You learned about the National Predictive Modeling Tool Initiative, which uses plant disease data and pathogen spore counts to help forecast crop damaging diseases while at the Iowa State exhibit at the Farm Progress Show. If you found yourself immersed in the spore traps, petri dishes, and diseases and could see yourself doing this work for farmers you would make a great microbiologist.
Microbiology at Iowa State is one major that can be used for all sorts of applications, from agricultural to human medicine. The science of exploring the "small things that make a big impact" lead students to amazing opportunities. And the work is just as hands on as the Farm Progress Show exhibit. If you are looking to use your love of science to make a difference in the health of humans, plants or animals - are all of the above - check us out.
To meet another student who used his experience to gain acceptance into Harvard Medical School, check out Sean's story.
Classes to look forward to
MICRO 1010: Microbial World
MICRO 1150: Phage Discovery Lab
MICRO 2650: Predicting the Next Epidemic - Living in a One Health World
MICRO 4770: Bacteria - Plant Interractions
MICRO 4850: Soils and Environmental Microbiology.
For additional detail, see course catalog descriptions.
Career Potential
Microbiology graduates have enjoyed a 100% placement rate within 6 months of graduation for several years straight. For additional information, check out our career placement, salary and internship information.