Mission & Goals
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Immunology and Medical Microbiology directly fulfills many of the stated objectives in the Strategic Plan for WVU, the WVU Health Sciences Center, and the WVU School of Medicine. It will be a financially viable, innovative, and dynamic educational program that provides a unique opportunity to earn a degree in Immunology and Medical Microbiology for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. Its learner-centered curriculum will integrate both classroom and hands-on laboratory experiences. Graduates of the program will provide the state of West Virginia with a well-trained healthcare and research workforce who have the education and experience to work in a variety of occupations that require knowledge in immunology, medical microbiology and related disciplines.
Program Learning Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science degree in Immunology and Medical Microbiology will prepare students from diverse backgrounds to serve as professionals that are knowledgeable about the immune system of humans and other mammals, how the immune system functions, and the consequences of its malfunction on the health of the host. Knowledge of the immune system will be fully integrated with an excellent understanding of the diversity of microorganisms that cause disease in humans and other mammals and mechanisms of disease pathogenesis.
Graduates will possess the laboratory skills and knowledge needed to assess the functional status of the immune system and to safely cultivate and identify microorganisms that cause disease in mammals. Graduates will be qualified to pursue several professional career paths in private industry, state and federal government, and academic institutions. The degree can also provide a strong foundation to progress to advanced studies including medical school, dental school, and graduate school.
Students will:
- Summarize and apply the basic concepts of microbiology and microbial pathogenesis.
- Summarize and apply the basic concepts of immunology and immunological disorders.
- Demonstrate expertise in the laboratory skills and knowledge needed to assess the functional status of the immune system.
- Demonstrate expertise in the laboratory skills and knowledge needed to safely cultivate and identify microorganisms that cause disease in mammals.
- Critically interpret microbiological and immunological assay data.
- Discuss, critique, and interpret primary literature in microbiology, microbial pathogenesis, and immunology.
- Demonstrate oral, written, and visual communication skills that result in clear and organized dissemination of material at a level appropriate for the audience.