Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate major in Medical Microbiology and Immunology (MMI) provides a basic theoretical and technical study of the structure, molecular biology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and laboratory identification of the various microorganisms that cause human disease, as well as the host immune response to them.

MMI graduates have a variety of career options from which to choose. University and government laboratories, research institutes, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are among the list of employers looking for qualified microbiologists. From a university research laboratory studying the molecular biology of infectious disease to the product development laboratory of major pharmaceutical companies, you will find MMI graduates. Graduates with some practical experience are also well prepared for the ASM Registry examination in Clinical and Public Health Microbiology, a prerequisite for many large hospital diagnostic laboratories. Many MMI undergraduates combine the regular course of study with additional electives, such as a year of physics and mathematics, to prepare for graduate and professional school.

The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology has instituted an application process for admission to the major. All students entering the UW-Madison in the Fall, 1999, and later must follow the application process. Students enrolled at the UW-Madison prior to Fall, 1999, are "grandfathered" and will not be required to apply. It is highly recommended that prospective MMI majors meet with departmental advisors during their freshman year.

The degree program of the Department of Bacteriology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is outstanding and may also be of interest to students.