StudyQA — Master: Bacteriology — University of Wisconsin

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Description Contents Requirements

his program provides the opportunity to tailor a curriculum of advanced coursework and research to fit the needs of each student. Students may acquire a general overview of microbiology or may focus on a specialized subject area in microbiology such as food or environmental microbiology, biotechnology, bacterial physiology, medical microbiology or molecular/cell biology. The self-tailored program must meet the requirements of the Graduate School and of the Department of Bacteriology for the M.S. degree.The M.S. degree program exists in two forms, one involves primarily formal coursework and has no research requirement; the other requires significant laboratory research, including formal written documentation (thesis or manuscript). Students are admitted to the M.S. program under the coursework option. A student desiring a research M.S. must identify a faculty member who agrees to serve as the student's research advisor.
The coursework option serves students who want to acquire knowledge about current topics in microbiology primarily in a classwork setting. Examples of students who benefit from this option are those currently employed in research, clinical or biotechnology labs seeking an advanced degree; lawyers and law students who wish to specialize in biotechnology or environmental law; and students preparing for health professions.
The research option serves students who seek to develop scientific research skills. This option is chosen by laboratory technicians who want advanced technical training; students seeking laboratory skills for employment; and students who desire laboratory experience and advanced course work before applying to Ph.D. programs.

A minimum of 30 credits of graduate-level coursework is required, with courses selected by the student and program advisor. At least 9 credits of formal coursework must be at the 600 level or above. Students in the coursework option are encouraged to participate in laboratory/field/special problems experiences as part of their graduate studies, through independent study on campus or an off campus internship. Up to 9 of the required 30 credits may be completed through independent study, research or internship credits. With permission of the program advisor, up to 8 graduate course credits from another university may be applied toward the course requirements

In addition to the minimum requirements for admission to the University of Wisconsin Graduate School, applicants should have completed three semesters of Biology, including some genetics; four semesters of Chemistry, including organic; two semesters of Physics; one Math course beyond algebra and trigonometry (i.e. calculus, statistics, or computer sciences). Applications from students lacking the general requirements may be considered, but deficiencies must be absolved before completion of the program. Students must also fulfill the general requirements of a one semester course in each of the following: general microbiology, biochemistry, microbial genetics, and microbial physiology. The general requirements can be completed before entry or as part of the program.