See the College of Medicine introductory section and the Graduate College section of the Catalog for general information about study in medicine and graduate study at the University. The objectives of the graduate programs in microbiology are to help students become highly qualified in research and in teaching of microbiology. Several of these specialized areas involve interdisciplinary training both within and outside of the department, so students receive broad experience during their course of study. Interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs in genetics, immunology and molecular biology are also available. All students admitted as candidates for advanced degrees are expected to assist in departmental teaching.
Incoming students choose a research supervisor who serves as chair of their advisory committee.
This committee assists students in planning a program of study and, from time to time, reviews students' progress. The department cooperates with other departments in the various colleges on campus, affording ample opportunity for students to avail themselves of diverse course offerings, seminars, and research programs. Master of Science Candidates for the M.S. are required to take a minimum of 12 semester hours of microbiology courses in three of the five different subdisciplines available in microbiology. Additional course requirements or selections depend on students' interests and the advice of the examining committee. Students must write a thesis based on their own research and defend it satisfactorily in an oral examination.