Introduction
The Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology (METX) focuses on the human and environmental health impacts of chemicals and pathogens. A unifying disciplinary theme of research in METX is that both environmental chemicals and pathogens represent physiological effects that, in many cases, elicit specific molecular and inflammatory responses that increase the risk of adverse health outcomes in exposed individuals. The METX Ph.D. program provides in-depth training in the human and environmental health impacts of chemicals and pathogens. We accomplish this goal through comprehensive coursework, extensive scientific communication training, and in-depth research culminating in a Ph.D. dissertation. Our training prepares students to become leaders in various fields, following career paths in academia, teaching, industry, and government.
Students typically graduate with a Ph.D. in four to six years.
Advancement to Candidacy
The student advances to candidacy after completing all coursework, completing the literature review (beginning of fall quarter, second year), passing the Ph.D. qualifying examination (spring quarter, second year), and presenting a seminar (fall quarter, third year).
Course Requirements
Two required core courses:
| METX 200 | Interdisciplinary Approaches in Environmental Toxicology | 5 |
| METX 200B | Graduate Research Project Development | 2 |
Plus the following course
One course from the following:
At least one additional graduate-level METX course or an approved course from another department:
| METX 201 | Sources and Fates of Pollutants | 5 |
| METX 210 | Molecular and Cellular Basis of Bacterial Pathogenesis | 5 |
| METX 238 | Pathogenesis: Molecular Mechanisms of Disease | 5 |
| METX 250 | Environmental Microbiology | 5 |
Students will also take one or more of the following science writing courses as advised
| METX 205 | Scientific Grant Writing | 5 |
| METX 245A | Scientific Communication in Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology A | 5 |
And two additional courses as recommended by their first-year advising committee.
Students will take the following courses each quarter:
And one of the following as appropriate:
Plus a topical seminar from the METX 281 series:
| METX 281C | Topics in Environmental Microbiology | 2 |
| METX 281J | Mechanisms of Virulence and Resistance to Infectious Disease | 2 |
| METX 281M | Topics in Molecular Toxicology | 2 |
| METX 281O | Topics in Bacterial Pathogenesis | 2 |
| METX 281P | Origins and Applications of Human Gut Microbial Symbiosis | 2 |
| METX 281R | Topics in Genome-Environment Interactions | 2 |
| METX 281S | Cellular and Organismal Responses to Toxicants | 2 |
| METX 281V | Topics in Bacterial Pathogenesis and Innate Immunity | 2 |
| METX 281Y | Biofilms: Processes and Regulation | 2 |
Teaching Requirement
During their academic careers, doctoral students are required to work as teaching assistants (TA) for at least one quarter. Priority for TA positions is given to first-year doctoral students, then to current doctoral students who have not yet worked as a teaching assistant. Fulfilling this requirement may happen pre or post candidacy.
Literature Review
Under direction of the student’s faculty advisor, write a literature review of the current state of the field of the proposed dissertation research. The written review will be handed in to the student’s advisor and the program graduate advisor by the first day of fall quarter of the second year.
Qualifying Examination
Students will complete a Ph.D. qualifying examination (QE) comprised of both oral and written components. Students present and defend their research proposal to their QE committee in the spring quarter of their second year.
Department Seminar
Students present a 10-20-minute departmental seminar each academic year, and one 50-minute departmental seminar in the fall quarter of the third year. Rotation students present their rotation talks in lieu of a departmental seminar.
Dissertation
Dissertation and Defense
The student must submit their doctoral dissertation to the dissertation committee for tentative approval at least one month before presenting a formal, public doctoral research seminar and defending their thesis.