Microbiology PhD

Program Learning Outcomes 

Program learning outcomes were developed to include outcomes required by the NDSU Graduate School

• Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior consistent with the expectations of the discipline (Graduate School outcome 6) 

• Use and apply appropriate discipline knowledge, concepts, and theoretical frameworks. (Graduate School outcomes 1, 2, 4, and 5) 

• Conduct scholarly inquiry relevant to societal challenges and the field of study (Graduate School outcomes 1, 2, and 5)

• Demonstrate proficiency with a variety of classical and modern techniques by collecting and documenting reproducible and publish quality data through completion of experiments. (Graduate School outcomes 4 and 7) 

• Critically analyze, write high-quality technical documents, and communicate scientific content and research results to diverse audiences. Contribute significantly (first-authorship) to scientific journal articles.  (Graduate School outcome 3) 

• Initiate and manage collaboration in ways that enhance the output of the project.

• Display professional skills in personal effectiveness to be competitive in the job market (Graduate School outcome 7) 

• Engage and initiate activities that display civic responsibility, citizenship and inclusiveness. 

Course and Credit Requirements 

This program is intended to provide flexibility for students beyond the minimum formal academic training required to pursue a microbiology career. 90 Credits are needed to complete the degree made up of the following:  

Introduction to Graduate Research (MICR 701; 1-3 credits) 

This course is designed to help students acclimate to graduate research and create a foundation to be successful in their graduate career. Course topics range from the process of scientific research to mental health during graduate school.  

Scientific Integrity (UNIV 720; 1 credit) or equivalent graduate ethics course  

A survey of contemporary issues relating to responsible conduct in research including academic integrity, mentoring, scientific record keeping, and genetic technology. Class sessions will involve student discussion of case studies that emphasizes a particular scientific ethical dilemma. 

Didactic Courses:  

It is up to the student and their faculty mentor/committee to decide if courses or what course are necessary to prepare the student for a) the preliminary foundational knowledge exam, b) their research and c) their career. There is no formal credit requirement for our program, however individual faculty may have course requirements for students pursuing a PhD in their research program.  

Microbiology Seminar (MICR 790; 1 credit; once per year) 

A seminar in microbiology.  Students will periodically present their own work and they will take responsibility for evaluating the presentations of their peers.  Regionally, nationally and internationally renowned speakers also present. When no presentation is schedule students will take turns leading discussion of research articles.  

Student Portfolio (MICR 893; 1 credit; once per year) 

This will be a one-credit course reserved for students in the Microbiology Graduate program.  Students will enroll in this course once per year and the course will coincide with the annual self-report and assessment.  The course will be graded on an S/U basis, and the student’s supervisory committee is responsible for informing the Graduate Program Coordinator of the score. 

Doctoral Dissertation Research (MICR 899; variable credits, minimum 30 credits to graduate) 

A minimum of 30 credits are required to obtain a Ph.D. This is time for doctoral research over and above any research or teaching assistant work.  Mentors and students may develop a research agreement that stipulates the requirements to receive a satisfactory grade (Letter Grade or S/U) or can refer to a research assistantship contract to define the requirements. 

Example Plan of Study 

*Note no didactic courses are listed in this plan as they vary greatly by student.  

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year

Fifth Year