What is the Microbiology major program all about?

Microbiology as a major field aims to produce graduates with a strong academic and practical background in biology, evolution, and various applications of microorganisms, as well as microbial ecology and environmental microbiology concepts, and molecular microbiology techniques. We employ an integrated approach in our program of study that allows our students to pursue specialized interests and students are taught and supervised by experts in a particular research field. Our students gain a breadth and depth of understanding of microbiology from the molecular to the cellular levels of organization, as well as the interactions of microbes — beneficial and pathogenic — with other organisms, and up to the level of the microbial community. Embedded in our courses are theories, best practices, a set of skills, and discipline that prepare our graduates to become successful in their future careers.

What research topics can I work on?

Students in our program have access to diverse research topics in four broad areas: ecology and the environment, genetics, evolution and diversity, physiology and biochemistry, and host-microbe interactions. Students may involve themselves in studies about the biology and applications of microorganisms found in various environments (i.e. forest, marine, freshwater, various types of soil, water, food, caves, extreme environments, etc.), the roles these microorganisms play in agriculture, food production and food safety, in the production of enzymes, antibiotics, and other microbial products, control or use of microbes, and in animal and plant health, pathogenesis and diseases, to name a few. Students will be exposed to various laboratory techniques and tools, including classical, molecular biology, and computational methods while pursuing their research topics of interest.

What are my possible career opportunities after graduating with this major field?

Upon finishing the BS Biology (Major in Microbiology) program, our graduates are eligible to take the Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM) Accreditation Examination for Registered Microbiologists. Microbiology major graduates may pursue a career in the local and international food and pharmaceutical industries, as research and administration professionals in various government and non-government institutions, and teaching positions in the academe. Many of our graduates also pursue a degree in medicine and graduate and postgraduate degrees in allied fields.

Contact Us

Microbiology Division

Email: mcb.uplb@up.edu.ph
Website: https://ibs.cas.uplb.edu.ph/
Phone: +63 49 536 3368

Download our brochure for more information