Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

The Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology offers a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Science degree and a Minor in Molecular Biology and Microbiology. The department also offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences and a new Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology. The Molecular Biology and Microbiology programs prepare students for entry into any professional schools in health sciences, such as medicine, veterinary, pharmacy, podiatry, physician assistant, physical therapy, optometry, chiropractic and dentistry. The Department’s programs also prepare students entering the technical workforce in biotechnology, pharmaceutical and/or any other medical technology industry. The Department is a major partner in the interdisciplinary PhD program in Biomedical Sciences. Students seeking admission to such professional programs should follow the Molecular Biology and Microbiology Pre-professional Concentration.

Program in Molecular Biology and Microbiology

The Core Curriculum in the baccalaureate program, with its broad and thorough background in the physical, computational, and life sciences, provides a solid foundation in concepts and applications of modern biology to contemporary and future problems. The Restricted Electives component of the baccalaureate program allows each student to enhance his/her academic preparation in areas of morphological, clinical, analytical or investigative applications. Students are also encouraged to gain research experience and exposure to specialized topics not taught in formal courses through the mechanism of directed research and independent study contracts with selected faculty. This thorough, but flexible, program provides an excellent preparation for industry, graduate education, and for the four-year health science professions (medicine, veterinary, pharmacy, podiatry, physician assistant, physical therapy, optometry, chiropractic and dentistry).

Molecular Biology and Microbiology UCF/USF Accelerated Medical School Program (BS)

Students must apply for this program through the Burnett Honors College prior to attending UCF. Eligibility requirements include Florida residency, unweighted minimum high school GPA of 3.7 and SAT score of 1300 or ACT score of 29. More information about the admission process can be found in the catalog under: Burnett Honors College: UCF/USF Accelerated Medical School Program.

Students desiring admission to USF College of Medicine [USFCOM] through the accelerated program will meet all USFCOM admission requirements and obtain a BS in Molecular Biology and Microbiology after completion of first year of the medical school curriculum.

Program in Biotechnology

To meet the demand for highly trained scientists in the biotechnology workforce, the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences now offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology. This new degree program prepares students to function in the industrial biotechnology/biomedical environment, providing them with more hands on laboratory experiences and opportunities for research. These students will be provided an industrial perspective and an understanding of product development at the same time as they are trained in the molecular techniques required for such development.

Program in Medical Laboratory Sciences

Medical technologists may be involved in medical diagnosis, patient treatment, health screening, laboratory management, research, and laboratory education. They use highly sophisticated analytical equipment for the examination of blood and body fluids.

The curriculum is designed to give students a thorough background in the physical and biological sciences; to develop the necessary laboratory skills and skills essential to assume leadership roles in management and education; to develop a high level of proficiency in correlating clinical data.

The last two years of sequential courses constitute the upper division professional phase of the Program. The Medical Laboratory Sciences class size to be selected is determined by the availability of space and equipment, and available spaces in the clinical facilities.

The Medical Laboratory Sciences is a limited access program that requires a separate application to the program. Preference will be given to those who apply by March 1st but applications will be accepted until the class is filled.

The Medical Laboratory Sciences program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS 8410 Bryn Mawr Ave., Ste 670, Chicago, IL 60631) and is approved as a training program by the state of Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel.

Office of Student Services and Advisement (OSSA)

The Office of Student Services and Advisement (OSSA) is the primary office for undergraduate academic advisement in the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences. OSSA assists Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Medical Laboratory Sciences students in orientation, registration, University policies and procedures, major requirements, course substitutions, and graduation certification. Students interested in pursuing Medical Laboratory Sciences limited access program, should meet with an advisor or the Program Director for more information.