Program of Study

The size and nature of the program encourage communication and exchange of ideas among its members, providing a relaxed atmosphere for rigorous scientific investigation. Students receive personal attention in all aspects of graduate study, from course work to the dissertation.

The program of study emphasizes the molecular and biochemical basis of cellular structure, function, and regulation and includes courses in such areas as microbial genetics, microbial physiology, molecular virology, microbial pathogenesis, plasmid biology, biology of simple eukaryotes, and biological regulatory mechanisms. Students also pursue coursework in biochemistry, physical biochemistry, and scientific ethics and may also pursue advanced topics in genetics, immunology, cell biology, and pathophysiology. In addition to undertaking coursework during the first year, students carry out brief research projects (rotations) in the laboratories of faculty members. The laboratory rotations serve as an introductory course in techniques and experimental design, acquaint students more personally with the faculty, other students, and staff, and help students select a thesis advisor and thesis project by the end of the first year. Students are encouraged to use the rotations to explore the full range of molecular microbiology research areas before focusing on a thesis topic. In addition, students may explore other fields through rotations in any of the more than 100 graduate training laboratories at the Sackler School. At the end of the first year, students may choose any faculty member as a thesis advisor, subject to the advisor's consent and availability of laboratory space.

In the second year, students begin their thesis research and normally complete their coursework. Each student selects a thesis committee, consisting of the advisor and at least two other faculty members. The committee follows the student's progress in detail, meeting with the student formally at least twice each year and informally whenever the occasion arises.

All students participate with the faculty in a weekly journal club as well as in weekly research seminars presented by guest speakers or by faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, and senior students. The seminars and journal club provide an opportunity for students to develop communication skills, to present and discuss their ideas, and to gain exposure to a wide range of topics in molecular microbiology.