B.S. Microbiology (extended major)

To earn this degree, complete at least 120 units of coursework, which we describe in the sections that follow:   

• at least 35 units of liberal studies requirements.   Be aware that you may not use courses with a BIO prefix to satisfy these liberal studies requirements.  

• at least 43-49 units of major requirements

• at least 28-29 units of emphasis requirements

• elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units  

Be aware that some courses required for your degree may have prerequisites that you must also take. Check the courses in the appropriate subject.  (You may be able to count these prerequisites toward your liberal studies or general elective credit.)  

Please note that you must complete NAU’s diversity requirements by taking two 3-unit courses, one in ethnic diversity and one in global awareness. These courses may be used to meet other requirements within your academic plan if you choose them carefully. Click here for a list of the available diversity courses.

Also be aware that NAU requires that at least 30 units of the courses you take for your degree must be upper-division courses (those numbered 300 and above).  

Finally, please note that you may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement; however, you must still meet the total of at least 120 units to graduate. Contact your advisor for details.  

Major Requirements

For this major, you must complete at least the following 43-49 core units of biology and science support courses.

Biology Courses

Complete the following 40 units with a grade of C or better in each course:

• BIO 181:181L and 182 (8 units)

• BIO 205 (4 units)

• BIO 305W, which meets NAU's junior writing requirement (1 unit)

• At least 2 of the following courses: BIO 340, 344, 350 (6 units)

• CHM 151, 151L, 152, and 152L (9 units)

• CHM 360 or 461 (3 units)

• MAT 125 plus STA 270 or PSY 230 (7-8 units)

 or only MAT 136 (4 units)

• PHY 111, 111L, 112, and 112L (8 units)

or PHY 161, 161L, 262, 262L, and 263 (11 units)

Microbiology offers two emphases: Applied and Environmental Emphasis and Biomedical Emphasis

Applied and Environmental Microbiology Emphasis

For this emphasis, you must complete a minimum of 28-29 units with a grade of C or better in each biology course:  

• BIO 369 (4 units)  

• At least 6 units from the following choices: BIO 326, 343, 346, 349L, 376, 409, 410, 411, 475, and 502  

• Choose BIO 471C which meets NAU’s senior capstone requirement (3-4 units)

• At least 8 units from the following choices: BIO 300, 326, 340, 344, 346, 349L, 350, 375, 376, 401, 408, 409, 410, 411, 425, 426, 435, 440, 475, 479, 485, 497, 498, 499, 502, 572; CENE 150, 280, 281L, 282L, 330, 332, 435; CHM 360L, 420, 440, ENV 280, 385, FOR 213, 282, and 340; GLG 301, 309, 451

• CHM 230, 230L, and 320 (7 units)

or CHM 235, 235L, and 238 (8 units)  

Biomedical Microbiology Emphasis

For this emphasis, you must complete a minimum of 29 units with a grade of C or better in each biology course:  

• BIO 375, 401C, and 488C (11 units)

• At least 10 units from the following courses: BIO 320, 343, 346, 349L, 411, 440, 475, 485, 497, 498, 545 [425C/L or BIO 201 + 202]

• CHM 235, 235L, and 238  (8 units)

General Electives  

Additional coursework is required, if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.  

You may take these remaining courses from any academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you. (Please note that you may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren’t used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.)

Click here for information about our Biology undergraduate courses and faculty.