Microbiology Advising FAQs for students


How do I change my catalog year so that I can use the latest course requirements for the A.B. degree in Microbiology?

Students who enrolled during previous catalog years may elect to change to the latest catalog year by filling out a "Change of Major" form in the Microbiology office.

I have a gazillion questions about the Miami Plan.

Please follow our links to the Office of Liberal Education where most of them should be answered.

Do cross-listed courses, MBI 115, 116, 175 and 275 count toward the 32 credit hours required for the major?

No, although we do require you to take BMZ 115 and 116 (unless you are a transfer student).

Does the department offer any MBI courses for majors in the summer?

No. You must take your MBI courses for majors during the academic year.

Can microbiology courses taken at another university during the summer be used to satisfy MBI course requirements?

No. To satisfy your MBI course requirements, all microbiology courses must be taken at Miami University.

What is the minimum GPA in one's major (MBI) required for graduation?

We require a minimum of GPA of 2.0 in courses within the major (200 level or beyond).

Is there a minimum grade necessary in an MBI course other than passing?

No. All that is required is a passing grade. Keep in mind that a low passing grade will lower your GPA within the major.

Can I take MBI 365 concurrently with MBI 202?

Some students do, but please discuss this with the MBI 365 instructor before enrolling in MBI 365.

When is MBI 435 offered?

In the Fall of alternate (even-numbered) years.

When is MBI 475 offered?

In the Spring semester of alternate (odd-numbered) years.

Is MBI 361 offered on the Oxford Campus?

Yes, but only in the Fall of alternate (odd-numbered) years. It is offered every semester and in the summer at one or other of the Regional Campuses.

How do I enroll in a thematic sequence?

Students may choose from among any of the thematic sequences offered at Miami University. Students must register for the thematic sequence at the department offering the sequence. Please note that Microbiology majors cannot use a Microbiology thematic sequence to satisfy the requirement.

Do I have to take the Microbiology Capstone?

No. Microbiology majors can satisfy capstone requirements with any capstone offered by Miami University.

How do I enroll in the Microbiology Capstone?

To enroll in the Microbiology Capstone, you must find an MBI faculty member willing to sponsor either your laboratory research (MBI 477.C) or your library research (MBI 440.C). Research Capstone courses require a completed independent study form for enrollment. Be sure to use the .C modifier when you enroll in either Research Capstone course and in the Seminar Capstone component (MBI 490.C).

I want to do research here at Miami; how can I get involved in undergraduate research?

Getting involved in undergraduate research at Miami requires a little self-motivation and a little persistence. The Microbiology faculty are quite interested in undergraduate participation in their research programs, and the undergrads doing research are all students who have approached the faculty about the possibility of joining their lab. The best way to get involved is to start early - identify those faculty with research programs in which you are most interested and go talk them. Sometimes there will be no available slots, but be persistent. We want you to get involved, and we will work with you to find a way.

How can I learn about and apply for summer internship and employment opportunities in microbiology?

The Microbiology Club maintains an "internship mailbox" in the Department of Microbiology's Office (32 PSN). This mailbox contains an abundance of information regarding summer research opportunities, including application procedures, components of various summer programs, housing options and stipend details. Comments and contacts from microbiology majors who have completed summer internships are located in the "internship mailbox." Summer research internships at Miami University include the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Program and the University Summer Scholars Program. For highlights and details about these opportunities, please visit their informational websites, or our undergraduate research page.