laboratory Research Overview

The Competency-based Research Laboratory Curriculum (CRLC) is comprised of a series of courses that build upon the competencies described in the AAMC-HHMI (2009) and Vision and Change (2011) reports.  Upon completion of requisite introductory courses in the Life Sciences Core Program, MIMG students fulfill their major requirements by one of two research paths. Upon completion of either Path 1 or Path 2, students present their research at the MIMG Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium.

Path 1 is an authentic research experience in which students participate in all aspects of the scientific process, from sample collection through preparation of data for publication. Students choose to enroll in a laboratory course referred to as Research Immersion Labs (course AL).  The process of discovery is demonstrated through a guided, inquiry-based experience organized around team research projects.  Activities span two consecutive quarters with each Research Immersion Lab followed by an Advanced Research Analysis course (BL).  The first course offers hands-on experience collecting data, analyzing preliminary results, and reading the scientific literature, while the second course emphasizes rigorous quantitative and computational analysis of data, oral presentation and discussion of research ideas, and written documentation of research accomplishments.

Learn more about Path 1

Path 2 is intended for students who are conducting independent research in an MIMG faculty mentor’s laboratory or another approved UCLA faculty member's lab on campus.

Students who meet the eligibility requirements must submit their application and begin Path 2 coursework in their third or fourth year.  Students also should discuss the application process with faculty mentors, together designing a research project to be described in the proposal submitted with other Path 2 application materials.

Undergraduates engage in at least two-quarters of letter-graded research (196A and 196B) and concurrently participate in research seminars (180A and 180B) designed to help students acquire in-depth and broad knowledge about their research project.  Students achieve this goal by evaluating relevant scientific literature, as well as orally presenting and formally writing about their research progress. 

Learn more about Path 2

 What unifies this interdepartmental configuration of research-based courses are the student learning outcomes described below.  Course activities and assignments are devised specifically to help students achieve these goals.  Students who complete the CRLC, irrespective of path, should be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge of key disciplinary concepts and their relationship to biological systems
  • demonstrate knowledge of their research project
  • develop technical expertise and confidence through hands-on experience
  • develop problem-solving skills associated with conducting experiments
  • address scientific questions using quantitative, computational, and inquiry-related skills
  • improve presentation skills (oral communication needed for seminar and poster presentations)
  • improve scientific writing abilities (written communication needed for research papers)
  • effectively work in both individual and collaborative contexts
  • value research and its relevance to their own life and society
  • understand the process of scientific research