Microorganisms impact every area of life. The option exposes students to a variety of topics in microbiology and teaches numerous skills needed to work with microorganisms. Training in microbiology prepares students for employment in industry (ex. Quality assurance, vaccine production) and government (ex. laboratory technicians). Currently, employment opportunities abound in applied areas of microbiology such as biological products/pharmaceuticals, food processing, environmental assessment. It also prepares a student for continuing education in microbiology, immunology, and cell and molecular biology. Students may elect to work on research projects with faculty who work in the areas of food microbiology, immunology, microbial genetics, and molecular biology.