Academic Programs Catalog

Environmental microbiology is a large and diverse field that addresses concerns such as soil fertility, water purity and quality, and safety of the food supply.   Although environmental biology is concerned with all members of the biosphere and the geochemical surroundings, microorganisms are at the heart of the biological activities in the environment.  Many of the environmental problems facing society are microbiological ones, or ones for which microbiological solutions may be found.

The Bachelor of Science degree program with a major in environmental biology/microbiology is designed for students who plan to pursue careers involving microbiology and the environment or who plan to pursue graduate study in microbiology and related environmental areas.

The educational objectives of the program are to:

1. Help students to acquire knowledge of microbiology and related environmental areas.
2. Prepare students to solve problems in environmental microbiology.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Biology/Microbiology

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Biology/Microbiology.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Environmental Biology/Microbiology major is met by completing Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology 408 or 494L.  Those courses are referenced in item 3.b.(2) below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.
   
   The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	The following courses outside the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology (58 or 68 credits):
   	(1)	One of the following, either a. or b. (4 or 6 credits):
   		(a)	BMB	461	Advanced Biochemistry I		3
   			BMB	462	Advanced Biochemistry II		3
   		(b)	BMB	401	Comprehensive Biochemistry		4
   	(2)	All of the following courses (15 credits):
   		CSS	210	Fundamentals of Soil Science			3
   		GLG	201	The Dynamic Earth			4
   		GLG	421	Environmental Geochemistry			4
   		IBIO	355	Ecology			3
   		IBIO	355L	Ecology Laboratory (W)			1
   	(3)	One of the following groups of courses (6 or 9 credits):
   		(a)	BS	161	Cell and Molecular Biology		3
   			BS	162	Organismal and Population Biology		3
   		(b)	LB	144	Biology I: Organismal Biology		4
   			LB	145	Biology II: Cell and Molecular Biology		5
   		(c)	BS	181H	Honors Cell and Molecular Biology		3
   			BS	182H	Honors Organismal and Population Biology		3
   	(4)	One of the following courses (2 credits):
   		BS	171	Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory			2
   		BS	172	Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory			2
   		BS	191H	Honors Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory			2
   		BS	192H	Honors Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory			2
   		This requirement is waived for students who selected item (3) (b) above.
   	(5)	One of the following groups of courses (9 or 10 credits):
   		(a)	CEM	141	General Chemistry		4
   			CEM	142	General and Inorganic Chemistry		3
   			CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I		1
   			CEM	162	Chemistry Laboratory II		1
   		(b)	LB	171	Principles of Chemistry I		4
   			LB	172	Principles of Chemistry II		3
   			LB	171L	Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I		1
   			LB	172L	Principles of Chemistry II - Reactivity Laboratory		1
   		(c)	CEM	151	General and Descriptive Chemistry		4
   			CEM	152	Principles of Chemistry		3
   			CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I		1
   			CEM	162	Chemistry Laboratory II		1
   		(d)	CEM	181H	Honors Chemistry I		4
   			CEM	182H	Honors Chemistry II		4
   			CEM	185H	Honors Chemistry Laboratory		2
   	(6)	One of the following groups of courses (8 credits):
   		(a)	CEM	251	Organic Chemistry I		3
   			CEM	252	Organic Chemistry II		3
   			CEM	255	Organic Chemistry Laboratory		2
   		(b)	CEM	351	Organic Chemistry I		3
   			CEM	352	Organic Chemistry II		3
   			CEM	355	Organic Chemistry Laboratory I		2
   		(c)	LB	271	Organic Chemistry		3
   			CEM	252	Organic Chemistry II		3
   			CEM	255	Organic Chemistry Laboratory		2
   	(7)	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   		MTH	124	Survey of Calculus I			3
   		MTH	132	Calculus I			3
   		LB	118	Calculus I			4
   		MTH	152H	Honors Calculus I			3
   	(8)	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   		LB	119	Calculus II			4
   		MTH	126	Survey of Calculus II			3
   		MTH	133	Calculus II			4
   		MTH	153H	Honors Calculus II			4
   		STT	231	Statistics for Scientists			3
   		STT	421	Statistics I			3
   	(9)	One of the following groups of  courses (8 or 10 credits):
   		(a)	PHY	221	Studio Physics for Life Scientists, I		4
   			PHY	222	Studio Physics for Life Scientists, II		4
   		(b)	LB	273	Physics I		4
   			LB	274	Physics II		4
   		(c)	PHY	183	Physics for Scientists and Engineers I		4
   			PHY	184	Physics for Scientists and Engineers II		4
   			PHY	191	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I		1
   			PHY	192	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II		1
   		(d)	PHY	193H	Honors Physics I-Mechanics		4
   			PHY	294H	Honors Physics II-Electromagnetism		4
   			PHY	191	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I		1
   			PHY	192	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II		1
   b.	The following courses in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology (19 credits):
   	(1)	All the following courses (13 credits):
   		MGI	301	Introductory Microbiology			3
   		MGI	302	Introductory Laboratory for General and Allied Health Microbiology			1
   		MGI	421	Prokaryotic Cell Physiology			3
   		MGI	425	Microbial Ecology			3
   		MGI	431	Microbial Genetics			3
   	(2)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		MGI	408	Advanced Microbiology Laboratory (W)			3
   		MGI	494L	Summer Undergraduate Research Institute in Genomics (W)			3
   	(3)	One of the following three options (3 credits):
   		(a)	MGI	491	Current Topics in Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology		3
   		(b)	MGI	492	Undergraduate Research Seminar		1
   			One of the following courses:
   			MGI	499	Undergraduate Research		2
   			MGI	499H	Honors Research		2
   		(c)	MGI	493	Professional Internship in Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology		3
   			The completion of either of these three options fulfills the department's capstone course requirement.
   c.	One course from two of the following areas (6 to 8 credits):
   	(1)	CSS	455	Environmental Pollutants in Soil and Water			3
   	(2)	FOR	340	Forest Ecology			3
   		PLB	402	Biology of Fungi			4
   	(3)	FSC	440	Food Microbiology			3
   	(4)	GEO	206	Physical Geography			3
   		GEO	221	Introduction to Geographic Information			3
   	(5)	GLG	435	Geomicrobiology (W)			4
   	(6)	FOR	466	Natural Resource Policy			3
   		IBIO	446	Environmental Issues and Public Policy			3
   	(7)	FW	420	Stream Ecology			3
   		FW	472	Limnology			3
   	(8)	MGI	433	Genomics (W)			3
   		CMSE	410	Bioinformatics and Computational Biology			3
   	(9)	IBIO	357	Global Change Biology (W)			3

The objective of the Bachelor of Science degree program with a major in genetics and genomics is to provide a broad foundation in science, with emphasis in genetics and genomics. Although the majority of the course work is prescribed, students have an opportunity to tailor their degree program to their own interests within the field by choosing a suitable course combination from a slate of options. 

In addition to the general degree requirements of the College of Natural Science, the undergraduate program in genetics and genomics encompasses fundamental training in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and biology. This foundation provides the prerequisites for undertaking the basic courses in genetics and genomics. In order to increase the flexibility of the program, and to provide additional intellectual stimulation, students are encouraged to participate in mentored independent research for at least two, and ideally three or more, semesters. Independent research is available to both Honors College and other students, and often culminates with a report written in manuscript style or a presentation or seminar by the student. This research may fulfill part of the department’s capstone course requirement for the bachelor’s degree with a major in genetics and genomics.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Genetics and Genomics

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics and Genomics.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Genetics and Genomics major is met by completing Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology 434 or 494L.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. b. (2) below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.
   
   The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	The following courses outside the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology (45 to 55 credits):
   	(1)	One of the following, either a. or b. (4 or 6 credits):
   		(a)	BMB	461	Advanced Biochemistry I		3
   			BMB	462	Advanced Biochemistry II		3
   		(b)	BMB	401	Comprehensive Biochemistry		4
   	(2)	One of the following groups of courses (6 or 9 credits):
   		(a)	BS	161	Cell and Molecular Biology		3
   			BS	162	Organismal and Population Biology		3
   		(b)	LB	144	Biology I: Organismal Biology		4
   			LB	145	Biology II: Cell and Molecular Biology		5
   		(c)	BS	181H	Honors Cell and Molecular Biology		3
   			BS	182H	Honors Organismal and Population Biology		3
   	(3)	One of the following courses (2 credits):
   		BS	171	Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory			2
   		BS	172	Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory			2
   		BS	191H	Honors Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory			2
   		BS	192H	Honors Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory			2
   		This requirement is waived for students who selected item (2) (b) above.
   	(4)	One of the following groups of courses (9 or 10 credits):
   		(a)	CEM	141	General Chemistry		4
   			CEM	142	General and Inorganic Chemistry		3
   			CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I		1
   			CEM	162	Chemistry Laboratory II		1
   		(b)	LB	171	Principles of Chemistry I		4
   			LB	172	Principles of Chemistry II		4
   			LB	171L	Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I		1
   			LB	172L	Principles of Chemistry II – Reactivity Laboratory		1
   		(c)	CEM	151	General and Descriptive Chemistry		4
   			CEM	152	Principles of Chemistry		3
   			CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I		1
   			CEM	162	Chemistry Laboratory II		1
   		(d)	CEM	181H	Honors Chemistry I		4
   			CEM	182H	Honors Chemistry II		4
   			CEM	185H	Honors Chemistry Laboratory I		2
   	(5)	One of the following groups of courses (8 credits):
   		(a)	CEM	251	Organic Chemistry I		3
   			CEM	252	Organic Chemistry II		3
   			CEM	255	Organic Chemistry Laboratory		2
   		(b)	CEM	351	Organic Chemistry I		3
   			CEM	352	Organic Chemistry II		3
   			CEM	355	Organic Laboratory I		2
   		(c)	LB	271	Organic Chemistry		3
   			CEM	252	Organic Chemistry II		3
   			CEM	255	Organic Chemistry Laboratory		2
   	(6)	The following course (4 credits):
   		IBIO	341	Fundamental Genetics			4
   	(7)	One of the following groups of courses (6 to 8 credits):
   		(a)	PHY	221	Studio Physics for Life Scientists, I		4
   			PHY	222	Studio Physics for Life Scientists, II		4
   		(b)	LB	273	Physics I		4
   			LB	274	Physics II		4
   		(c)	PHY	183	Physics for Scientists and Engineers I		4
   			PHY	184	Physics for Scientists and Engineers II		4
   			PHY	191	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I		1
   			PHY	192	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II		1
   		(d)	PHY	191	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, I		1
   			PHY	192	Physics Laboratory for Scientists, II		1
   			PHY	193H	Honors Physics I - Mechanics		4
   			PHY	294H	Honors Physics II - Electromagnetism		4
   	(8)	Both of the following courses (6 to 8 credits):
   		(a)	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   			LB	118	Calculus I		4
   			MTH	124	Survey of Calculus I		3
   			MTH	132	Calculus I		3
   			MTH	152H	Honors Calculus I		3
   		(b)	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   			LB	119	Calculus II		4
   			MTH	126	Survey of Calculus II		3
   			MTH	133	Calculus II		4
   			MTH	153H	Honors Calculus II		4
   			STT	231	Statistics for Scientists		3
   			STT	421	Statistics I		3
   b.	The following courses in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology (20 credits):
   	(1)	All of the following courses (13 credits):
   		MGI	301	Introductory Microbiology			3
   		MGI	302	Introductory Laboratory for General and Allied Health Microbiology			1
   		MGI	409	Eukaryotic Cell Biology			3
   		MGI	431	Microbial Genetics			3
   		MGI	433	Genomics (W)			3
   	(2)	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   		MGI	408	Advanced Microbiology Laboratory (W)			3
   		MGI	434	Laboratory in Genetics and Genomics (W)			4
   		MGI	494L	Summer Undergraduate Research Institute in Genomics (W)			3
   	(3)	One of the following three options (3 credits):
   		(a)	MGI	491	Current Topics in Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology		3
   		(b)	MGI	492	Undergraduate Research Seminar		1
   			One of the following courses:
   			MGI	499	Undergraduate Research		2
   			MGI	499H	Honors Research		2
   		(c)	MGI	493	Professional Internship in Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology		3
   		The completion of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology 491, 493; or Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology 492 and 499 or 499H, fulfills the department’s capstone  course requirement.
   c.	Two of the following courses (6 to 8 credits):
   	ANS	314	Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals (W)				4
   	ANS	404	Introduction to Quantitative Genetics				3
   	ANS	425	Animal Biotechnology				3
   	CMSE	201	Computational Modeling and Data Analysis I				4
   	CMSE	202	Computational Modeling and Data Analysis II				4
   	CMSE	410	Bioinformatics and Computational Biology				3
   	CMSE	411	Computational Medicine				3
   	CSE	231	Introduction to Programming I				4
   	CSE	232	Introduction to Programming II				4
   	CSS	350	Introduction to Plant Genetics				3
   	CSS	451	Biotechnology Applications for Plant Breeding and Genetics				3
   	IBIO	445	Evolution (W)				3
   	MGI	404	Human Genetics				3
   	MGI	413	Virology				3

The objective of the Bachelor of Science degree program with a major in microbiology  is to provide a broad foundation in science, with emphasis in microbiology.  In order to assist students in planning a course of study, elective microbiology courses are organized by interest group (cell and molecular biology, immunology and medical microbiology, microbe biology, and microbial biotechnology) and students are advised in personal consultations to select a set of electives according to their interests. Thus, different emphases may be chosen by students intending to acquire technical competence in the field, to pursue graduate education in microbiology or another biological science, or to attain competence in a basic medical science preparatory to or in conjunction with professional study in human or veterinary medicine. 

In addition to the general degree requirements of the College of Natural Science, the undergraduate program in microbiology encompasses fundamental training in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and biology. This foundation provides the prerequisites for undertaking the basic courses in microbiology.

In order to increase the flexibility of the program, and to provide additional intellectual stimulation, students are encouraged to participate in tutored independent research for at least two, and ideally three or more, semesters. Independent research is available to both Honors College and other students, and often culminates with a report written in manuscript style by the student. This research may fulfill part of the department's capstone course requirement for the bachelor's degree with a major in microbiology.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Microbiology major is met by completing Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology 408 or 494L.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. b. (1) below.
   
   Students who are enrolled in the College of Natural Science may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
2. The requirements of the College of Natural Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.
   
   The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	The following courses outside the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology (41 to 51 credits):
   	(1)	One of the following, either a. or b. (4 or 6 credits):
   		(a)	BMB	461	Advanced Biochemistry I		3
   			BMB	462	Advanced Biochemistry II		3
   		(b)	BMB	401	Comprehensive Biochemistry		4
   	(2)	One of following groups of courses (6 or 9 credits):
   		(a)	BS	161	Cell and Molecular Biology		3
   			BS	162	Organismal and Population Biology		3
   		(b)	LB	144	Biology I: Organismal Biology		4
   			LB	145	Biology II: Cell and Molecular Biology		5
   		(c)	BS	181H	Honors Cell and Molecular Biology		3
   			BS	182H	Honors Organismal and Population Biology		3
   	(3)	One of the following courses (2 credits):
   		BS	171	Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory			2
   		BS	172	Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory			2
   		BS	191H	Honors Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory			2
   		BS	192H	Honors Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory			2
   		This requirement is waived for students who selected item (2) (b) above.
   	(4)	One of the following groups of courses (9 or 10 credits):
   		(a)	CEM	141	General Chemistry		4
   			CEM	142	General and Inorganic Chemistry		3
   			CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I		1
   			CEM	162	Chemistry Laboratory II		1
   		(b)	LB	171	Principles of Chemistry I		4
   			LB	172	Principles of Chemistry II		4
   			LB	171L	Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I		1
   			LB	172L	Principles of Chemistry II – Reactivity Laboratory		1
   		(c)	CEM	151	General and Descriptive Chemistry		4
   			CEM	152	Principles of Chemistry		3
   			CEM	161	Chemistry Laboratory I		1
   			CEM	162	Chemistry Laboratory II		1
   		(d)	CEM	181H	Honors Chemistry I		4
   			CEM	182H	Honors Chemistry II		4
   			CEM	185H	Honors Chemistry Laboratory I		2
   	(5)	One of the following groups of courses (8 credits):
   		(a)	CEM	251	Organic Chemistry I		3
   			CEM	252	Organic Chemistry II		3
   			CEM	255	Organic Chemistry Laboratory		2
   		(b)	CEM	351	Organic Chemistry I		3
   			CEM	352	Organic Chemistry II		3
   			CEM	355	Organic Laboratory I		2
   		(c)	LB	271	Organic Chemistry		3
   			CEM	252	Organic Chemistry II		3
   			CEM	255	Organic Chemistry Laboratory		2
   	(6)	One of the following groups of courses (8 to 10 credits):
   		(a)	PHY	221	Studio Physics for Life Scientists, I		4
   			PHY	222	Studio Physics for Life Scientists, II		4
   		(b)	LB	273	Physics I		4
   			LB	274	Physics II		4
   		(c)	PHY	183	Physics for Scientists and Engineers I		4
   			PHY	184	Physics for Scientists and Engineers II		4
   		(d)	PHY	193H	Honors Physics I - Mechanics		4
   			PHY	294H	Honors Physics II - Electromagnetism		4
   	(7)	Both of the following courses (6 to 8 credits):
   		(a)	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   			LB	118	Calculus I		4
   			MTH	124	Survey of Calculus I		3
   			MTH	132	Calculus I		3
   			MTH	152H	Honors Calculus I		3
   		(b)	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   			LB	119	Calculus II		4
   			MTH	126	Survey of Calculus II		3
   			MTH	133	Calculus II		4
   			MTH	153H	Honors Calculus II		4
   			STT	231	Statistics for Scientists		3
   			STT	421	Statistics I		3
   b.	The following courses in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology (16 credits):
   	(1)	All of the following courses (10 credits):
   		MGI	301	Introductory Microbiology			3
   		MGI	302	Introductory Laboratory for General and Allied Health Microbiology			1
   		MGI	421	Prokaryotic Cell Physiology			3
   		MGI	431	Microbial Genetics			3
   	(2)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		MGI	408	Advanced Microbiology Laboratory (W)			3
   		MGI	494L	Summer Undergraduate Research Institute in Genomics (W)			3
   	(3)	One of the following, either (a), (b) or (c) (3 credits):
   		(a)	MGI	491	Current Topics in Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology		3
   		(b)	MGI	492	Undergraduate Research Seminar		1
   				and
   			One of the following courses:
   			MGI	499	Undergraduate Research		2
   			MGI	499H	Honors Research		2
   		(c)	MGI	493	Professional Internship in Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology		3
   			The completion of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology 491, 493, or Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology 492  and 499 or 499H, fulfills the department’s capstone  course requirement.
   c.	Complete four of the following courses (12 or 13 credits):
   	EPI	390	Disease in Society: Introduction to Epidemiology and Public Health				4
   	FSC	440	Food Microbiology				3
   	GLG	435	Geomicrobiology (W)				4
   	MGI	365	Medical Microbiology				3
   	MGI	413	Virology				3
   	MGI	425	Microbial Ecology				3
   	MGI	433	Genomics (W)				3
   	MGI	445	Microbial Biotechnology (W)				3
   	MGI	451	Immunology				3
   	MGI	461	Molecular Pathogenesis				3
   	MGI	465	Advanced Medical Microbiology				3

The objective of the graduate programs in microbiology, genetics, and immunology is to provide basic education in various subdisciplines of microbiology and intensive research experience in specialty areas relative to the student's interest.  In the master's program, students extend their comprehension of microbiology and cognate science through advanced course work, seminars, and research. Financial subsidy may be available on a limited basis in the form of teaching assistantships.

A new graduate student in microbiology, genetics, and immunology  is advised by the Director of Graduate Studies until a major professor is chosen.  The major professor assists the student in selecting a guidance committee.  The committee helps the student in planning a program of study.  The program must be approved by the end of the third semester of enrollment in the program.  A Manual for Graduate Study in Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology is available from the department.  This manual contains a philosophy of graduate education and information about the department's master's and doctoral degree programs and related procedures.
 
Master of Science
 
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
 
In general, applicants should have had the equivalent of two semesters each of physics, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry; one biochemistry course; mathematics through integral calculus; and one or more courses in the biological sciences. Applicants should have proficiency in written and spoken English, a minimum grade–point average of 3.00. Scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test are not required, however a personal letter of professional intent and objectives should be submitted. Although preparation in the fundamentals of microbiology is desirable, interested students with degrees in any of the physical or biological sciences or mathematics are invited to apply for admission to the program. Applicants not possessing all of the requirements may be admitted to the program provisionally and permitted to make up deficiencies on a collateral basis.
 
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology
 
The student must complete 30 credits under Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s guidance committee.

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, Genetics, and Immunology 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, Genetics, and Immunology

The student must:

Academic Standards

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

Students seeking a doctoral degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, cell and molecular biology, genetics and genome sciences, microbiology, genetics and immunology, pharmacology and toxicology, or molecular, cellular, and integrative physiology should apply through the BioMolecular Science Gateway—First Year for admission to any of these Ph.D. programs. Students should select the Ph.D. program in which they have the greatest interest. During the first two semesters of enrollment, students will have the opportunity to choose and complete at least four courses in appropriate disciplinary subjects. In the spring semester of the first year, they will have the opportunity to continue with the Ph.D. program initially selected or change to one of the other five programs that aligns most closely with their educational goals. For additional information about the individual Ph.D. programs, refer to the statements in the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, and Physiology in the College of Natural Science section of this catalog, statements on the programs in Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics and Genome Sciences in the College of Natural Science section of this catalog, and statement on the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in the College of Osteopathic Medicine section of this catalog.