Department of Biology
Minor in Microbiology
Students on Summer 2023, Fall 2023, or Spring 2024 requirements MICRMIN
Requirements
The minor requires at least 17 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.
- Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry. One (1) course:
- CHEM-C 105 Principles of Chemistry I
- CHEM-C 117 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I
- CHEM-H 117 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I, Honors
- CHEM-J 117 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry for Science Majors
CHEM-C 105 Principles of Chemistry I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Basic principles, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, atomic and molecular structure, gases, solution, and topics in descriptive chemistry.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
CHEM-C 117 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- (CHEM-C 101 and CHEM-C 121) or CHEM-C 103 or (chemistry placement examinations and consent of the department)
- Description
- Lecture course covering basic principles of chemistry and biochemistry, basic mathematical and conceptual principles in atomic structure and periodic properties, molecular structure, chemical bonding, energy (thermochemistry), kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of the following: CHEM-C 105, CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117, CHEM-J 117, or CHEM-S 117.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
CHEM-H 117 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I, Honors
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Chemistry placement examination; and consent of department
- Description
- An honors course for students with unusual aptitude or preparation. Covers basic principles of chemistry and biochemistry, basic mathematical and conceptual principles in atomic structure and periodic properties, molecular structure, chemical bonding, energy (thermochemistry), kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of CHEM-C 105, CHEM-C 117, CHEM-J 117, CHEM-S 117, or CHEM-H 117.
CHEM-J 117 Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry for Science Majors
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Chemistry placement examination; and consent of the department
- Description
- A course for well-prepared science majors. Lecture course covering basic principles of chemistry and biochemistry.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of CHEM-C 105, CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117, CHEM-J 117, or CHEM-S 117
- Molecular Biology. One (1) course:
- BIOL-L 211 Molecular Biology
- BIOL-S 211 Molecular Biology, Honors
BIOL-L 211 Molecular Biology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112; and CHEM-C 105, CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117, CHEM-J 117, or CHEM-S 117
- Description
- Covers structure and function of DNA and RNA; DNA replication, mechanisms of mutation, repair, recombination, and transposition; mechanisms and regulation of gene expression; and the genetic code, transcription, and translation. Introduces bacteriophages, plasmids, and the technology of recombinant DNA.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOL-S 211 Molecular Biology, Honors
- Credits
- 5
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112; and CHEM-C 117, CHEM-H 117, CHEM-J 117, or CHEM-S 117
- Notes
- R: CHEM-C 341 concurrent
- Description
- Covers structure and function of DNA and RNA; DNA replication, mechanisms of mutation, repair, recombination, and transposition; mechanisms and regulation of gene expression; and the genetic code, transcription, and translation. Introduces bacteriophages, plasmids, and the technology of recombinant DNA. Course will be taught at an honors level.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-S 211 or BIOL-L 211.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
- Microbiology. One (1) course:
- BIOL-M 250 Microbiology
- BIOL-M 250 Microbiology
- BIOL-M 380 Microbiology of Infectious Disease
BIOL-M 250 Microbiology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- One semester of college chemistry
- Notes
- R: BIOL-L 211. Does not count as an upper-level lecture in the Biology B.A. major or Biology B.S. degree
- Description
- Application of fundamental principles to the study of microorganisms. Significance of microorganisms to humans and their environment.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOL-M 250 Microbiology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- One semester of college chemistry
- Notes
- R: BIOL-L 211
- Description
- Application of fundamental principles to the study of microorganisms. Significance of microorganisms to humans and their environment. Does not count as an upper-level lecture in the Biology B.A. major or Biology B.S. degree.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOL-M 380 Microbiology of Infectious Disease
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Serves as a guide to the complex subject of infectious disease. Builds on basic biological principles to examine different agents of disease, the major modes of transmission, interaction of pathogens with the host immune system, and the ecological factors facilitating or inhibiting the emergence of epidemic disease.
- Microbiology Lab. One (1) course:
- BIOL-M 315 Microbiology Laboratory
- BIOL-M 316 Molecular Microbiology Laboratory
- BIOL-M 445 Medical Microbiology: Laboratory
- BIOL-X 150 ASURE Biology Research Lab 1 (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- BIOL-M 435 Viral Tissue Culture Laboratory
- BIOL-M 465 Environmental Microbiology Laboratory
- BIOT-X 150 ASURE Biotechnology Research Lab 1
BIOL-M 315 Microbiology Laboratory
- Credits
- 2
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-H 111 or BIOL-L 112
- Description
- A conventional laboratory of exercises, demonstrations and discussions. The goal is to achieve proficiency in the principles and techniques necessary for the manipulation of microorganisms under aseptic conditions.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-M 255 or BIOL-M 315.
BIOL-M 316 Molecular Microbiology Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211; and one semester of college-level chemistry
- Notes
- P or C: BIOL-M 250
- Description
- Laboratory of inquiry-based projects meant to build proficiency in aseptic technique, microbial cultivation, and molecular characterization of microbes.
BIOL-M 445 Medical Microbiology: Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-M 255 or BIOL-M 315
- Notes
- P or C: BIOL-M 440
- Description
- Laboratory methods of isolation and identification of microorganisms from normal and simulated disease conditions of the human.
BIOL-X 150 ASURE Biology Research Lab 1
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- First in a two-lab sequence for students in the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) program. Students engage in guided research in an area related to the ongoing research of a faculty member. The specific topic of the class will vary by section and be determined by the faculty member associated with the section.
BIOL-M 435 Viral Tissue Culture Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- P or C: BIOL-M 430 or consent of instructor
- Description
- Laboratory will emphasize eukarytotic cell tissue culture and common virological assays used in research and clinical lab settings.
BIOL-M 465 Environmental Microbiology Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-M 250, BIOL-M 255, or BIOL-M 315; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Scientific inquiry-driven research in environmental microbiology. Focus on the diversity and function of environmental microbes and methods used to study them.
BIOT-X 150 ASURE Biotechnology Research Lab 1
- Credits
- 3–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- First in a two-lab sequence for students in the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) program. Students engage in guided research in an area related to the ongoing research of a faculty member. The specific topic of the class will vary by section and be determined by the faculty member associated with the section.
- Electives. Two (2) courses:
- Additional 400-level courses from the Microbiology Lab List above.
- BIOL-L 472 Microbiomes: Host and Environmental Health
- BIOL-M 350 Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry
- BIOL-M 360 Microbial Physiology Laboratory
- BIOL-M 430 Virology Lecture
- BIOL-M 440 Medical Microbiology: Lecture
- BIOL-M 460 Microbial Evolution
- BIOL-M 480 Microbial and Molecular Genetics
- BIOL-M 485 Microbial and Molecular Genetics Laboratory
- BIOL-X 325 ASURE Biology Research Lab 2 (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- BIOT-X 325 ASURE Biotechnology Research Lab 2
BIOL-L 472 Microbiomes: Host and Environmental Health
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- At least sophomore standing
- Description
- We are covered with trillions of microorganisms that influence our health and well being. This course focuses on the diversity of these microorganisms but also those in nature, which together regulate the world we live in. Reading primary literature, class experiments, modeling, and group presentations.
BIOL-M 350 Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-M 250 or BIOL-M 380
- Description
- Explores the transformation of raw materials and energy into living microbes and the mechanisms by which microbes sense and respond to their environment. Compares and contrasts the diverse microbial lifeforms that occupy every possible niche and probe the boundaries of life. Covers microbes of relevance to disease, the environment, and biotechnology.
BIOL-M 360 Microbial Physiology Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-M 250 or BIOL-M 380
- Description
- Introduction to techniques for the fractionation, isolation, and purification of cellular components. Analysis of bacterial growth, enzyme purification, chromatographic analysis of proteins and other metabolites, gel electrophoresis and fermentation studies.
BIOL-M 430 Virology Lecture
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Notes
- R: BIOL-L 311 and BIOL-L 312
- Description
- Viruses of plants, animals (including humans), and bacteria; emphasis on molecular biology of viral systems. Viruses and human disease such as cancer and AIDS; viruses and their evolution.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOL-M 440 Medical Microbiology: Lecture
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211; and BIOL-M 250, BIOL-M 315, BIOL-M 316, or BIOL-M 380; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Covers microorganisms as agents of disease, host-parasite relationships, epidemiology, and chemotherapy.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-M 200 or BIOL-M 440.
BIOL-M 460 Microbial Evolution
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Nutritional, physiological, and cultural properties of the major groups of nonpathogenic bacteria and their relationships as revealed by modern taxonomic methods.
BIOL-M 480 Microbial and Molecular Genetics
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211; BIOL-M 250; and BIOL-M 255 or BIOL-M 315
- Description
- Microbes have shaped human history and biological understanding in titanic ways. Course covers ground-breaking experiments that defined essential cellular processes (replication, transcription, translation) in all living organisms, possible origins of life on Earth, microorganism adaptation and pathogen evolution, and advances in medicine, biotechnology, and scientific challenges facing mankind.
BIOL-M 485 Microbial and Molecular Genetics Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-M 250; and BIOL-M 255 or BIOL-M 315
- Description
- Provides insight into how science is conducted in a modern research lab. Conduct hypothesis driven molecular and genetic experiments using an attenuated medically relevant bacterial pathogen. Techniques / skills: DNA isolation, PCR, recombinant DNA techniques, gel electrophoresis, transposon mutagenesis, transformation, and quantitative bacterial culture.
BIOL-X 325 ASURE Biology Research Lab 2
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-X 150
- Description
- Second in a two-lab sequence for students in the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) program. Students continue guided research in an area related to the ongoing research of a faculty member. The specific topic of the class will vary by section and be determined by the faculty member associated with the section.
BIOT-X 325 ASURE Biotechnology Research Lab 2
- Credits
- 3–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- BIOT-X 150
- Description
- Second in a two-lab sequence for students in the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) program. Students continue guided research in an area related to the ongoing research of a faculty member. The specific topic of the class will vary by section and be determined by the faculty member associated with the section.
- Minor GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Minor GPA. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the minor—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Minor Minimum Grade. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the minor.
- Minor Upper Division Credit Hours. At least 9 credit hours in the minor must be completed at the 300–499 level.
- Minor Residency. At least 9 credit hours in the minor must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
Minor Area Courses
-
Unless otherwise noted below, the following courses are considered in the academic program and will count toward academic program requirements as appropriate:
- Any course at the 100–499 level with the
BIOLsubject area prefix—as well as any other subject areas that are deemed functionally equivalent - Any course contained on the course lists for the academic program requirements at the time the course is taken—as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent—except for those listed only under Addenda Requirements
- Any course directed to a non-Addenda requirement through an approved exception
- Any course at the 100–499 level with the
This program of study cannot be combined with the following:
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology (BIOLBA)
- Bachelor of Arts in Microbiology (MICRBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Biology (BIOLBS)
- Bachelor of Science in Microbiology (MICRBS)
- Minor in Biology (BIOLMIN)
- [Name unavailable] (BIOLTSBA)
- [Name unavailable] (BIOLTSBS)
Exceptions to and substitutions for minor requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.