So I recently decided to change majors into Microbiology. When I took this class I absolutely loved it, it was interesting and I just had a feel for everything we talked about.My goal is to eventually become a research immunologist or something similar .I already applied to schools to transfer to in the fall and I was just wondering if any specific minors would help me out in this field or anything at all. I know I must get undergrad research exp for graduate programs which I plan to do as soon as I switch schools. So any advice?
I think chemistry would be beneficial. Microbiology does have a strong element of chemistry to it, and the people I saw struggle most in my micro class were those who struggled in intro chemistry, not those who struggled in intro biology. At least take up to organic, I think. Good luck!
Okay, Ive taken General Chemistry. Organic Is my next one. I didnt struggle at all, thought I got a middle B in the class. So would you recommend taking it just for the heck of getting more knowledge in it?
And do you think my path is well set so far to achieve my goal? I mean my aim is to focus so i get into graduate school otherwise this would be a waste.
Minor in whatever you feel like. If you want something more specific, minor in something that won’t lower your GPA, or don’t minor at all. Getting research experience should be your number one priority.
Okay yea i dont think I will minor then. If I do not get into gradudate school would i end up with crappy job prospects with just this BS the field?
If you want to go to medical school, you’ll need up to organic chemistry anyway. I’m not certain if that’s the same for graduate immunology programs–check out their requirements.
I don’t know about the job prospects for a BS in micro, though I think you could get positions doing lab work in testing water quality and things like that?
Neuroimmunology is a whole sub specialty. Take an intro neuroscience course or biological psychology course. OR a genetics course, as a different avenue. If you love hours and hours of quiet isolated work, you will love micro. I loved the labs, too-felt like a detective!-so majored in it, as well. Best wishes.
I also plan on majoring in microbio/immunonolgy (plus I’m in majors organic chem. if it makes a difference). At most schools that I’ve seen you have to take the full gen. chem. sequence and an organic chem. sequence of some sort. As to the job prospects, I can only go off of my experience. I shadowed some microbiologists in a local hospital over the summer and they had just gotten their B.S. and some experience (however, they were also mid 40’s-ish and the requirements might be different now). Also, I know the University of Washington makes it very easy to combine microbio with a medical technology degree which is supposed to boost employability.