The Department of Microbiology and Immunology offers several distinct undergraduate specializations that lead to a Bachelor of Science. These include:
Microbiology and Immunology
Our major and honours programs provide a strong foundation in basic science and applied research in the areas of microbiology and immunology. Students will explore topics in microbial pathogenesis, microbial physiology, molecular genetics, environmental microbiology, fundamental immunology, and virology, acquire essential laboratory skills in the areas of microorganism culture, molecular cloning, and biomolecule characterization, and gain experience in data management, visualization, and statistical analysis.
Microbiology and Immunology + Oceanography
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences offer a combined major that integrates these areas of study with a focus on microbiological processes in the ocean environment. Students in this specialization will dive into the fields of microbial ecophysiology, genetics, and biogeochemistry and acquire laboratory and field research skills tailored to experimentation in microbiological oceanography.
Microbiology and Immunology + Computer Science
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Department of Computer Science offer a combined major and honours program that integrates these areas of study with an emphasis on computational microbiology and immunology. Students in this specialization will use programming languages and other advanced bioinformatic tools to derive new insights from both individual genomic and proteomic sequences and large biological datasets.
Joint Biotechnology Degree
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the BC Institute of Technology offer a five-year joint degree program that combines academic curriculum and complementary work experience. Students in this program will explore the applications of microbiology and immunology in industries such as pharmaceutics, food science, and renewable energy, acquire knowledge of regulatory affairs and intellectual property, and gain practical, hands-on training in biotechnology laboratories.
For information on application and admission to our undergraduate programs, visit: