The smallest living things — including bacteria, viruses, and yeast — may not be visible to the human eye, but they have big effects on health, food, medicine, energy, and the environment. These tiny organisms, called microbes, were the first life forms on Earth and continue to influence the planet in significant ways. Microbiomes — communities of microbes — are increasingly studied by researchers focusing on human health, global warming, infectious disease, environmental remediation, bioenergy, and much more.<br><br>The microbiology major prepares students for modern research in microbiology with a heavy emphasis on practical laboratory experiences. Students learn the cellular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and physiology of microbes. Through courses, students learn laboratory techniques — gaining the type of hands-on experiences with modern equipment that employers and graduate and professional schools seek. Additionally, students can conduct mentored and independent research projects in faculty laboratories where they will learn to critically evaluate scientific data, carry out laboratory experiments, and communicate scientific information.