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285180 - Microbiology and Molecular Biology (MS)

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Microbiology and Molecular Biology Masters MS

Application Deadline

Fall: January 15

Contact Information

Nancy Morrill

4007 LSB

(801) 422-4293

nancy_morrill@byu.edu

Website

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Statement of intent explicitly stating field of interest and career goals

  • Baccalaureate degree or equivalent in microbiology or biological or biochemical science

  • Classes in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics are recommended.

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Three professional letters of recommendation. The best letters come from research mentors who know you well, ideally with two research advisors and one professor, providing specific examples of your skills (analysis, initiative, lab work) and comparing you favorably to past students, demonstrating high potential for success, not just generic praise. 

  • Copies of Publications

  • List of Presentations

  • GRE scores (optional)

  • Foreign credential evaluation for international students

  • English proficiency is required for most foreign applicants. We will not consider applicants whose English proficiency is below the minimum scores required by the university.

  • Digital interview required of all applicants. One warm-up question and three required

    questions.

  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in science courses (Biology - all types, Physics, Chemistry,

    Statistics, and Math). Mentored research is not included in this cumulative GPA. Please use this GPA calculator to calculate your correct GPA.

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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Degree

  • Credit hours (30 hours): minimum 24 course work and research hours plus 6 thesis hours (course).

  • Required courses:

    • course - Responsible Conduct of Research, 1.0

    • course - Microbiology and Immunology, 3.0

    • course - Molecular Genetics in Practice, 2.0

    • course - Articulating Science, 2.0

    • course - Genomics 3.0 

    • course - Graduate Seminar, 2.0 

    • course - Research in Progress, 2.0 

    • course - Research, 5.0-8.0  

    • course - Master's Thesis, 6.0

  • Electives: Complete 1-4 credit hours, as approved by committee

  • Elective list

    • course - Research Orientation, 1.0

    • course - History and Philosophy of MMBIO, 2.0

    • course - Select Pathogens, 2.0

    • course - Flow Cytometry, 2.0

    • course - Scientific Literacy, 1.0

    • course - Current Topics in Microbiology and Molecular Biology, 1.0-3.0

    • course - Quantitative Genomics, 2.0

  • Semiannual progress reviews

  • Presentation of research 1-2 times per year during Research in Progress

  • Thesis: standard university thesis

  • Final public defense on thesis research

  • Examination: (A) oral examination on course work and (B) oral examination on thesis.  These exams must be scheduled on different days.

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Title

Experimental Design and Data Analysis

Learning Outcome

Design, execute, analyze, and interpret microbiology or molecular biology experiments at a graduate level.

Title

Critical Reading and Evaluation

Learning Outcome

Critically read, understand, and evaluate current literature in the discipline.

Title

Mastery of relevant wet bench and/or computational methods

Learning Outcome

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.

Title

Effective oral and written communication of scientific ideas

Learning Outcome

Effective oral and written communication of scientific ideas and research.