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MicrobiologyCollege of Natural SciencesSnyder 207 2538 McCarthy Mall Honolulu, HI 96822 Tel: (808) 956-8553 Fax: (808) 956-5339 Faculty * Graduate faculty *P. Q. Patek, PhD (Chair)—cellular immunology Cooperating Graduate Faculty D. Borthakur, PhD—molecular genetics of nitrogen fixation The Academic ProgramMicrobiology (MICR) deals with microscopic forms of life and their activities. Bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, and viruses are included in this discipline. The field is diverse and concerns the nature of microorganisms, as well as their interactions—both advantageous and adverse—with other organisms and with the environment. Entire academic disciplines and commercial enterprises are based on what microorganisms do. For example, the very forms that may cause infectious diseases and epidemics may also support industries that produce vaccines or antimicrobial agents. Microorganisms play an essential role in the cycling of the limited supply of nutrients available on Earth’s surface by decomposing plant residues and animal remains and by being primary producers of food in the oceans. Many microorganisms or their products may be eaten, drunk, used as fuel, or carefully disposed of as undesirable. They may be used to clean up the environment or controlled only with great effort to prevent corrosive, obnoxious, or destructive activities that they may bring about. Microbiology also deals with the physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology of microorganisms. Many of the advances in DNA technology are mediated through bacteria, yeasts, and viruses; much of what we know about metabolism in general comes from their study. AdvisingStudents can contact the department’s main office at (808) 956-8553 for information regarding advising services. Undergraduate StudyBA DegreeRequirements Students must complete the following:
BS DegreeRequirements Students must complete the following:
Major electives should be chosen with the assistance and approval of a department adviser to provide a well integrated and coherent program. Prospective majors should consult the microbiology advisers promptly, so as to design a curriculum that satisfies the major requirements. MinorRequirements Students must complete 15 credits, including MICR 351 and microbiology courses at the 400 level. All prerequisites for these courses must be met. Persons wishing to complete the minor and graduate in four years should have completed CHEM 272, if possible, before the middle of the junior year. Graduate StudyThe department offers programs leading to the MS and PhD in microbiology with areas of specialization in microbial ecology, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, and ultrastructure; metabolic regulation and the regulation of gene expression; medical microbiology; animal and environmental virology and viral pathobiology; and immunology, immunogenetics, and immunochemistry. In addition, an option is offered in cell biology that leads to the MS and PhD in microbiology. Research programs in interdisciplinary fields are possible. Applicants for advanced degree programs in the department must supplement the forms and transcripts required by the Graduate Division with three letters of recommendation and the official scores from the GRE General Test and the subject test in biology. These supplementary items should be sent directly to the department. Complete details on the graduate program in microbiology and the availability of financial aid to prospective students are outlined in a departmental brochure available on request from the department, Snyder 207, 2538 McCarthy Mall. Courses for the graduate programs are to be selected from the list below and from other graduate offerings in related disciplines as directed by the student’s adviser or advising committee. The following courses may be repeated: MICR 625, 632, 661, 671, 680, 681, 690, 699, 700, 795, and 800. However, repeated courses other than MICR 690, 699, 700, 795, and 800 may only be used for credit once per degree. MICR 690 is a required course. Potential degree candidates are required to take a diagnostic exam (MS) or a qualifying exam (PhD). Course deficiencies shall be made up before admission to candidacy. Master’s DegreeIntended candidates for the MS degree should present a minimum undergraduate preparation in biological and physical sciences including biology, genetics, microbiology, organic chemistry, physics, and calculus. Deficiencies in some of these areas do not preclude admission. Qualified students with undergraduate majors in fields other than microbiology are welcome. Requirements The prospective MS candidate may select either Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis). Plan A Minimum Requirements - 30 credit hours
Plan B Minimum Requirements - 30 credit hours
For more a more detailed explanation, refer to the departmental bulletin. Doctoral DegreeThe doctoral degree (PhD) is offered in microbiology in the various areas of interest represented by research programs of the department’s graduate faculty. In addition, the doctorate may be obtained jointly through microbiology and the cell, molecular, and neurosciences (CMNS) program or the marine biology (graduate) program. Intended candidates for the PhD degree are expected to possess the MS degree in microbiology or to be able to pass at least four sections of the MS comprehensive examination. Requirements The PhD candidate must demonstrate the ability to do original experimental research and to produce an acceptable dissertation. A comprehensive examination, written and oral, is required, and the dissertation must be successfully defended before the faculty. At least one year of experience in teaching in a laboratory course is considered part of the training of the PhD candidate. The specific requirements for each of the joint degree programs are modified somewhat from those given above.
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