Graduate Degree

Microbiology and Molecular Genetics - Doctor of Philosophy

Program:
Microbiology and Molecular Genetics - Doctor of Philosophy
Plan Code:
MMG4_PHD
Program Level:
Graduate
Award Type:
Doctor of Philosophy
College:
College of Natural Science
Department:
Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology CNS


Excerpt from the official Academic Programs Catalog:

Listed below are the approved requirements for the program from the official Academic Programs Catalog.
Students must consult their advisors to learn which specific requirements apply to their degree programs.


College of Natural Science

Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology

Graduate Study
Microbiology and Molecular Genetics - Doctor of Philosophy

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Natural Science, Human Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, or Veterinary Medicine, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics is through the BioMolecular Science Gateway – First Year (BMS). The successful applicant will typically have: a bachelor’s degree (four-year or equivalent) or Master of Science degree that includes course work that demonstrates proficiency in math and science; a grade point average of 3.50 or above; significant research experience equivalent to a minimum of one full-time summer research experience or four semesters of part-time research experience; and strong letters of reference. 

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

The student must:

1. Complete a minimum of four graduate courses (excluding topics and seminar    courses) covering the areas of genetics, microbiology, and biochemistry. At least two of these courses must be offered by the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology.
a.  One course must focus on Molecular Biology or Genetics and include one of the following courses or an approved equivalent as approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.
    BMB  801 Molecular Biology 3
    MMG  833 Microbial Genetics 3
     MMG 835 Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics 3
b.  One course must focus on Cell Biology or Cell Physiology and include one of the following courses or an approved equivalent as approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.
    BMB  802 Metabolic Regulation and Signal Transduction  3
     MMG  801 Integrative Microbial Biology 4
     MMG  825 Cell Structure and Function 3
c.  Other approved course electives include:
    BMB  803 Protein Structure and Function 2
    BMB  805 Protein Structure, Design, and Mechanism 3
     MMG 813 Molecular Virology 3
    MMG  851 Immunology 3
     MMG  861 Advanced Microbial Pathogenesis 3
2. Complete three special topics graduate seminar courses (MMG 803, MMG 991 or other departmental seminar courses as approved by the Director of Graduate Studies chosen to increase the breadth and depth of knowledge in your field.
3. Pass a comprehensive examination that includes a written research proposal, public seminar and oral examination with the student's guidance committee.
4. Complete 24 credits of MMG 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research.
5. Submit a dissertation and a publishable manuscript based on original research and representing a new and significant contribution to knowledge.
All doctoral students in microbiology and molecular genetics are required to participate in laboratory teaching through enrollment of 1 credit of MMG 892 and are expected to attend departmental seminars through enrollment in 4 credits of MMG 892. In addition, all students must participate in the Work in Progress (WiPs) seminar series.


Academic Standards

Failure to pass the preliminary examination will result in dismissal from the program.