The microbiology and molecular genetics graduate program
offers advanced studies leading to the master of science (M.S.) and doctor of philosophy (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, Microbiology, and Immunology 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 research thesis. For the nonresearch thesis, a total of 30 course credits
are required. Candidates for the M.S. degree also are required to complete 2
credits in seminars from courses 16:681:681 through 16:681:688. (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 16:681:688. 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.
Required courses include: 16:681:502 Molecular Genetics and Microbial Life and 16:681:501
or 16:148:530 Human Genetics. 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 and click on
the appropriate program.
