Introduction

The M.Phil/Ph.D. programme in microbiology is focused primarily on applied research in areas particularly related to environmental science & management, plant health & nutrition, drug discovery from microbial metabolites, and genetic diversity & development of diagnostic systems for human pathogens. The programme is supported by modern microbiology and molecular biology laboratories. Additionally, there are strong collaborations with international partner institutes that allow access to state of the art laboratory facilities. Most of the research projects have a strong focus on microbial genetics, genomics, metagenomics and proteomics; microbial biotechnology and plant-microbe interactions. 

Objectives

  • To produce qualified microbiologists with the competencies to provide services to the private and public sectors including environment, agriculture, medicine and industries.
  • To build national and regional technological and infrastructural capacities for imparting terminal education, training and research on contemporary microbiology.
  • To develop and foster collaborations with developed countries and institutes of global excellence, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and development of cooperation in related industries.
  • To strategically prepare the Caribbean region to actively interact with the developed and developing world in microbiology services, research and development.

 Entry Requirements

  • M.Phil.
    • BSc degree/major in a Life Sciences related discipline such as Microbiology, Biology, Agriculture, Biochemistry, Medical Sciences, Biotechnology or Molecular Biology
  • Ph.D.
    • A postgraduate degree in Microbiology or related discipline

Duration

  • M.Phil
    • Full-time: 2 years
    • Part-time: 4 years
  • Ph.D.
    • Full-time: 3 years
    • Part-time: 5 years

Programme Structure/Course of Study

The M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees primarily involve independent study, directed by one or more supervisors.  The programmes culminate with the presentation of a thesis conveying the results of the independent study and research carried out by the graduate student.

M.Phil students may be considered for upgrading to the Ph.D. normally during the second year, but not after the third year of registration, on recommendation of their supervisor(s).

M.Phil./ Ph.D. Thesis and Examination

All research degrees are examined by theses.

In addition, research students will be required to pass courses amounting to a MINIMUM of

  • 6 credits for the M.Phil.
  • 9 credits for the Ph.D. degree

Graduate Research Seminars

M.Phil. students are required to present at least two seminars and Ph.D. students at least three seminars:

M.Phil.

  • GRSM 7004 - Scientific Presentation and Critique 1
  • GRSM 7005 - Scientific Presentation and Critique 2
  • GRSM 7006 - Scientific Presentation and Critique 3

Ph.D.

  • GRSM 8004 - Scientific Presentation and Critique 1
  • GRSM 8005 - Scientific Presentation and Critique 2
  • GRSM 8006 - Scientific Presentation and Critique 3

These seminars will be examined and graded on a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ basis. These courses may be used as a forum for these presentations which will be assessed in the manner prescribed for such “assessed seminars”.

Students are also required to attend a minimum of 75% of all Departmental/Faculty seminars. A Seminar attendance register will be kept by all Departments.

Upgrading of Registration

Postgraduate students who are registered for the M.Phil. degree and who wish to be considered for the upgrading of their registration to Ph.D. must apply to do so in the second year of registration on the written recommendation of their supervisor(s).

Applications for upgrading will normally not be considered after the third year of registration. A supervisor must state why he/she considers the student to be outstanding and whether in his/her opinion the work can be developed to the level of the Ph.D.

Applicants for upgrade must submit a written proposal outlining the work done to date and how they propose to develop this work into a Ph.D. and must defend their proposal for upgrading at an open seminar convened for this purpose.

All recommendations from Departments for Ph.D. upgrade registrations are subject to the approval of the Board for Graduate Studies and Research.

Defence of Thesis

  • For the M.Phil. degree the candidate may be required to defend his/her thesis by an examination.
  • Every candidate for the Ph.D. must defend his/her thesis by an oral examination.
A candidate who is unsuccessful in the examination for the Ph.D. may apply to the Board for Graduate Studies and Research for transfer of registration to the relevant M.Phil. and for permission to resubmit the relevant thesis or a revised version of it for examination for a Master’s degree. 
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