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PhD

Microbiology and Molecular Biology

Application Deadline

  • Fall: Jan 15
  • Contact Information

    4007 LSB
    (801) 422-4293
    mmbio@byu.edu
    Website
    Admission Requirements
    Requirements

    1. Statement of intent explicitly stating field of interest and career goals
    2. Baccalaureate degree or equivalent in microbiology or biological or biochemical sciences
    3. Classes in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics are recommended
    4. Employment History
    5. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    6. Cover Letter
    7. Copies of Publications
    8. List of Presentations
    9. Foreign credential evaluation for international students
    Program Requirements
    Requirements for Degree

    • Credit hours:
      • PhD after BS: 54 credit-hours (at least 18 didactic credit hours, 18-20 research credit-hours, and 18 dissertation credit hours [MMBIO 799R]).
      • PhD after BYU MMBio MS: 36 credit-hours (18-20 research credit hours and 18 dissertation credit hours [MMBIO 799R]).
    • Required Courses - Complete the following 9 required courses:
      • Cell 570 - Responsible Conduct of Research, 1.0
      • MMBIO 660 - Microbiology and Immunology, 3.0
      • MMBIO 661 - Molecular Genetics in Practice, 2.0
      • MMBIO 663 - Articulating Science, 2.0
      • MMBIO 665 - Genomics, 3.0
      • MMBIO 691R - Graduate Seminar, 2.0
      • MMBIO 692R - Research in Progress, 2.0
      • MMBIO 695R - Research, 18.0 - 20.0
      • MMBIO 799R - Doctoral Dissertation, 18.0
    • Elective Courses - Complete 3-6 credit hours as approved by committee
      • Bio 503 - Research orientation, 1.0
      • MMBIO 510 - History and Philosophy of MMBIO, 2.0
      • MMBIO 518 - Select Pathogens, 2.0
      • MMBIO 522 - Flow Cytometry, 2.0
      • MMBIO 528R - Scientific Literacy, 1.0
      • MMBIO 551R - Current Topics in MMBio, 1.0-3.0
      • MMBIO 667 - Quantitative Genomics, 2.0
    • Semiannual progress reviews.
    • Presentation of research 1-2 times per year during Research in Progress
    • Qualifying Examination: Student will be required to pass the qualifying exam. This includes (1) written outside grant proposal outside the area of expertise, and (2) oral exam on coursework and grant defense.
    • Dissertation: standard university dissertation.
    • Public seminar and oral defense of dissertation.
    Program Outcomes
    Advanced Experiment Design and Data Analysis
    Independently design and execute microbiology or molecular biology experiments at an advanced graduate level.

    Effective Collaboration
    Demonstrate effective interdisciplinary collaboration.

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

    Techniques and Skills
    Mastery of relevant wet bench and/or computational methods.

    Effective Research and Communication
    Produce, present, and publish original scientific research results clearly and effectively.

    Proficiency in grant writing
    Organize and prepare effective grant proposals.

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    Program Stats
    Characteristics of Students from Past Academic Year
    Total Students 24.0
    International 6.0
    Male 16.0
    Female 8.0
    LDS 22.0
    BYU Undergraduate 11.0
    Five Year Average of Graduated Students
    Average Years to Degree 1.89
    Graduated Per Year 18.2
    GMAT Quantitative Percentile 67.5
    Five Year Average of Admitted Students
    Applied Per Year 7.4
    Admitted Per Year 4.8
    Percent Admitted 64.86
    Average GPA 3.41