Degree Requirements
The Microbiology graduate program is oriented toward providing a dynamic training environment with the ultimate goal of awarding a Ph.D 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 in the form of a “qualifying exam.” Successful completion of this process qualifies the student to advance to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. Those not admitted to candidacy may, on approval of the faculty, be permitted to complete the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biological and Physical Science. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded upon recommendation by the faculty after satisfactory completion of original research, supported by submission and defense of a dissertation.
Course Work
Students take a select 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 BIOC 503 General Biochemistry (Fall)
GSAS 812 Cell Structure and Function MICR 811 Gene Structure and Function Student Colloquium Second Semester 2 electives* (Spring) Student Colloquium 2nd lab rotation: January through February 3rd lab rotation: March through April Summer session Choose Thesis Advisor and laboratory Literature Review Tutorial Third Semester 1-2 electives* (Fall) Research Student Colloquium Fourth Semester 0-1 elective* (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 electives required, at least 2 must include the following courses:
MICR 803
Advanced Immunology MICR 805
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
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 in the Microbiology Department 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.