Courses & Laboratory Rotations

Because students have varied backgrounds and interests, they may choose from a variety of courses. Students must take a minimum of three courses in Microbiology and at least one elective course. In addition, students must complete at least three laboratory rotations and take a course on scientific ethics.

Students must receive a grade of “Honors” in two full-semester courses in order to advance to candidacy.

Each rotation lasts about 10 to 12 weeks, during which time students are expected to participate in a research project under the direction of a faculty member. Faculty sponsors provide a written evaluation of each student's performance, and rotations are graded satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

Research rotations give students a chance to identify a laboratory in which they might conduct dissertation research. Rotations also introduce students to different techniques and approaches. Thus, this requirement will not be waived because a student has made an early decision concerning a dissertation laboratory.

Students should choose and organize their rotations in advance through discussions with faculty members and the Director of Graduate Studies.

Rotation Schedule 2022-2023:

• Rotation 1: September 12th – October 28th
• Rotation 2: October 31st – January 13th
• Rotation 3: January 17th – March 3rd

Students are required to choose their thesis laboratories by the end of their first year.

Rotation Talks 2021-2022:

• Friday, October 28th, 2022 – HOPE 216 (11-3pm)
• Friday, January 20th, 2022 – HOPE 216 (11-3pm)
• Friday, March 3rd, 2023 – BRADY (11-3pm)