MICROBIOLOGY OVERVIEW
Biology is a popular college major. But Biology majors often struggle after graduation because they lack the specialized knowledge that pharmaceutical and biomedical employers covet.
That is not the case with the Microbiology degree and program at ACPHS. Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is one of the top Microbiology colleges. Through its research emphasis and specialized tracks of study, you will observe micro-organisms, study their behaviors, track their spread, and learn what can be done to minimize the risks they pose to humans.
Those interested in gaining additional research experience should consider our five-year, dual degree program leading to a B.S. in Microbiology and an M.S. in Molecular Biosciences.
Whichever path you choose, you will graduate with a differentiated degree that prepares you to immediately seek employment or continue your education in a graduate or professional school.
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Coursework
The goal of the B.S. Microbiology program at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is to prepare graduates for employment or advanced study in fields requiring knowledge of microbial life, e.g., biomedical and health care sector, infectious disease epidemiology, public health microbiology, and biopharmaceutical industry. There is a core of courses for each of these varied employment and educational opportunities and depending upon the student’s goals, specific tracks will be chosen in consultation with the microbiology advisors in the Department.
The program has three tracks that allow students to specialize in Biomedical Microbiology, Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Public Health Microbiology, or Industrial & Biopharmaceutical Microbiology. All three tracks in the program abide by the core curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology for the baccalaureate degree program in microbiology. The students graduating from this program will meet the educational requirements (of having a BS with 20 semester hours of microbiology relevant courses) for certification by the National Registry of Microbiologists (NRM), a professional branch of the American College of Microbiology within the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).
All graduates of the program are expected to fully integrate the theory and practical aspects of microbiology and to:
• demonstrate a working knowledge of traditional and emerging areas of microbiology
• obtain, interpret, and apply information about microbiology from the scientific literature
• integrate and apply knowledge to solve complex scientific problems
• formulate hypotheses to explain research problems and demonstrate an understanding of the facilities and expertise necessary for testing these hypotheses
• possess appropriate laboratory skills including the ability to observe and record results, work safely, self-organize and manage one’s time
• effectively communicate scientific information both orally and in writing
• work both independently and collaboratively in scientific processes
• understand their ethical and professional responsibilities and be aware of the contemporary societal and global issues facing scientists.
The program has three tracks that allow students to specialize in Biomedical Microbiology, Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Public Health Microbiology, or Industrial & Biopharmaceutical Microbiology. All three tracks in the program abide by the core curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology for the baccalaureate degree program in microbiology. The students graduating from this program will meet the educational requirements (of having a BS with 20 semester hours of microbiology relevant courses) for certification by the National Registry of Microbiologists (NRM), a professional branch of the American College of Microbiology within the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).
All graduates of the program are expected to fully integrate the theory and practical aspects of microbiology and to:
• demonstrate a working knowledge of traditional and emerging areas of microbiology
• obtain, interpret, and apply information about microbiology from the scientific literature
• integrate and apply knowledge to solve complex scientific problems
• formulate hypotheses to explain research problems and demonstrate an understanding of the facilities and expertise necessary for testing these hypotheses
• possess appropriate laboratory skills including the ability to observe and record results, work safely, self-organize and manage one’s time
• effectively communicate scientific information both orally and in writing
• work both independently and collaboratively in scientific processes
• understand their ethical and professional responsibilities and be aware of the contemporary societal and global issues facing scientists.
Gain Valuable Research Experience
Research is an essential component of the Microbiology program. Starting in the spring of your first year, you will begin learning basic research techniques. Year two builds upon this foundation and gives you additional experience with the day-to-day activities of a research lab. Your research skills will be further strengthened in Year three when you take six credits of biomedical lab techniques.
In your final year, you will perform a research project under the mentorship of a faculty member. This “capstone” project represents the culmination of all that you have learned during your four years as a student.
The early and sustained exposure to research means it is possible for you to possess a portfolio of research experience upon graduation that is comparable to students in other colleges' graduate programs. That experience can provide a powerful advantage when seeking your first job or applying to graduate school.
In your final year, you will perform a research project under the mentorship of a faculty member. This “capstone” project represents the culmination of all that you have learned during your four years as a student.
The early and sustained exposure to research means it is possible for you to possess a portfolio of research experience upon graduation that is comparable to students in other colleges' graduate programs. That experience can provide a powerful advantage when seeking your first job or applying to graduate school.
Cutting Edge Internships
ACPHS Microbiology students are able to take advantage of established internship programs between the College and pharmaceutical companies Regeneron and Eli Lilly to gain critical, real-world experience.
Students accepted into this program will typically complete a summer internship lasting up to 12 weeks at either the Regeneron manufacturing facility in Rensselaer, NY (just 15 minutes from the ACPHS campus) or the Eli Lilly headquarters in Indianapolis, IN.
Students in the Molecular Biosciences master's program are also eligible for co-ops at Regeneron in which they earn academic credit by working full-time at the company for an entire semester.
The internship and co-op experiences are unique to Microbiology and Molecular Biosciences students and can prove invaluable in positioning you for future success.
Students accepted into this program will typically complete a summer internship lasting up to 12 weeks at either the Regeneron manufacturing facility in Rensselaer, NY (just 15 minutes from the ACPHS campus) or the Eli Lilly headquarters in Indianapolis, IN.
Students in the Molecular Biosciences master's program are also eligible for co-ops at Regeneron in which they earn academic credit by working full-time at the company for an entire semester.
The internship and co-op experiences are unique to Microbiology and Molecular Biosciences students and can prove invaluable in positioning you for future success.
Life After ACPHS
If you decide to continue your education, you will be well prepared for Master’s or Ph.D. programs in Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology. ACPHS's own master's degree in Molecular Biosciences is also be an excellent fit, and in fact, three recent Microbiology graduates have gone on to pursue this program.
The Microbiology program provides the coursework and research experience that will also position you well for Medical School, Veterinary School, and Dental School. Previous graduates of the program have successfully enrolled in Medical School.
Should your plans be to seek employment immediately following graduation, a look at what some of our recent graduates are doing offers a good guide to the types of opportunities available to you and the range of settings where you could work:
- Quality Control Microbiology Analyst - Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
- Assistant Research Scientist - New York State Department of Health
- Research Technician - Albany Medical College
The Microbiology program provides the coursework and research experience that will also position you well for Medical School, Veterinary School, and Dental School. Previous graduates of the program have successfully enrolled in Medical School.
Should your plans be to seek employment immediately following graduation, a look at what some of our recent graduates are doing offers a good guide to the types of opportunities available to you and the range of settings where you could work:
- Quality Control Microbiology Analyst - Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
- Assistant Research Scientist - New York State Department of Health
- Research Technician - Albany Medical College
CONTACT THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Meenakshi Malik, Ph.D.
Professor
(518) 694-7168
meenakshi.malik@acphs.edu
Professor
(518) 694-7168
meenakshi.malik@acphs.edu
CONTACT THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE
106 New Scotland Ave.
Albany, NY 12208
518-694-7221
admissions@acphs.edu
Albany, NY 12208
518-694-7221
admissions@acphs.edu