Undergraduate Program in Microbiology

The Microbiology Undergraduate Program offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in the College of Biological Sciences. Both degrees are designed to provide students with quantitative skills and knowledge across the breadth of Biological Sciences, while maintaining a focus on the biology of microorganisms. The B.S. degree offers more training in mathematics, biochemistry and laboratory methodology; the A.B. degree incorporates more exposure to the liberal arts. The major serves as the foundation for advanced study in microbiology, entry into the professional schools of all health sciences, or immediate employment in biotechnology, health care and food science industries.

Advising

Use your campus resources and come in for academic advising. The Department of Microbiology (MIC) offers students majoring in Microbiology advising from our Peer Advisors, Academic Advisor and/or Master Advisor.
Peer Advisors

Matthew Hirakawa (mphirakawa@ucdavis.edu)
Location: 357 Briggs
Office Hours: TR 1:30pm - 3:00pm

Monica Tam (mstam@ucdavis.edu)
Location: 357 Briggs
Office Hours: MWF 11:00am - 12:00pm

Peer Advisors are an excellent source of first-hand information and a student-perspective on current MIC courses offered. Information and assistance regarding study plans and internships are also available through your peer advisors.

Academic Advisor

Millie Ling-Tsai (mling@ucdavis.edu)
Location: 357 Briggs
Office Hours: 8:00am - 2:00pm by appointment only

Questions regarding administrative procedures for petitions, degree checks, major certifications, change of major and other concerns can be directed to Millie Ling-Tsai, the MIC Academic Advisor. In addition, Millie can provide students with information regarding career goals, scholarships and aid, honor societies, club and extracurricular activities, etc.

Master Advisor

Dr. Jack Meeks (jcmeeks@ucdavis.edu)
Location: 209 Briggs
Office Hours: MTF 3:00pm - 5:00pm

The Master advisor is a great resource if students are looking for more information on research opportunities and post-graduate programs. Students are strongly encouraged to speak to the master advisor to ensure a broad perspective on academic/career aspirations; email the master advisor if you wish to meet with him.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

MIC Major
How can I change my major to Microbiology?
How many units per quarter is normal workload?
Will grades from my community college count towards my GPA at UCD?

Grades
Who is eligible for an “I” grade?
How do I get an “I” grade and complete an “I” grade?
What is Enrolled No Work Submitted (ENWS)?
If I repeat a course in which I earned a C- or better, what will happen?
Can I repeat a course more than once?

Graduation Procedures
How do I apply for graduation?
How do I participate in the Commencement ceremony?
How do I get a degree check?
How do I order an official transcript?
How can I obtain certification that I have completed my degree requirements if I need it for employment or graduate school?

Courses
How do I enroll in Microbiology laboratory courses (i.e. MIC 102L, MIC 105L, MIC 155L, etc.)?




How can I change my major to Microbiology?
You will need to make an appointment with one of the peer advisors to set up your schedule plan before you can switch into the major. The peer advisors will provide you with the proper forms to fill out. If you are a transfer student and this is your first quarter here you must wait at least one quarter to establish a UCD GPA.

How many units per quarter is normal workload?
The normal workload is approximately 15 units per quarter. This is the average workload required to graduate in 4 years. Students must complete 39 units per year to be considered a full time. Distribute your schedule with approximately two science/major courses with a mix of non-major courses to reach the 15 units. Plan to spend at least 40 hours a week attending classes and studying.

Will grades from my community college count towards my GPA at UCD?
No. Grade points from other institutions (except other University of California campuses) are not combined with your UC Davis GPA. Your GPA from community college remains a separate part of your record. You will receive units and subject credit only.

Who is eligible for an “I” grade?
Students must have completed 2/3 of the course work with a passing grade with instructors approval for an “I” grade.

How do I get an “I” grade and complete an “I” grade?
An “I” grade can be requested with the approval of the instructor. You have to complete the “I” grade within three quarters of enrollment or the “I” grade will be reverted to a failing grade.

What is Enrolled No Work Submitted (ENWS)?
Enrolled No Work Submitted is given to a student instead of a grade for someone who has registered for a course but did not submitted any course work that is subject to grading. ENWS does not appear on the official transcript. Can I take a course P/NP? Students are not allowed to take any courses required for the Microbiology major or courses used for GE breadth as P/NP.

If I repeat a course in which I earned a C- or better, what will happen?
“Illegal Repeat” will be marked under the course on the transcript and the grade will not count in your GPA.

Can I repeat a course more than once?
(Variable Units) Students can repeat courses in which they have received a D+ or lower. The first 16 units repeated will replace the first grade. After 16 units, both grades are included in the GPA. *Non-standard courses such as variable unit courses (i.e. 98, 99, 190C, 192, 194H, 197T, 198, 199) are graded on a P/NP basis and may be repeated for credit multiple times.

How do I apply for graduation?
Online Graduation Applications are available at: http://registrar.ucdavis.edu/graduation/.

How do I participate in the Commencement ceremony?
For Commencement Ceremony participation go to the College of Biological Sciences website: http://biosci3.ucdavis.edu/Commencement.

How do I get a degree check?
You can go to the College of Biological Sciences to request a degree check for your college requirements. To see if you have completed your Microbiology major requirements, please come to the advising office in 357 Briggs and make an appointment with Millie.

How do I order an official transcript?
Official transcripts can be requested through the Office of the Registrar at http://registrar.ucdavis.edu/html/academic_calendar.html.

How can I obtain certification that I have completed my degree requirements if I need it for employment or graduate school?
Letter of Certifications can be requested from the Office of the Registrar once you have filed for graduation and all requirements and coursework are completed and grades reported. The form is available at the Registrar’s at http://registrar.ucdavis.edu/html/office_of_the_registrar_forms.html.

How do I enroll in Microbiology laboratory courses ( i.e. MIC 102L, MIC 105L, MIC 155L, etc.)?
In order to be considered for enrollment into Microbiology laboratory courses, students must fill out a petition online at http://microbiology.ucdavis.edu. Petitions for the labs will be available the first day of Pass 1 registration every quarter. Deadlines will vary depending on the individual lab course. On-time attendance to the first day of class is mandatory for all Microbiology laboratory courses.