Microbiology and Immunology, Ph.D. (CIP 26.0503)

The program leading to the PhD emphasizes research training at the molecular and cellular levels in several disciplines to prepare the student for a challenging career directing original independent research. While the program of study is tailored to the individual needs of the student, he or she is required to complete a series of core courses that provides a broad background in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Molecular Biology, Immunology, Virology, Bacteriology, Pathogenesis of Infectious Diseases, and Research Technologies. The program also emphasizes the written and oral communication skills needed to excel in the scientific community. Active participation in departmental seminars and at least one of the four journal clubs is required of all students. In addition, each student must prepare two research proposals as part of the process of learning how to design experiments, to evaluate the scientific literature in a critical manner, and to begin to master the skills of scientific writing. The most important components of the PhD training program are the research project and dissertation. They are completed under the guidance of the student’s Faculty Advisor and Doctoral Advisory Committee and must represent original and independent scholarly work.

An individualized program of study is developed for each graduate student through regular consultation with a faculty Advisory Committee. This program consists of lecture and laboratory courses, seminars, journal clubs, preparation of research proposals, and independent research. Upon entry into the Doctoral Program, the student becomes acquainted with the research activities of each faculty member and then selects three faculty research laboratories for rotating during the Fall semester. At the end of the first semester, the student selects the research laboratory in which he/she will complete a research project for submission in his/her dissertation. The Faculty Research Interests section lists the focus of research in each of the laboratories.