Curriculum, PhD in Microbiology

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The Microbiology PhD program is oriented toward providing a dynamic training environment with the ultimate goal of awarding a PhD degree. It typically requires four to six years of study. Independent research is at the core of the program. During the first two years, students complete formal course requirements and rotate through three different laboratories. Thesis labs are chosen after completion of the first year. Toward the end of the second year, students prepare and defend a detailed research proposal. Successful completion of this process qualifies the student to advance to candidacy for the PhD degree. This program does not accept students who intend to terminate their studies at the Master's level.


COURSEWORK

 

Students take a group of core courses in the first semester designed to provide a solid foundation in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, and gene regulation.   An individualized coursework program is then developed to meet the specific interests of the student and course requirements of relevant training programs.   This typically includes additional classes, topical journal clubs, seminar series, and research-in-progress meetings. 

 

Typical student classroom and research activities are as follows:  

 

 

Summer Session

1st lab rotation:  July through September

 

First Semester

 BIMS 503           Biochemistry: Micromolecular Structure  & Function

     (Fall)

 BIMS 812            Cell Structure and Function

 

 BIMS 811            Gene Structure and Expression

 

Student Colloquium         MICR 881 or BIMS 835

 

Second Semester

2 advanced courses*

     (Spring)

Student Colloquium

 

2nd lab rotation:  January through February

 

3rd lab rotation:  March through April

 

Summer Session

Choose Thesis Advisor and laboratory

 

Third Semester

1-2 advanced courses*

     (Fall)

Research

 

Student Colloquium

 

Fourth Semester

0-1 advanced course*

     (Spring)

Research

 

Qualifying Examination

 

 

 

Subsequent semesters

Research

     (additional 3-5 years)

Meet with Thesis Committee 1-2 times a year

 

Write Thesis and orally defend original research

 

 

*Of the 4 total advanced courses required, at least 2 must be drawn from the following group of "core" courses:

 

BIMS 803

Fundamental Immunology

BIMS 808

General and Molecular Genetics

MICR 809

Virology

MICR 810

Microbial Pathogenesis

MICR 815

Molecular Basis of Cancer

 

 

Students supported by the Immunology Training Grant must take:
     MICR 803 - Advanced Immunology

Students supported by the Cancer Training Grant must take: 
     MICR 815 - Molecular Basis of Cancer

Students supported by the Infectious Disease or Biodefense Training Grants must take: 
      MICR 809 and MICR 810

 

[From: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/microbiology/education/students.cfm#course]


LABORATORY RESEARCH

Students perform three rotations in laboratories of their choice during their first year in the program. These rotations provide an opportunity to become familiar with specific laboratory and research areas while performing small research projects. Students typically choose to begin their rotations during the summer prior to the beginning of courses so that they can become acquainted with research opportunities before classes begin. After completion of all three rotations at the end of the first year of study, students then choose a research lab and thesis advisor.

The research programs of faculty participants in the Microbiology graduate program are nationally and internationally renowned. They are well-funded from both federal and private sources, providing student research activities with excellent financial and technological support. Laboratories are well-equipped with modern and sophisticated instrumentation to enable advanced experimentation in molecular and cellular biology.


ACTIVITIES

A wide range of activities outside of the classroom and laboratory are available to students in the Microbiology program. Weekly seminar series in microbiology, immunology, infectious disease, biodefense, cancer, and cell biology provide a mechanism for students to hear about the newest developments throughout the international research community. These seminar series are complemented by one- and two-day symposia highlighting the research of distinguished scientists whose research focuses on related topics. Students have the opportunity to present their own work to faculty and peers at annual poster sessions and regional meetings. Students are also encouraged to attend and present their work at national and international scientific meetings.

 [From: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/bims_mii/progdetails.cfm]