The microbiology and molecular genetics graduate program offers
advanced studies leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Students get
specialized training and have research opportunities in molecular
genetics and microbial physiology; virology, immunology, and pathogenic
microbiology; applied, environmental, and industrial microbiology; and
computers in molecular biology. Admission to the Ph.D. program is
offered through the consolidated graduate programs in molecular biosciences (http://lifesci.rutgers.edu/~molbiosci).
For further information, refer to the Molecular Biosciences section of this catalog.
Students seeking admission to the program leading to a terminal M.S.
degree should apply directly to the microbiology and molecular genetics program (http://lifesci.rutgers.edu/~mmg).
Graduate
study in microbiology and molecular genetics at Rutgers involves
faculty members from several areas. The six major coordinating units
are (1) the Division of Life Sciences of the School of Arts and
Sciences, (2) the Waksman Institute of Microbiology, (3) the Department
of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology of the University of Medicine
and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, (4) the
Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, (5) the
Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine of Rutgers University
and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and (6) the
Biotechnology Center for Agriculture and the Environment.
The master of science (M.S.) degree requires the satisfactory completion of
a minimum of 24 course credits, 6 research credits, and a thesis.
Candidates for the M.S. degree also are required to complete 2 credits
in seminars from courses 16:681:681 through 16:681:686. (See further course
requirements below.)
The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.)
degree requires 33 course credits and a minimum of two consecutive
semesters (summer included) in residence. Candidates must complete 5
credits in seminars from courses 16:681:681 through 16:681:686. In addition, each student must pass a qualifying examination, complete
a research project, submit a dissertation, and defend that dissertation
in an oral examination. As part of their graduate training, doctoral
students may be required to fulfill certain teaching duties under
faculty supervision. There is no language requirement.
Microbial
Life 16:681:501 and 16:681:502 Molecular Genetics or 16:681:580
Fundamentals of Molecular Genetics are required courses. Exemptions may
be granted for students transferring equivalent graduate credits. In
addition to the required courses, students entering the program usually
participate in a selection of core courses in the chosen area of
interest. More information about the core courses in the program
is available at the Molecular Biosciences website. Additional or
alternate studies are designed to meet individual needs. Thus,
graduate students have the opportunity to select additional study areas
in their work.
All degrees in this program are conferred
jointly between Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and
Dentistry of New Jersey. For information about joint M.S. and Ph.D.
degrees available in this program, see the beginning of this chapter.
For a detailed description of the program faculty, degree requirements,
and course offerings, refer to the Student Bulletin available from the
program director or visit the microbiology and molecular genetics website at http://lifesci.rutgers.edu/~mmg and click on the appropriate program.
