Academic Programs Catalog

College of Natural Science

Graduate Study

The Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology is administered jointly by the colleges of Natural Science, Human Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine.  Study for the Master of Science degree in microbiology, genetics, and immunology or the Doctor of Philosophy degree in microbiology, genetics, and immunology may be administered by any one of the four colleges referenced above. 


Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology - Master of Science

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.

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B
1. Complete the following course (1 credit):
MGI 892 Seminar 1
2. Complete the following course (1 to 3 credits):
MGI 991 Topics in Microbiology 1 to 3
3. Complete four courses at the 800-level, covering areas of genetics, microbiology, and biochemistry. At least two of these courses must be offered by the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology.
Students may select from the following courses:
BMB 801 Molecular Biology 3
BMB 802 Metabolic Regulation and Signal Transduction 3
BMB 805 Protein Structure, Design, and Mechanism 3
MGI 801 Integrative Microbial Biology 4
MGI 803 Topics in Integrative Microbial Biology 2
MGI 813 Molecular Virology 3
MGI 825 Cell Structure and Function 3
MGI 833 Microbial Genetics 3
MGI 835 Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics 3
MGI 852 Molecular Immunology 1
MGI 853 Cellular Immunology 1
MGI 854 Applied Immunology 1
MGI 861 Advanced Microbial Pathogenesis 3
Other courses may be used if approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.
4. Present and pass an oral examination in defense of the master’s degree that covers both course work and thesis, research, or project.
Additional Requirements for Plan A
1. Complete a minimum of 7 credits of MGI 899 Master’s Thesis Research.
2. Successfully complete the oral examination in defense of thesis.
Additional Requirements for Plan B
1. Complete a minimum of 7 credits of MGI 890 Special Problems in Microbiology.
2. Preparation and presentation of the final research report.


Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology - 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, 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:

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
    MGI 833 Microbial Genetics 3
     MGI 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
     MGI 801 Integrative Microbial Biology 4
     MGI 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
     MGI 813 Molecular Virology 3
    MGI  851 Immunology 3
     MGI 861 Advanced Microbial Pathogenesis 3
2. Complete three special topics graduate seminar courses (MGI 803, MGI 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 MGI999 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, genetics, and immunology are required to participate in laboratory teaching through enrollment of 1 credit of MGI 892 and are expected to attend departmental seminars through enrollment in 4 credits of MGI 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.


BioMolecular Science Gateway - First Year

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.