Microbiology and Molecular Biology MS
Program Purpose
Graduate programs in the Dept. of Microbiology & Molecular Biology at Brigham Young University strive to help each graduate student reach their highest potential as researchers, scientists, and citizens of their communities and faith. The Master's degree program provides focused study in one of several areas of strength in microbiology within the department: pathogenesis, gene expression, evolution, ecology. The program involves a variety of courses in these areas, with the goal of providing students with some breadth of understanding of microbiology and molecular biology in general along with a focused area of specialization. This program assists in preparing students for lifelong growth and learning and for lives of service to their families, society and the church.
Admission and Entry
- Entrance examination: GRE general test and TOEFL for international students.
- Statement of intent must explicitly state field of interest and career goals.
- Prerequisite: baccalaureate degree in microbiology or equivalent discipline; one semester of statistics.
Requirements for Degree.
- Credit hours (30 hours): minimum 24 course work hours plus 6 thesis hours (MMBio 699R).
- Required courses: Bio 503, MMBio 691R, Stat 510. Additional courses as determined by student's advisory committee and approved by the department graduate committee.
- Recommended courses: either Chem 584 or 586.
- Semiannual progress reviews.
- Presentation of research at an annual retreat.
- Thesis: standard university thesis or journal publication format.
- Final public seminar on thesis research.
- Examination: (A) oral examination on course work and (B) oral examination on thesis.
Learning Outcomes
Experimental Design and Data Analysis
Design, execute, analyze, and interpret microbiology or molecular biology experiments at a graduate level.
Critically read, understand, and evaluate current literature in the discipline.
Demonstrate proficiency with techniques relevant to microbiology and molecular biology. Specifically, all graduates will demonstrate understanding of the techniques relating to gene amplification, gene modification, protein analysis, and genomic studies such as genome sequencing or transcriptome analysis.
Effective oral and written communication of scientific ideas and research.
Evidence of Learning
Direct Measures
- Completion of a Prospectus that is evaluated and approved by student's Advisory Committee. (Evidence of Learning Outcome 1)
- Written and oral defense of Master's thesis. (Evidence of Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 4)
- Presentation of original research to the scientific community. (Evidence of Learning Outcomes 1, 3, and 4)
Indirect Measures
- Exit interview with Graduate Coordinator to discuss student's next academic or employment position. (Evidence of Learning Outcome e5)
- Alumni surveys to track student employment (Evidence of Learning Outcome 5)
Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement
Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement
Annually the department graduate program committee reviews the department graduate program and handbook in light of the data obtained from the Assessment tools listed above. Areas that need attention are first identified by this committee and then studied to determine possible methods for dealing with the issue. Any student or other faculty member can bring issues to the attention of the graduate committee. Minor issues can be resolved and implemented by the graduate committee, but any major issues or changes are brought for discussion to the entire department faculty. Major changes are only put into place after majority approval by the entire faculty. Issues are brought to the college graduate committee as needed for correlation with other departments and programs and for approval. The department graduate secretary keeps notes on these meetings and discussions and keeps active items on the agenda until resolved or otherwise completed.