# uBio Reference > Offline medical microbiology reference app for students. (iPhone/iPad app by Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ubio-reference/id1200033807 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences](https://appshunter.io/developer/1068173989) - Category: Reference, Education - Price: Free - Rating: 4.80/5 from 24 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 17+ - Requires: iOS 11.0 · 13 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2017-09-14 - Data updated: 2026-07-04 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ubio-reference/id1200033807/reviews.md ## What is uBio Reference? Get instant, offline access to high-yield microbiology facts designed specifically for medical students during the pre-clerkship, step 1, and clerkship periods. Traditional educational tools flood learners with the infamous "fire hose" of information with little direction for which information is most critical for the boards and the wards. Students instead cram for exams and rely on question banks and seemingly endless "pimping" sessions in the hospital to begin building a mental framework. These methods are effective but represent a reactive learning strategy with clear room for improvement. With this in mind, a team of medical students at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences worked with the Microbiology and IT departments to create μBio, a medical microbiology reference application built specifically for medical students. App Highlights Content: Key testable information related to medically-relevant bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Content is continually re-evaluated and updated for accuracy, utility, and simplicity. Access: Data is stored on your device for instant, offline access (important in the hospital setting with limited connectivity). Data updates and external resources are available on demand when connected to the web. Build Foundation: Content is intentionally light-weight and consists of only the most relevant information. This is meant to lower the barrier for material review and encourage repetition throughout the day, rather than cramming before the exam. Expand Knowledge: Key facts link to additional detail (diagrams, articles, etc.) while connected to the internet to allow for deeper learning in academic settings. Search by Anything: When you come across a bug in the classroom or the hospital, instantly access high-yield information by typing all or part of the the name, transmission, morphology, treatment, any more. Feedback: We are constantly looking to improve both the functionality of the app and the quality of the data. Use the bug-specific feedback (bug-specific pages, top-right menu) for specific content feedback as well as the general feedback form (main page, top-right menu) for general feedback. Analytics: As of v2.0, we use Google Analytics (Firebase) to collect basic information about app interaction to help make future improvements to the platform. We do NOT collect personal or identifiable information, such as your name or age. For more information about what information is specifically collected, please use the in-app general feedback form and be sure to leave your email address so that we can get back to you. Disclaimer: This app is intended to be a reference for medical students. Do not make medical decisions based on the content found within this app. Consult a doctor for medical advice. ## Key features - Offline microbiology content - High-yield testable facts - Search by pathogen name or characteristic - Links to external resources - Content updated for accuracy - Streamlined learning approach ## Recent user reviews (1 of 1) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ubio-reference/id1200033807/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Fantastic app for med students! *2017-11-08* Great quick reference for those in med school and out on rotations. Would like to see more info about Influenza virus though. **Developer response:** Glad you like it! Thanks for the feedback - expect an update to the influenza virus in the next few days. You can use the Options button (home screen, top right) to check for data updates. For future data update requests, you can also use the Suggest Change button (within Options when you are on a specific bug). We're certainly listening and hoping more students will help refine the data further with time! ## Frequently asked questions about uBio Reference ### What is uBio Reference? uBio Reference is a free medical microbiology reference application designed for medical students. It provides offline access to key testable information for bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, aiding in exam preparation and clinical rotations. ### Is uBio Reference free to use? Yes, uBio Reference is completely free to download and use. It does not have any in-app purchases or advertisements, making it a straightforward educational tool. ### Can I use uBio Reference offline? Yes, a key feature of uBio Reference is its offline access. All essential data is stored on your device, allowing you to review information even when you have limited or no internet connectivity, which is crucial in hospital settings. ### What kind of information does uBio Reference contain? uBio Reference focuses on high-yield, medically relevant facts about bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The content is curated to be essential for board exams and clinical clerkships, avoiding overwhelming amounts of information. ### How often is uBio Reference updated? The content within uBio Reference is continually re-evaluated and updated for accuracy, utility, and simplicity. The latest version available is 2.0, which was last updated on April 18, 2018. ### What devices is uBio Reference compatible with? uBio Reference is available for iOS devices, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is designed for users aged 17 and older. ### Does uBio Reference collect personal data? No, uBio Reference explicitly states that it does not collect personal or identifiable information. It uses Google Analytics (Firebase) for basic app interaction data to improve the platform, but this data is anonymized. ### How can I provide feedback for uBio Reference? You can provide feedback directly within the app. There are bug-specific feedback options on relevant pages and a general feedback form on the main page for suggestions on functionality and data quality. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.0 — 2018-04-18 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. This update brings a complete redesign from the ground up. -- Data has been refined and re-structured towards the goal of including the highest-yield information -- Simplified user experience that includes a single search bar to search by any category -- Enhanced bug facts now link related items together (i.e. easily find all sporeformers) -- Many new external resources have been added (i.e. CDC articles, gram flow charts, and images) -- Especially important items now have a blue background to help prioritize learning -- Added a tutorial to help get the most out of the app -- Added Google Analytics (Firebase) to better understand app use for future improvement (no personally identifiable information is collected) ### 1.3 — 2017-11-06 Platform upgrade and bug fixes. ### 1.2 — 2017-11-01 Additional bug fixes and branding updates. ### 1.1 — 2017-09-26 Bug fixes and updated brand information to make us easier to discover. ### 1.0 — 2017-09-14 No release notes. ## Apps similar to uBio Reference | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [NJ Child Support](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nj-child-support/id736887039) | 1.9 (110) | Free | Reference | ## More apps by Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences - [STB](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stb/id1336173602) - [Defense Medical Ethics](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/defense-medical-ethics/id1635965168) - [USU PSY](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usu-psy/id6758343728) All apps by Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences: https://appshunter.io/developer/1068173989 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-04.*