Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) engage students in scientific discovery and facilitate authentic learning experiences. To better understand the influence of CUREs on undergraduate biology majors, we developed a CURE for students enrolled in a general microbiology course (Micro-CURE). The Micro-CURE taught students the same skills as in a traditional microbiology laboratory course but in a setting that promoted engagement with real-world problems. Students were given a pre- and postsemester questionnaire to gauge both their self-reported perceptions of and actual gain of microbiological skills and content knowledge. After participation, Micro-CURE students reported an increase in familiarity with microbiology skills, demonstrated significant improvement in the use of microbiological technical skills, and exhibited an improved understanding of microbiology concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]