Major Overview

The Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics (MIMG) undergraduate major offers two options known as Path 1 (guided, team-oriented inquiry-based laboratory experience) and Path 2 (advanced, independent research experience with an MIMG faculty mentor or approved UCLA faculty mentor). The research requirements are different for Path 1 and Path 2 (see courses below) but all other course requirements (Foundation Courses, Focus Electives, and the General Elective) are the same for both paths.

 All students entering the MIMG major will automatically be Path 1. To be admitted to Path 2, students must apply and meet eligibility requirements (i.e. must already be conducting independent MIMG research in faculty mentor's lab). Consult with the MIMG Advisors (undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu) for more information on the Path 2 requirements, Path 2 application process, or for guidance on connecting with an MIMG or approved lab. 

All MIMG students must fulfill the Life Science Core (Major Preparation Courses) and meet all College Degree Requirements in addition to the MIMG Major Requirements to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree from UCLA.

Major Policies

  • Any single course can be used in only ONE category of the major. Students must complete a minimum of ten total courses for the major.
  • Courses do not have to be taken in the order outlined. (Students should note all requisite courses, as always.)
  • Each major course must be taken for a letter grade and must be passed with a C− or better. Students must also have a minimum overall grade-point average of 2.0 or better in the major. Students cannot take any MIMG preparation courses or major courses for a P/NP grade.
    • Students receiving a grade of D+ or below in any two attempts of any MIMG preparation courses or major courses must contact with the MIMG Advisors (undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu) and may be subject to dismissal from the major.
  • The MIMG Department does not approve double-major petitions with MCDB (Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology) or Biochemistry.

Alert

Course availability and course restrictions are subject to change. Always consult the Schedule of Classes for the most accurate information. Please contact MIMG Advisors (undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu) with your UID to inquire about future course offerings.

MIMG Major Requirements

The MIMG major requires a minimum of 10 courses: 5 Foundation Courses, 2+ Research Courses, 2 Focus Electives, and 1 General Elective.

The MIMG major requirements are all "Upper Division" courses. The MIMG major will cover a minimum of 43 Upper Division units that will contribute toward the UCLA Upper Division requirement. A note that, like most majors at UCLA, this will not fully cover UCLA's Upper Division requirement of 60 units.

Five Foundation Courses

Complete 5 total Foundation Courses. 

Quarter Course Units
F, W MIMG 101 - Introductory Microbiology 4
All LS 107 - Genetics 5
All Chem 153A - Biochemistry 4
All/Sp Chem 153B - Biochemistry OR MIMG 132 - Cell Biology of the Nucleus 4
W, Sp MIMG 185A - Immunology 5

Path 1 Research Immersion Labs (2 Courses)

All students in the MIMG major are automatically on Path 1. Students can choose the Virology series (103AL and 103BL) or the Microbiology Series (109AL and 109BL). Students will complete two courses in consecutive quarters beginning with a wet lab (103AL or 109AL) followed by a dry lab (103BL or 109BL). 

Quarter Course Units
F+W; Sp+F MIMG 103AL - Virology Research Immersion Lab & 103BL - Advanced Research Analysis in Virology 5 units in 1st quarter (103AL) + 4 units in 2nd quarter (103BL)
F+W; W+Sp MIMG 109AL - Microbiology Research Immersion Lab & MIMG 109BL - Advanced Research Analysis in Microbiology 5 units in 1st quarter (109AL) + 4 units in 2nd quarter (109BL)

Path 2 Independent Research Series (4 Courses)

Students must be eligible and apply to Path 2. Path 2 is a two-quarter commitment of two quarters of seminars (180A in the first quarter followed by 180B) concurrently with two quarters of research (letter-graded contract courses 196A and 196B, the independent research mentored by an approved Path 2 faculty mentor).

Quarter Offered Course Units
W or Sp MIMG 196A - Research Apprenticeship I + MIMG 180A - Scientific Analysis & Communication 6 units total in 1st quarter (4 units from 196A +2 units from 180A).
Sp or F MIMG 196B - Research Apprenticeship II + MIMG 180B - Scientific Analysis & Communication II 6 units total in 2nd quarter (4 units from 196B +2 units from 180B).

Two Focus Electives:

Complete two total focus electives total from list below. 

Quarter Course Units
W MIMG 102 - Virology 4
F MIMG 105 - Biological Microscopy 4
Sp MIMG 132 - Cell Biology of the Nucleus 4
W MIMG CM156 - Human Genetics 4
W + Su MIMG 158 - Microbial Genomics 4
W MIMG 168 - Parasitology 4
All MCDB 138 - Developmental Biology 5
All MCDB 165A - Biology of Cells 5
All Chem 153L - Biochemistry Lab 4
All Chem 153B - Biochemistry: DNA,RNA 4
Sp MIMG 170 - Cell and Gene Therapy 4
F MIMG M178- Quantitative Regulatory Biology and Signal Transduction 4

One General Elective:

Students have many options to fulfill this requirement, including: