Who is eligible for the Minor in Microbial Science?
The Minor in Microbial Science is open to all students in all majors other than Biology. Biology Majors should pursue the curriculum for the Concentration in Microbiology. The Minor is available to students in all Colleges at Cornell University.
How do I enroll in the Minor in Microbial Science?
There is no formal enrollment process for the Minor in Microbial Science. Students interested in pursuing the Minor should contact the Microbiology Administrative Assistant, Michelle Carr (mlc44@cornell.edu), to arrange a meeting with a member of the Microbiology Curriculum Committee. During this meeting, students will review planned courses with a Minor Advisor in Microbiology (assigned at that time). Students are responsible for planning their minor program of study in conjunction with their advisor in their major.
To complete the Minor in Microbial Sciences, students must complete the form, “Minor Program of Study in Microbial Sciences” available in 102 Wing Hall (Department of Microbiology Administrative Office) or online at this site no later than January 31 prior to the May graduation deadline, or no later than September 30 prior to the December graduation deadline. After submitting their form, the student must make an appointment with their Minor Advisor. Students should take their Application to Graduate form, and bring a copy of his or her transcript (it need not be an official copy) to verify completion of the minor. Upon satisfactory review of the application and transcript, the Minor Advisor will sign the form and notify the registrar of successful completion.
I am studying abroad and wish to have some of the courses I will be taking count towards the Minor. Whom should I contact?
Students wishing to count subjects taken while on study abroad should contact their Minor Advisor, or the Undergraduate Program Coordinator (hewson@cornell.edu). Students should be prepared to provide a syllabus for the course and the name and contact details for the course instructor. The Minor Advisor will review the syllabus and contact faculty at Cornell teaching similar subjects to check appropriateness of credit. Generally speaking, courses which cover the same material as on-campus courses will be considered for credit.
I would like to take another subject not listed in the curriculum and have it count towards the Minor. Whom should I contact?
The Microbiology Curriculum Committee periodically reviews courses available at Cornell for inclusion in the Minor in Microbial Science. Should you be interested in a subject that is not currently listed, please contact the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Ian Hewson, at hewson@cornell.edu. Only courses which are microbiology, and courses which pertain to the four focus areas of the minor – Introductory Courses in Microbiology, Biology of Microorganisms, Microbial Ecology, Diversity and Environmental Microbiology, and Applied and Pathogenic Microbiology will be considered. Students must complete at least one course in each of these four groups.
Does BioG 2990/4990 Independent Research Credit count towards the Minor?
BioG 2990/4990 in a Microbiology Laboratory may count towards the Laboratory Course requirement, subject to approval by the Undergraduate Program Coordinator. Students should submit a detailed description of the work carried out, the faculty who oversaw the work, and how the work was assessed (e.g. paper, presentation) to their Minor Adviser.
Whom should I contact for further information about the Minor?
Students and advisers in other departments should contact Michelle Carr or the Undergraduate Program Coordinator (Ian Hewson, hewson@cornell.edu) if they have questions about Microbiology courses.