Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Ph.D. Learning Outcomes

The PhD program in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics trains graduate students to become proficient and successful investigators who are able to:

PLO1: Core Knowledge

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences
• Understand the current concepts in molecular biology
• Demonstrate specialized knowledge of biomedical science sufficient to carry out substantive independent research

PLO2: Research Methods and Analysis

• Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and
• Design, conduct, and interpret their own research projects
• Understand the range of tools appropriate for research in their biomedical sub-field
• Understand and follow research ethics

PLO3: Pedagogy

• Communicate effectively to large and small groups in pedagogical settings such as discussion formats (and also in lecture formats)
• Identify and effectively deploy suitable technologies for use in all aspects of instruction

PLO4: Scholarly Communication

• Review and cogently discuss relevant literature and their significance
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation
• Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific seminars, conferences, and other venues
• Make clear and cogent oral presentations, including effective use of technology

PLO5: Professionalism

• Select appropriate conference venues for their research (as well as application areas)
• Write compelling abstracts describing their research for consideration at research conferences in biomedical research, or appropriate application areas
• Prepare talks (both short and long) suitable for presentation at a research conference
• Make effective contributions to research teams and learning seminars
• Make effective contributions to department, university, community, and professional service
• Mentor junior researchers (e.g., undergraduates, beginning graduate students)

PLO6: Independent Research

• Develop their own research projects that meet high standards of theoretical and methodological rigor with lasting impact
• Produce scholarship that is comparable in scope and format to articles that appear in leading peer-reviewed journals in biomedical science
• Supervise junior researchers (e.g., high school students, undergraduates, beginning graduate students) effectively

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