The Graduate Program in Microbiology is a multi-departmental, interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in training and research in the study of microorganisms and their effects on their hosts. The faculty of the program shares the view that understanding the biology of microorganisms requires a multidisciplinary approach; therefore, the Microbiology graduate program emphasizes the need for strong multidisciplinary training. The program is designed to provide individualized education in modern microbiology and to prepare students for independent careers in research and teaching. Students can specialize in various areas, including bacteriology, virology, microbe-host interactions, microbial pathogenesis, cell biology and immune-biology of microbial infections, microbial genetics and physiology, parasitology, microbiome, and microbial ecology and evolution.Course work generally occupies the first two years of study. Each student, together with a faculty committee, outlines a course of study tailored to the individual's background and career goals. A program of course work may include general microbiology, virology, parasitology, andor microbial genetics, as well as complementary courses in such areas as epidemiology, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, and genetics. Students must take a minimum of four courses, three of which have to be in microbiology. Students must receive a grade of Honors in two full-term courses. All students participate in three laboratory rotations (MBIO 670, MBIO 671, and MBIO 672), with different faculty members, in their area of interest. Laboratory rotations ensure that students quickly become familiar with the variety of research opportunities available in the program. An individualized qualifying exam on topics selected by each student, in consultation with the faculty, is given before the end of the second year. Students then undertake an original research project under the direct supervision of a faculty member. In the third year, students organize their thesis committee and prepare a dissertation prospectus, which is submitted to the Graduate School after approval by their committee. The student is then admitted to candidacy. Upon completion of the student's research project, the Ph.D. requirements conclude with the writing of a dissertation and its oral defense.
