METX 100Introduction to Microbiology
Introduces the biology of microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, and unicellular eukaryotes), with an emphasis on bacteria. Topics include microbial cell structure and function, physiology, metabolism, genetics, and diversity. Also considers the role of microbes in human health, the environment, biotechnology, and food production. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and METX 119.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A or ESCI 30.
- Course instruction is online and asynchronous, with in-person midterm and final exams scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, and Friday, July 24, 2026, from 9 to 11 AM. The midterm and final exams must be taken in person at one of the following UC campuses: UC Santa Cruz, UC Davis, UC San Diego, or UC Irvine. Details on how to schedule will be provided by the instructor.
- All students - If you completed the prerequisites but received an error message, email your proof of prerequisite material to the department at microadvising@ucsc.edu.
Find a section and add it to your scheduleLive seat counts, time-conflict checks and the walk from your previous class.
When it runs
Winter 2027Open Winter 2027
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Asynchronous | — | Staff | Open 0/144 |
Fall 2026Open Fall 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 11:40am–1:15pm | Media Theater M110 | J. Kimmey | Wait List 142/142 |
Summer 2026Open Summer 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | TBA | Online | K. M. Ottemann, H. S. Anderson | Open 118/201 |
Winter 2026Open Winter 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 3:20pm–4:55pm | Earth&Marine B206 | M. Patnode | Open 135/144 |
Fall 2025Open Fall 2025
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 1:30pm–3:05pm | J Bask Aud 101 | J. Kimmey | Open 105/144 |
Who teaches it
| Instructor | Rating | Difficulty | Would take again | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacqueline Kimmey | 4.5 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 88% | 8 |
| Karen Ottemann | 3.8 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | 57% | 26 |
| Michael Patnode | 5.0 / 5 | 2.1 / 5 | 100% | 8 |
From RateMyProfessors, which is student-submitted and not a survey. Small review counts move a long way on one bad quarter.
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