Overview
Students in the Molecular Microbiology Program fulfill specific course requirements that provide a foundation in the biochemistry and genetics of microbial systems, complete a set of four selectives and participate weekly in journal club, research report and seminar programs. During the first year, students complete four research rotations as well as many of their course requirements. All classroom work, with the exception of Scientific Ethics, is completed during the first two years. The qualifying exam requirement is usually satisfied before the beginning of year 3. Thesis research begins at the end of year 1 and continues until an appropriate body of work has been assembled. Detailed descriptions of all courses offered are found in the Sackler Catalog.
Didactic Courses
Required didactic courses for students in the regular Molecular Microbiology track include Graduate Biochemistry (BCHM 223), Genetic Analysis (MBM 220), Molecular Recognition in Biology (or an equivalent course) (BCHM 231A), Microbiology (MBM 224) and Applied Ethics for Scientists (SK 275). Students in the MERGE-ID track are also required to take Introduction to Immunology (IMM 212) and Probability and Statistics for Basic Scientists (ISP 220), but are not required to complete Genetic Analysis (MBM 220). Students must also fulfill distribution requirements in microbial physiology, microbial pathogenesis, eukaryotic molecular genetics and prokaryotic molecular genetics through appropriate choices of electives.
Seminar Courses
Students participate throughout their graduate education in Journal Club (MBM 295, 296), Research Presentations (MBM 289, 290) and Graduate Seminar (MBM 291, 292). Annual journal club presentations are required in years 2-4; research reports begin in year 3 and continue until completion of the thesis research. Guest speakers are invited to discuss their research at weekly seminars in a series co-organized with the Graduate Programs in Immunology and Genetics.
Thesis Proposal
Students prepare and defend a detailed thesis research proposal before the beginning of the fourth year.
Teaching
To provide all students an opportunity to learn or improve their teaching skills, second through fourth years students are required to participate in two activities: serve as a small group lab instructor in Medical and Dental Microbiology wet labs and/or as a teaching assistant in either a Dental or Medical School course directed by the program faculty. Teaching assistants are required to attend all lectures, participate in small group sessions, tutor students, and grade exams. Students who choose additional teaching activities will be compensated for tutoring and exam grading.