Microbiology (PhD)
Graduate School
Graduate Field
Program Description
Research areas include genetics, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, systematic and environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, and virology. Most of the laboratories used by the field have been recently built or renovated, and a broad range of instrumentation is available for work in all aspects of microbiology and molecular biology. One semester of teaching is required for Ph.D. degree candidates.
Concentrations
- Microbiology
Program Information
- Program Mode of Delivery: In Person
- Program Location: Ithaca, NY
Program Requirements
- Minimum Semesters for Degree: 6
Graduate School Milestones
- Responsible Conduct of Research Training: Required
- Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID): Required
- Student Progress Reviews (SPR) begin: First Year
- Examination for admission to candidacy (A Exam): Spring of second year
- Defense of Dissertation (B Exam): Spring of fifth year
Field Specific Milestones
- One semester of teaching assistantship is required
Course Requirements
Additional course requirements may be set by the student’s Special Committee. Program specific requirements that apply to all students are included below.
Year 1 (Fall)
- BIOMI 7100 Fundamentals of Environmental Microbiology
- BIOMI 7970 Scientific Communication Skills
Year 1 (Spring)
- BIOMI 6200 Core Concepts in Molecular Bacteriology
- BIOMI 7990 Microbiology Seminar
Graduate School Enrollment Requirements
Course Requirements
- Course requirements are determined by the student’s Special Committee.
- Enrollment in a GRAD research course or the equivalent field specific research course is expected of all students each semester through graduation. These courses include:
University Graduation Requirements
Requirements for All Students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency in research laboratories (completing three rotations).
- Demonstrate understanding of courses (predominately during the first two years).
- Demonstrate proficiency in teaching in a formal teaching setting (by working as a teaching assistant).
- Support education through teaching, mentoring, and outreach.
- Make an original and substantial contribution to the field through research.
-Explain research premises, experimental design, and the analysis of results.
-Explain methods and justifications for choosing particular methods.
-Identify and access appropriate resources, synthesize existing knowledge, and critically analyze and evaluate results.
-Listen to, give, and receive feedback effectively.
-Present research at national or regional meetings.
-Publish peer-reviewed manuscripts. - Demonstrate commitment to professional development through engagement in graduate and professional societies and journal clubs.
- Understand and adhere to ethical standards in the discipline and responsible conduct in research.
Admissions
Application Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Fall, December 1; no spring admission
Requirements Summary
Applicants should have preparation in general chemistry at an intermediate level, organic chemistry, physics, and introductory courses in the biological sciences. Training in physical chemistry and calculus is desirable. Although deficiency in the subjects listed does not preclude admission, it may increase the time necessary to earn a degree. Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores (general or subject tests).
- All Graduate School requirements
- English language proficiency requirement for all applicants
- Three recommendations
Admissions Contact Information
Email: df467@cornell.edu
Phone: 607-255-3088
Campus Address: 107 Wing Hall
Website: https://cals.cornell.edu/microbiology/academics/graduate