CHECK LIST:

1. CORE COURSES: Advanced Microbial Genetics, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology. (Must receive a grade of 'B-' or better and each course cannot be repeated more than twice)

2. Six credit-hours of graduate level coursework inside the Microbiology Graduate Program.  The Graduate Advisor will help to determine which lecture courses are relevant to the student's program. (Must receive a grade of 'B' or better )

3. Weekly journal club per fall and spring term (until completion of fourth year of study). The purpose of these journal club offerings is to give students the opportunity to participate in discussions with faculty and peers about various topics and research problems.  (All first-year students are exempt from taking journal clubs during their first semester).

4. Weekly research seminar per fall and spring term (after completion of fourth year of study).  Students present their own research findings in this seminar, and receive feedback from faculty and peers.   

5. Supervised Teaching - Teaching under close supervision of course instructors for two semesters; weekly laboratory instruction of undergraduates in microbiology and/or general biology, group meetings with the instructor, individual consultations, and reports throughout the teaching period. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. 

6. Lab rotations. Provide students the opportunity to explore different research interests prior to the selection of a Ph.D. supervisor.  Students will be required to complete three rotations within the first academic year, with an optional fourth rotation during the summer. Students will choose their rotations amongst the Microbiology Graduate Studies Committee.

7. MOL 190 to prepare for the Preliminary Part A and Part B exams.

8. Teaching assistant for two long-session semesters; two six-week summer terms are considered equivalent to a semester.

9. Student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. (In order to maintain satisfactory academic progress at The University of Texas at Austin)

10. Successfully pass Preliminary Part A and Part B (Advancement to Candidacy).