The program leading to the Ph.D. degree is designed to develop the student’s ability to pursue independent and original research in microbiology and allied fields, communicate the results of such research to the scientific community and serve as an effective teacher. Students normally enter the doctoral program after receiving a master’s degree, but exceptions can be made for students with BS degrees who are strong academically and have research experience. The program usually takes five years to complete (see the timetable below).
Ph.D. Student learning outcomes
Program Purpose
The Ph.D. program in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Hawaii is designed to give students the academic and technical skills to become independent scientists and researchers. We strive to provide each graduate student with broad knowledge in microbiology and in-depth knowledge in their area of specialization. Students are trained in both traditional and state-of-the-art technologies to be applied to the design and conduct of original research projects. Additionally, students have access to both basic and advanced coursework to further their academic and research goals.
Student Learning Outcomes
At the end of the program, the student will:
1. demonstrate advanced knowledge in a specialized area of the microbiological sciences and general knowledge of related areas, as defined by the student’s committee
2. conduct original and independent scientific research, including critical analysis, synthesis and use of information and data that contributes to one’s field of study
3. proficiently communicate and disseminate scientific information in oral and in written form
4. conduct research responsibly and ethically; and
5. engage professionally and collegially with the larger scientific community and with society.
Timetable
| First Semester | • Qualifying exam • meet with your advisor (PhD Form I) |
| By end of year 2 | • select and meet with dissertation committee |
| Every year until graduation | • submit annual progress report to your advisor • meet with dissertation committee • attend and give seminar (MICR 690) • register for MICR 695 |
| By the end of year 3 | • complete coursework requested by your advisor and dissertation committee • Schedule and pass Comprehensive Exams |
| By the end of year 4 | • approve dissertation proposal (PhD Form II) and have initial assessment (Assessment Form) |
| By end of year 5 (7 years maximum) | • in final semester, enroll in MICR 800• publish a peer-reviewed research paper• present at a conference • submit dissertation to committee • apply to Graduate Division for degree (Graduate Application for Degree Form) • notify Graduate Division of defense time & place (Dissertation Defense Form) • defend dissertation (PhD Form III) and have final assessment (Assessment Form) • submit dissertation to Microbiology Graduate Program and Graduate Division (PhD Form IV) |
Program Sheet
| Requirements | Ph.D. |
| Total credits | 40 credits in 600-800 level coursesAt least 15* cr. 600 and up (excluding MICR 699 and 800, including the required courses) |
| Required courses | Ethics: MICR 614 (1 cr.) or equivalent (CMB 626)Seminar: MICR 690 (register and present annually, counted up to 3 cr. toward total credit requirement)Literature Review: MICR 695 (annually, counted up to 3 cr. toward total credit requirement) |
| Research/thesis Credits | 24 cr. MICR 699at least 1 cr. MICR 800 |
| Teaching | 2 semesters full time TA |
| Qualifying exam | First semester (65% minimum) |
| Appointment of advisor | First semester |
| Form Thesis /Dissertation Committee | By the end of 2nd year |
| Comprehensive Exam | Passing written and oral examination (80% minimum) – Estimated end of 3rd year |
| Final Examination | N/A |
| Thesis/Dissertation Proposal | Estimated end of 4th year |
| Thesis/Dissertation Defense | Estimated end of 5th year |
| Additional Requirements | One peer-reviewed research publication (first authorship) – not counting dissertation.One poster or oral presentation at a conference with a published abstract (first authorship) |
Note: certain adjustments can be considered for those with a M.S. degree in Microbiology or closely related field.
Remember: It is the personal responsibility of each student to see that all requirements are fulfilled and all deadlines met in a timely manner. Consult the Graduate Division website, see the university general catalog and the official calendar. Graduate Chair can provide the current version of the Graduate Student and Faculty and Handbook.