Microbiology and Immunology
Why Study Microbiology and Immunology at U of G?
From global pandemics to the diversity of our gut microbiome, microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, are everywhere and shape our health, environment and futures.
Microbiology and Immunology provides a foundation for understanding how microorganisms interact with our bodies and the environment to either promote health or evade immune systems and treatments, and how our immune systems recognize and protect us against pathogens and other threats.
You’ll learn from award-winning faculty leading groundbreaking research in the fields of gut microbiology, host-microbial interactions, antibiotic and antifungal resistance, vaccine development and evaluation, and biotechnology.
Note: The Microbiology and Immunology major was previously known as Microbiology. The new name is effective for the incoming fall 2026 class.
Gain a Breadth of Knowledge
After building a foundation in the biological sciences in first year, you’ll delve deeper with courses in microbial diversity, genetics, cellular biology, and biochemistry. In upper years, you can focus your studies by choosing from electives in a wide array of topics, including virology, viral immunology, medical virology, mycology, food microbiology, enzymology, and parasitology.
Practical Lab Skills
Microbiology and Immunology is a lab-intensive program, with practical training built into nearly every semester. Building from the basics, you’ll learn essential techniques ranging from PCR and western blotting to flow cytometry and tissue culture, along with bioinformatic and data analysis skills. Students are also invited to design and test their own research questions through fourth-year independent research projects.
Hands-on Work Experiences
Students in the co-op program gain valuable work experience while earning their degree. Previous co-op employers include pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, agri-food and supply companies, and government and academic labs.
To see all courses offered in the Microbiology and Immunology program, visit our Academic Calendar.
- Top Comprehensive University
- in Canada (Maclean’s)
- Top 150 in the World
- for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2025)
- Top 20% in the World
- for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
- Top 4 in Canada
- for Microbiology (EduRank 2025)
Careers in Microbiology and Immunology
Microbiology and Immunology students learn a broad range of skills that are highly sought after by employers in both public and private sectors, including in the growing health and biotechnology sectors. Many graduates go on to pursue advanced studies in medicine, immunology, microbiology and bioinformatics.
Here are a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:
- Medical professionals (physicians, dentists, specialists, gastroenterologists, nurses, clinicians, medical associates, etc.)
- R&D scientists and technician (medical, health, biotechnology and agricultural sectors)
- Research analysts and technicians (government and private sectors)
- Quality assurance
- Clinical labs
- Product development
- Production & product safety
- Entrepreneurs (medical, health, biotechnology and agricultural sectors)
- University professors
- Health researchers (government and private sectors)
- Biotechnology (pharmaceuticals, drug development, product development, food production and safety, etc.)
- Bioinformaticians
Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op
The Microbiology and Immunology co-op is a five-year program that includes four paid work terms. Apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world, with hands-on work experiences available in private, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Benefits of co-op include:
- Relevant work experience
- Up to 16 months of work experience
- Earning while learning
- Career exploration
- Professional networking
Students can apply for the co-op program directly from high school or later for in-course admission. Learn more about the Microbiology and Immunology co-op program.
- Associate Analyst
- Bioprocessing Intern
- Co-op Student - Vaccines
- Food Safety Inspector
- Laboratory Technologist
- Molecular Biology Researcher
- Production and Laboratory Assistant
- Production Support Analyst
- Quality Assurance Technician
- Quality Control Assistant
- Research and Development Assistant
- Research Assistant
Hear From Microbiology and Immunology Students and Graduates
During my co-op at Johnson & Johnson, I was trained in critical lab tests and completed a project using lab skills I learned at school that resulted in the use of a disinfectant still being used today. This experience confirmed my interest in working in industry, and I was thrilled to accept a role there post-graduation.
During my undergraduate studies in Microbiology and Immunology, I had the opportunity to complete my co-op work terms at a food manufacturing company for four semesters. The co-op program has helped me gain more insights into regulatory affairs, quality assurance, shelf-life studies, and how food safety impacts our daily lives! The program is designed with numerous courses that include extensive laboratory work, preparing me for literature review and scientific research. Today, I work at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), Government of Ontario as a Food Safety Advisor. I am grateful and proud to say I am a Gryphon!
Discover More Options
Students considering Microbiology and Immunology may also be interested in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biochemistry, Bio-Medical Science, or other majors.
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