Molecular Genetics and Microbiology PhD

Program Code: G-MGM-PHD
Degree Designation: Doctor of Philosophy
Department: Molecular Genetics & Microbiology
Website: mgm.duke.edu

Program Summary

The Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology offers a range of opportunities for training in the use of molecular and genetic tools to solve biological problems. Current research interests are focused in microbial pathogenesis, RNA biology, virology, and experimental genetics and genomics. Members of the department use a wide variety of experimental approaches (e.g., classical genetics, generation of transgenic animals, tissue culture models) and study a diversity of organisms (budding yeast, Cryptococcus, fruit flies, worms, zebrafish, and humans).

The department is extremely interactive. In addition to coursework, students participate in a number of activities that enhance their training and facilitate interaction with each other, as well as with post-doctoral fellows and faculty.

Academic Requirements

Course Requirements

Students need to have 24 credits completed by the end of their second year:

• Basic Lecture Courses

  • MGM 778 Genetic Solutions to Biological Problems (6 credits)

  • CMB 551 Cell and Molecular Biology core course (6 credits)

  • Core Elective: MGM 552 Virology or MGM 582 Microbial Pathogenesis or MGM 732 Human Genetics (3 credits)

  • BIOTRAIN 720 Scientific Writing/ Writing Grant Proposals (3 credits)

  • two courses of choice (5 credits total)

  • A total of 12 modules are taken in a combination of UPGEN 778 and CMB 710. At least 6 need to be UPGEN 778 except for 2nd year entering students in which case, 4 must be UPGEN 778

  • All students supported by the Viral Oncology Training Grant are required to take MGM 552 (Virology and Viral Oncology).

• Student Seminar Courses

  • MGM 790S: Topics in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, required for first six semesters (1 credit/semester = Total of 6 credits)

  • MGM 701: Foundations of MGM for the first year students (1 credit)

  • MGM students attend the MGM-sponsored Thursday Seminar Series, the Monday Department Research Seminars and our annual MGM Scientific Retreat.

  • MGM students are highly encouraged to attend the UPGG-sponsored Tuesday Seminar Series when an MGM faculty member is hosting or speaking.

• Suggested Electives

  • PHARM 733 Biostastics (2 credits)

  • IMMUNOL 601 Immunology of Human Diseases (3 credits)

  • IMMUNOL 544 Principles of Immunology (3 credits, if no prior background)

  • MGM 778 Genetic Solutions to Biological Problems (4 credits, additional semester of genetic modular course)

  • MGM 522 Critical Readings in Genetics (3 credits)

  • MGM 703 Infection Biology (3 credits)

  • MGM 720 NGS Computational Tools (3 credits)

• Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). All Molecular Genetics and Microbiology matriculating PhD students are required to complete 18 contact hours of RCR training in the first four years of their study.  The RCR Requirements can be found on The Duke Graduate School website.

Additional Requirements

• Lab rotations. Each MGM student is required to conduct three laboratory rotations. Each rotation is 10-12 weeks long. The rotations are time-coordinated, i.e. all rotations begin and end at the same time:

• Mentoring. The students will meet with the DGS each semester of their first two years. These meetings are an opportunity for students to obtain information regarding electives, to discuss progress in the classroom, and to discuss rotations and progress in the laboratory.

• Preliminary examination

• Thesis defense