The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test is required and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all applicants from countries where English is not the official language and who have not recieved a college or university degree in the United States. Previous research experience is preferred, but not required, and visits to Iowa State University and with faculty representatives of the Interdepartmental Microbiology program are helpful.

All students complete coursework that is comprised of one year of modular "core" courses in microbiology. This Microbiology Core Curriculum consists of:

1. Microbial diversity and phylogeny (Micro 551) (Fall) 1 credit
2. Bacterial molecular genetics and physiology (Micro 552) (Fall) 1 credit
3. Pathogenic microorganisms (Micro 553) (Fall) 1 credit
4. Virology (Micro 554) (Spring) 1 credit
5. Fungal Biology (Micro 555) (Spring) 1 credit
6. Microbial ecology and environmental monitoring (Micro 556) (Spring) 1 credit

Students also take biochemistry (Biochem 404 and 405), a course in Professional Practices in Life Sciences (Micro 565A), at least 3 credits (M.S. and minor) or 9 credits (Ph.D.) of advanced coursework in microbiology and participate in microbiology seminars and journal clubs.

Advance courses may include:

BACTERIOLOGY/GENETICS/PHYSIOLOGY
BBMB 403.  Biochemistry of Prokaryotes
Micro 502.  Microbial Genetics
Micro 530.  Procaryotic Diversity and Ecology
Micro 577.  Bacterial-Plant Interactions
Micro 586.  Medical Bacteriology
VMPM 586L. Medical Bacteriology Laboratory

VIROLOGY

Mushrooms of Armillaria ostoyae.  This fungus is found in forest soils,  where it lives on the roots of  trees. A. ostoyae mushrooms,  or honey mushrooms, can  represent only a small fraction  of the entire organism, with some  specimens developing underground  growth that covers areas greater  than 1,000 acres in size.  A. ostoyae has been called by  some the largest living organizm  on earth.       Picture contributed  by Thomas Harrington.

Advancement for all students through the degree program entails forming a Program of Study Committee (3 members for M.S. students and 5 members for Ph.D. students), preferably by the end of the second semester, and presenting a proposal of a research project to this POS Committee, preferably by the end of the third semester. Ph.D. candidates must pass a Preliminary Examination that includes both a written and an oral component. After completion of the research project, all students must write and defend a thesis of their work.

Additional education opportunities that supplement the Graduate Program in Microbiology include participating in the Microbiology Graduate Student Organization (MGSO), Bioethics Training, meeting with visiting scientists, participating in the Preparing Future Faculty Program, and participating in formal training sessions on grant writing, teaching, and other professional activities. Most students are members of at least one professional organization, such as the American Societly for Microbiology, and present their research findings at one or more regional, national or international scientific conferences during their course of training.