Microbiology
The PhD program in Microbiology is designed to train students in laboratory science, to provide the factual background necessary for research, and to develop the critical faculties with which to judge scientific findings. The Department of Biology offers the opportunity for research in classical and molecular genetics, biochemistry and physiology of microorganisms. Opportunities are available for students wishing to prepare for independent scientific research in medical, industrial and academic disciplines.
Microbiology PhD students must demonstrate competence in their specific area of research and are expected to develop proficiency in at least four of the following broad areas: biochemistry/physiology, cell biology, genetics, microbiology/immunology, molecular biology, developmental biology and computational/mathematical biology. An MS student must demonstrate competence in at least three of the above seven areas at the time of the final examination.
(MICR)
606. Microbial Genetics. (3-0). Credit 3.
Basic understanding of microbial genetic systems and how genetic analyses can be used to investigate fundamental biological processes in microbes. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.
614. Signaling and Development. (3-0). Credit 3.
Sensing, signal transduction, regulation, differentiation, and morphogenesis as it occurs in prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms at molecular, cellular, and genetic levels explored through classic and current research literature. Prerequisites: Graduate classification.
620. Mechanisms of Transcription Initiation. (3-0). Credit 3.
Molecular mechanisms of transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, with an emphasis on prokaryotic systems; scientific papers will provide the basis for class discussion. Prerequisite: Graduate classification.
624. Fungal Genetics. (3-0). Credit 3.
Development of classical and modern genetic approaches in Fungi; genetic approaches to understanding basic biological processes including gene regulation, cell-cell interactions and cellular organization. Prerequisite: Graduate classification.
681. Seminar. (1-0). Credit 1.
Detailed reports on specific topics in field chosen. Students may register in up to but no more than three sections of this course in the same semester.
685. Directed Studies. Credit 1 to 6 each semester.
Limited investigations in fields other than those chosen for thesis or dissertation.
689. Special Topics in... Credit 1 to 4.
Selected topics in an identified area of microbiology.
691. Research. Credit 1 or more each semester.
Research for thesis or dissertation.
Other related graduate courses offered by the Department of Biology that may be of interest to microbiology students include BIOL 602 Transmission Electron Microscopy, BIOL 617 Cell Biology and BIOL 689 Special Topics in...
