Microbiology
College of Arts and Sciences
Microbiology is the study of the smallest living organisms (bacteria, algae, fungi, and protozoa) and viruses. Because of their simplicity and rapid growth rates, microorganisms are readily amenable to study in the laboratory. Because their cellular processes closely resemble those of higher organisms, they are ideally suited for fundamental studies of biological structure, physiology, metabolism, genetics and development. The Microbiology department at the University of Washington works mainly in cutting edge research in Bacteria and Viruses.
Major category: Minimum requirements
Minor available
Topic: Health, Natural sciences
Applicant type
Freshman
Freshmen can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)
Read more about applying to the UW as a freshman, including details for programs that provide high school students with college credit (like Running Start).
Transfer
Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission. Use the information below to help you prepare for this degree
- Visit MyPlan to run a degree audit.
- Use the UW Equivalency Guide to find out how courses taken at a Washington state community or technical college will transfer to the UW.
- See UW college and school graduation requirements.
- Learn the degree requirements.
- Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
Department admission information
- Departmental application deadline: Must enroll at the UW before applying to the major.
- Please contact the department for details about the application process.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 overall, and a cumulative GPA of 2.50 in the prerequisite biology and chemistry courses listed below.
- Biology 200 requires a minimum 2.3 GPA.
- A minimum of 75 credits applicable to graduation, with a minimum 2.50 GPA in prerequisite chemistry and biology courses.
- BIOL 180 NSc — Intro Biology I
- BIOL 200 NSc — Intro Biology II
- BIOL 220 NSc — Intro Biology III
- CHEM 142 NSc RSN – General Chemistry I
- CHEM 152 NSc RSN – General Chemistry II
- CHEM 162 NSc RSN – General Chemistry III
- CHEM 143 RSN – Accelerated General Chemistry
- CHEM 153 RSN – Accelerated General Chemistry
- CHEM 145 NSc RSN – Honors General Chemistry
- CHEM 155 NSc RSN – Honors General Chemistry
- CHEM 165 NSc RSN – Honors General Chemistry
- CHEM 223 NSc – Organic Chemistry Short Program
- CHEM 237 NSc – Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 335 NSc – Honors Organic Chemistry
Courses required for the major:
One of the following chemistry sequences:
Or
Or
One of the following chemistry courses:
Entering transfer information:
Total undergraduates: 178
Total from Washington community colleges: 28
Entering transfer GPA (from WA community colleges):
3.75 – 4.00: 9
3.50 – 3.74: 5
3.25 – 3.49: 8
3.00 – 3.24: 4
2.75 – 2.99: 2
2.50 – 2.74: 0
2.49 and below: 0