Microbiology

A delicate balance.

Microbiologists are scientists who focus on the delicate balance between disease and cure. They research and experiment with microbes like bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and protozoa--some of which cause diseases, but many of which contribute to the harmonious balance of nature..

According to the American Society for Microbiology, microbiological research includes the study of "infectious diseases, recombinant DNA technology, alternative methods of energy production and waste recycling, new sources of food, new drug development, and the etiology of sexually transmitted diseases, among other areas. Microbiology is also concerned with environmental problems and industrial processes."

Contact Ruth Ann Mikels

Program Description

TCC offers courses that cover the first 2 years of a typical 4-year college microbiology program (college-level courses) as well as courses to develop skills needed for college-level courses.

Degree Options: Associate in Arts and Sciences degree (Option B)

Program Planning

High School Preparation: While in high school, students should pursue all the available courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics.

Recommended Class Schedule: We suggest the following schedule of classes for students who wish to earn the Associate Degree of Arts and Sciences (college transfer). The program outlined below prepares students intending to complete a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at the University of Washington. This program should be modified with the assistance of a Tacoma Community College microbiology advisor to meet the specific requirements of other transfer institutions.

• Some students may need to complete additional prerequisite courses.
• We recommend that students select a humanities distribution course that transfers as a UW VLPA course. (See the UW Equivalency Guide.)
• Students considering graduate work beyond a bachelor's degree should complete one year of calculus (MATH& 151, 152 and 153) in addition to MATH& 146.
• We recommend that students select a social science distribution course that transfers as a UW I&S course. (See the UW Equivalency Guide.)

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