The graduate program in microbial biology offers advanced
study in the biology of microorganisms. The program offers a diverse research
and educational experience focused on microbial life processes and their
applications, and is rooted in the rich traditions of microbiology at Rutgers. Highly
qualified students have the opportunity to study the genetic, metabolic,
physiologic, and evolutionary diversity of microbial life, explore the complex
roles that microorganisms play in life on Earth, and develop the multitude of
applications of microbes in biotechnology, the food industry, agriculture, and
medicine.
The program offers a strong focus in microbial physiology
and ecology, evolution, environmental microbiology, and the applications of microbiology,
including the discovery of novel bioactive compounds, pioneering methods for
bioremediation of contaminated environments, and development of bioenergy
applications. The program offers a broad range of courses and research
opportunities with over 50 faculty members from several departments and
institutes. Areas of research include microbial ecology and evolution,
microbial genetics and genomics, environmental microbiology, microbial
physiology, marine microbiology, food microbiology, applied microbiology, and
plant pathology.
Graduates of the program will have a strong research and
educational foundation in microbes as biological catalysts and their
interactions with their environment and other life forms. Thus, with a broad
appreciation of the fundamentals of microbial life, graduates at the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or
master of science (M.S.) level will be prepared for successful careers in academia, industry, and
government.
The microbial biology graduate program consists of core
requirements that establish a sound basis in microbiology. From this strong
foundation, students will advance into their respective focus areas,
representing the various ways in which microbiology contributes to society,
including microbial diversity as a source of industrial products, emerging
infectious diseases and increased antibiotic resistance, plant diseases, soil
fertility, environmental remediation, food production, human and animal
nutrition, and biogeochemical cycling, among others.
