FORT PIERCE — With the expectation that research centers like Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter and Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies in Port St. Lucie will soon demand qualified workers, the University of Florida plans to offer a new bachelor of science degree in microbiology and cell science at its Indian River Research and Education Center here.

The new degree program will begin in fall 2011 and feature online lectures and course work, with live laboratory classes conducted by UF professors at the center at 2199 S. Rock Road, west of Fort Pierce.

The program will provide the last two years of a four-year degree and is designed to accept all prerequisites students have earned as part of an associate in arts degree from other state colleges or universities. Part-time students can pursue the degree during a time period longer than two years.

Some of the courses offered in the program are: microbiology, immunology, virology, pathogens, parasitology, astrobiology, molecular genetics and other related courses. These courses will provide students with a background required to pursue careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, veterinary science, biomedical research and basic research fields.

Lectures will be available at times convenient to students by streaming audio, video and PowerPoint presentations. Student support will be provided by professors, teaching assistants and academic advisors by e-mail, in chat rooms, and by telephone.

“Our students typically are employed full-time, have families and other obligations,” said IRREC Professor and Director Peter Stoffella. “This program is paced for serious full-time or part-time serious students who will seek employment with research institutions in our area, which we are finding in increasing numbers along the Research Coast as more research firms move here.”

Those interested in enrollment may contact Jackie White, coordinator of academic support services at (772) 468-3922, Ext. 148, or e-mail: jkwhite@ufl.edu.

The program website may be viewed at http://microcell.ufl.edu/students/offcampus/curriculum.shtml.

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