Email this pageCurriculum: What does it entail?
The Curriculum is intended to develop the skills necessary for pursuing research in the chosen discipline. It includes the core courses that are required for all students, and electives chosen by the student and advisor to augment topics relevant to the individual's research. Core courses are usually completed in the first year of study.
Core Requirements Common to All Three Tracks
| Course ID | Course Title |
|---|---|
| IND 501 | Ethics in Research |
| IND 408 | Biochemistry |
| MBI 501 | Microbiology & Immunology Student Seminar |
| MBI 507 | Laboratory Rotations |
Microbiology Track:
Track requirements: Three (3) 400-level courses plus co-seminars chosen from the following list:
| Course ID | Course Title |
|---|---|
| *MBI 414 | Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis + Co-Seminar (MBI 514) |
| *MBI 421 | Microbial Genetics + Co-Seminar (MBI 521) |
| *MBI 431 | Microbial Physiology + Co-Seminar (MBI 531) |
| MBI 473 | Immunology + Immunology Co-Seminar (MBI 573) **Optional** |
| MBI 570 | Molecular Biology Seminar (Taken each year) |
| *Courses highlighted in yellow are offered every other year | |
Electives: At least two, chosen after consultation with the research advisor and Ph. D. committee, to best serve the needs of the student's program, background, and interests. Electives taken by students have included:
| Course ID | Course Title |
|---|---|
| IND 409 | Cell Biology |
| IND 410 | Molecular Biology & Genetics |
| MBI 456 | General Virology |
| MBI 581 | Oral Microbiology |
Immunology Track:
Track requirements:
| Course ID | Course Title |
|---|---|
| MBI 473 / MBI 573 | Immunology + Co-Seminar |
| IND 409 | Cell Biology |
| IND 410 | Molecular Biology & Genetics |
| MBI 540 | Advanced Topics in Immunology (taken in 2nd semester of 1st year in addition to three seminars during the rest of the Ph.D. program) |
| MBI 580 | Journal Club and Immunology Research-In-Progress Seminar (RIPS) |
Electives: At least two, chosen after consultation with the research advisor and Ph.D. committee, to best serve the needs of the student's program, background, and interests. Electives taken by students have included:
| Course ID | Course Title |
|---|---|
| IND 447 | Signal Transduction: Cellular & Molecular Mechanism |
| *MBI 414 / MBI 514 | Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis + Co-Seminar (MBI 514) |
| *MBI 456 | General Virology |
| BST 463 | Introduction to Biostatistics |
| MBI 515 | Advanced Immunology *Highly Recommended* |
| *Courses highlighted in yellow are offered every other year | |
Virology Track:
Track requirements:
| Course ID | Course Title |
|---|---|
| IND 409 | Cell Biology |
| IND 410 | Molecular Biology & Genetics |
| *MBI 456 | General Virology |
| MBI 588 | Virology Research Seminar Series (taken each year starting in 2nd year) |
| MBI 589 | Advanced Topics in Virology (taken for 2 years starting in second year) |
| *Courses highlighted in yellow are offered every other year | |
Electives: At least two, chosen after consultation with the research advisor and Ph.D. committee, to best serve the needs of the student's program, background, and interests. Electives taken by students have included:
| Course ID | Course Title |
|---|---|
| IND 447 | Signal Transduction: Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms |
| MBI 473 / MBI /573 | Immunology + Co-Seminar (MBI 573) **OPTIONAL** |
| *MBI 421 / MBI 521 | Microbial Genetics + Co-Seminar (MBI 521) |
| *MBI 414 / MBI 514 | Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis + Co-Seminar (MBI 514) |
| *Courses highlighted in yellow are offered every other year | |
Rotations:
Rotations in the first year of study in three different laboratories allow the students to gain experience with methodology and instrumentation, and to become familiar with prospective research advisors for their thesis project. At the end of the first year, students choose a permanent advisor and embark on a Ph.D. thesis research program. Students may choose any faculty member in the School of Medicine and Dentistry or a participating faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences as their research advisor.
Qualifying Examinations:
A Qualifying Examination at the end of the second year of studies is a means of determining the potential of the student for independent thought, experimental acumen, comprehension of the general field, and potential for exploiting a relevant problem in a scientifically sound manner. The M.S. degree is awarded upon successful completion of this examination.
Teaching Assistanceship:
A one-semester Teaching Assistantship is required. Students usually complete this requirement in the second year of study.
Student Seminar Series:
The Student Seminar Series is designed to develop the organizational and speaking skills necessary for an independent career in research and to facilitate exchange of research information within the program.
Thesis:
At the end of the first year, students choose a permanent advisor and embark on a Ph.D. thesis research program. Students may choose any faculty member in the School of Medicine and Dentistry or a participating faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences as their research advisor. The Ph.D. is awarded based on development of an Independent Thesis Research Project as well as a written dissertation describing the rationale, methodology, results, conclusions and significance of the project.
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