The Master of Science in Applied Microbial Systems Analysis is a professional science master’s program that trains students in microbial genomics, microbiome research and general microbiology. This program is specifically designed to train students for employment in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, government, and academic sectors. This is achieved by combining coursework with advanced laboratory training and internships.

Location

• Storrs Campus

Modality

• In Person

Requirements

At least 33 credits of course work, an internship and passing an exit examination. Credits are selected from an approved menu of courses: minimum of nine credits in core curriculum options, minimum of eight credits in specialized microbiology courses (laboratory or research experience), minimum of five credits in laboratory courses and minimum of seven credits in professional master’s cohort courses (communication skills, Frontiers seminars, business practices, internship). In special circumstances the Advisory Committee may waive some of these requirements.

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Core Curriculum Course Options
Select a minimum of nine credits from the following:		9
MCB 5001	Biochemistry
MCB 5217	Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids and Proteins
MCB 5240	Virology
MCB 5426	Genetic Engineering and Functional Genomics
MCB 5621	Molecular Biology and Genetics of Prokaryotes
MCB 5679	Microbial Physiology
MCB 5699	Seminar in Microbiology
Another course with prior approval from the Microbial Systems Analysis Program Director
Specialized Microbiology Course Options
Select a minimum of eight credits from the following:		8
ANSC 4341	Food Microbiology and Safety
ANSC 5618	Probiotics and Prebiotics
EEB 5349	Phylogenetics
EEB 5449	Evolution
MCB 5681	Mechanisms of Bacterial Pathogenicity
PATH 5201	Microbiology of Atypical Bacteria
PATH 5202	Viral Pathogenesis
PATH 5401	Immunobiology
PATH 5632	Vaccines: Mechanisms of Immune Protection
Another course with prior approval from the Microbial Systems Analysis Program Director
Laboratory Course Options
Select a minimum of five credits from the following:		5
MCB 3637	Practical Methods in Microbial Genomics
MCB 5427	Laboratory Techniques in Functional Genomics
MCB 5430	Analysis of Eukaryotic Functional Genomic Data
MCB 5670	Theory and Practice of Laboratory Techniques in Microbiology
MCB 5671	Advanced Theory and Practice of Laboratory Techniques in Microbiology
MCB 5672	Applied Bioinformatics
MCB 5616	Experiments in Bacterial Genetics
MCB 6897	Research (one to six credits)
Another course with prior approval from the Microbial Systems Analysis Program Director
Professional Master's Cohort Course Options
Minimum of seven credits. These must include: 1		7
MCB 5490	Industrial Insights
MCB 5491	Professional Development Seminar (two credits)
MCB 5900	Professional Writing and Communication Skills
Internship 2
Additional coursework to reach 33 total credits.		4
Total Credits		33

¹

Other possible classes include MCB 5910 Responsible Conduct in Research; MCB 5080 Frontiers in Microbiology; or another course with prior approval from Microbial Systems Analysis Program Director.

²

e.g. GRAD 5930 Full-Time Directed Studies (Master's Level)

Note: Only six credits total of 3000 and 4000 level courses may be applied to the graduate degree.

Learning Objectives

1. Knowledge: Demonstrate appropriate breadth and depth of disciplinary knowledge and comprehension of the major topics, theories, and issues of the discipline.
2. Applied skills: Uses, disaggregates, reformulates and/or adapts principal ideas, techniques or methods of the field of study ethically, professionally, and based on best practices of the discipline.
3. Communication: Communicate proficiently and effectively to a specialist or non-specialist audience, verbally and in writing, a coherent argument or explanation summarizing aspects of the discipline.