Microbiology: Degree Requirements

To be accepted into our MS program, students must have a faculty member identified and agreed upon as a sponsor. 

We expect M.S. graduates to

• Critically analyze the primary literature

• Accurately carry out complex experimental designs based on the primary literature

• Analyze quantitative and bioinformatic microbiology data

• Compellingly present results of experiments in both oral and written formats

Course requirements summary:

MS students are required to take 8 credits from the core curriculum (7 course credits plus 1 seminar credit), 12 credits chosen from the electives relevant to their concentrations, 4 research credits and 6 thesis credits, for a total of 30 credits.

In addition to the skills of an M.S., we expect Ph.D. graduates to

• Identify knowledge gaps in their track/concentration

• Design and implement research programs that creatively address these knowledge gaps

• Develop and demonstrate teaching skills (these include, but are not limited to, a TA-ship in a classroom or laboratory setting; designing and developing teaching aids like audiovisual packages for classroom use; designing and implementing one or more lab experiments for a course; guest lecturing)

PhD students are required to take 12 credits from the core curriculum (9 course credits plus 3 seminar credits), 15 credits chosen from the electives relevant to their concentrations, and 9 dissertation credits, for a total of 42 credits. PhD students will also be expected to do rotations through three labs within their first 6 months in the program, in order to (a) hone skills for their Ph.D. project and (b) get a more well-rounded perspective of microbiology research.

Core Courses

• Microbial Physiology and Diversity (MAST625; 3 credits): Microbial growth and composition, cell architecture and structures, energy metabolism, diversity in energy and assimilatory metabolism.

• Microbial Genetics and Genomics (MAST626; 3 credits): Central dogma, genetic techniques, gene regulation, genome structure and function, -omics, focus on archaea, bacteria and viruses.

• Current Topics in Microbiology: Seminar (PLSC811, 1X for M.S. [1 credit] 3X for Ph.D. [3credits]): Exposure to the breadth of research including microbiology from external and internal speakers; required presentation on the student’s research project will foster oral communication and professional development.

• Microbiology Journal Club (BISC850, 1X for M.S. [1 credit] 3X for Ph.D. [3 credits]): Develop critical literature analysis skills and discussion practices; requirement to present a paper will foster oral communication skills.

Laboratory Rotation (Ph.D. only): Acquisition of laboratory skills and selection of advisor through three laboratory rotations.

Elective Courses:

A range of electives is available based on the teaching activities of Microbiology program faculty.  To be included as an elective in the Microbiology graduate program, a course will have to be 600-level or higher and be approved after a review of the syllabus by the Program Director and Faculty Steering Committee.