Microbiology and Immunology, Ph.D.

Microbiology and Immunology Program

Dennis O’Callaghan, Ph.D., Boyd Professor and Head

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology offers programs of study leading to the degree, doctor of philosophy. The research facilities include a variety of equipment such as ultracentrifuges, scintillation counters, a computerized spectrophotometer system and laser densitometer, as well as specialized suites designed for computing, DNA sequencing, high performance liquid chromatography, photographic processing, germ free animal research, monoclonal antibody production, virus cultivation and tissue culture work, isotope experimentation, polymerase chain reaction technology, flow cytometry and recombinant DNA-gene cloning research. The major research emphasis of the faculty currently involves: cell and molecular biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and animal viruses; cellular, tumor, and molecular immunology; pathogenesis of bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases; and tumor virology; basic research on the development of vaccines for bacterial and viral diseases. Ongoing research includes investigation of agents related to bioterrorism. The curriculum is composed of courses in the areas of cell and molecular biology, bacterial structure/function, microbial and mammalian cell genetics, virology, immunology and pathogenesis. The primary emphasis of the doctoral program concerns, however, the training of graduate students to become independent researchers in the biomedical or university environment. In the seminar and journal club courses, emphasis is placed on training students how to organize and present scientific information and to develop skills in teaching. Students are required to write and to defend two major research proposals in order to obtain experience and skills in scientific writing and in composing grant applications that present a carefully crafted research plan. Collaborative research efforts are encouraged between members of the department and with faculty and students at LSUHSC and other research institutions.