The graduate program in microbiology and molecular genetics offers
advanced studies leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Students get
specialized training and have research opportunities in four areas:
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. For further information, refer to the molecular
biosciences section. Students seeking admission to the program leading
to a terminal M.S. degree should apply directly to the microbiology and
molecular genetics program.
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 under the molecular biosciences heading in this chapter.
Additional or alternate studies are designed to meet individual needs.
Thus, graduate students have the opportunity to select additional study
areas in their work.
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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences-New Brunswick, (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 Cook College, (5) the Center for
Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine of the University of Medicine and
Dentistry of New Jersey, and (6) the Biotechnology Center for
Agriculture and the Environment.
The master of science degree
requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 24 course credits,
6 research credits, and a research thesis. Candidates for the M.S.
degree also are required to complete 2 credits in seminars from courses
16:681: 681-686. (See further course requirements below.)
The
doctor of philosophy degree requires 33 course credits and a minimum of
two consecutive terms (summer included) in residence. Candidates must
complete 5 credits in seminars from courses 16: 681:681 through
16:681:686 (See further course requirements below). 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.
General
Microbiology 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.
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 detailed description of
the program faculty, degree requirements, and course offerings, refer
to the Student Bulletin available from the program director or visit
the molecular biosciences web site at http://lifesci.rutgers.edu/~molbiosci and click on the appropriate program.
