In the third and fourth year, students consult with their faculty advisor about the specific area of biology that would best satisfy their interests and career goals. In addition, microbiologists can specialize in microbial physiology, microbial genetics, microbial ecology, industrial microbiology, agricultural microbiology, or clinical microbiology. Career Opportunities Subsets of microorganisms have been identified as agents of plant, animal, and human diseases and as necessary components in the manufacture of foods such as yogurts and cheeses or therapeutic materials such as penicillin. Microbes are used to clean up oil spills, and, in genetic engineering technology, to produce therapeutic molecules such as human insulin and growth hormone. Microbiologists work in health care industries, government service, manufacturing, food production, and ecology.
Many graduates continue their studies at graduate, medical, dental, and other professional schools.
The microbiology curriculum at USP is one of the few in the Middle Atlantic region of the United States which meets the standards set forth by the American Society for Microbiology. All students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects under direct supervision of faculty members in one of the Department's several research laboratories. Through field trips and field research, students are able to observe fascinating natural habitats that demonstrate microbial life and interrelationships with other forms of life. The environmental movement is now more than 30 years old, and while much has been accomplished, much remains to be done to obtain and maintain a clean and healthy environment through the twenty-first century. Environmental work has become increasingly technical in recent years and to be successful, the student of environmental science must understand diverse scientific and technical areas of environmental science.