New Master of Science in
Immunology, Microbiology and Virology

A new Master of Sciences (MS) program in Immunology, Microbiology and Virology is accepting applications for the Fall 2012 enrollment for undergraduate students currently matriculated at University of Rochester. Registrations for the Fall 2012 are open.

Objectives:

This degree program is designed to actively prepare graduates for careers in biomedical research by allowing them to earn both BS and MS degrees in 5 years. Pursuit of the MS in Immunology, Microbiology, and Virology affords the opportunity for selected students to receive intensive, advanced training in the allied fields of immunology, microbiology, virology, and biotechnology, with a focus on hands-on research and “real world” skills including critical scientific thinking, scientific communication, group dynamic, problem-solving and data analysis, and instruction in drug discovery. Active training in bioinformatics, cGMP stem cell manufacturing, and other advanced methodologies is included. The goals are to reflect the interconnectivity and complexity biomedical sciences as well as the increasing requirement for teamwork in problem solving in the workforce.

Requirements for Admissions:

Current UR undergraduates
Strong academic record
Minimum 3.3 GPA in major
Demonstrated commitment to pursue research (e.g., Independent Research IND/MBI 395).

PRE Application Requirements:

Online application
Personal statement
Letter of recommendation by a professor in the major discipline
Official transcripts

FULL Application Requirements:

Online application
Personal statement
3 Letters of recommendation by professors in the major discipline
Official University of Rochester transcripts

Application timeline:

May 1: Complete application due
May-June: Offer of Admission notices
May-June: Summer semester begins
July 1: Offer accepted by students
August: Orientation
September: Fall semester begin

Application deadline is May 1, 2012

Interested students are strongly encouraged to contact:
Jacques Robert, Program Director Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology
Phone: (585) 275-5359

Curriculum

Required Courses (total 6 credits)		Prerequisites	Credits hrs
MBI 518	Critical Thinking in Research		1.0
MBI 402	Writing in Microbiology (summer, fall, spring)		3.0
MBI 403	Drug Discovery (spring)	MBI 220	2.0
IND 501	Ethics and Professional Integrity (fall)		1.0
Select at least 2 of the following courses (total 6-7 credits)
MBI 404	Introduction to Emerging Pathogens		3.0
MBI 414	Microbial Pathogenesis (offered spring semester every other year)	MBI 220/221	3.0
MBI 421	Microbial Genetics (offered spring semester every other year)	MBI 220	3.0
MBI 431	Microbial Physiology (offered fall semester every other year)	MBI 220	3.0
MBI 456	Virology (offered spring semester every other year)	MBI 220	4.0
MBI 473	Immunology (fall)	MBI 220	3.0
Elective Course: Select at least 1 of the following courses (total 3 – 4 credits)
MBI 401	Biology of HIV/AIDS	MBI 220		1.0
MBI 540	Topics in Immunology (spring)			2.0
MBI 581	Oral Microbiology (offered fall semester every other year)			2.0
Seminar Course: Select at least 1 of following courses
MBI 514	Microbial Pathogenesis Seminar (offered spring semester every other year)	MBI 414		1.0
MBI 521	MIcrobial Genetics Seminar (offered spring semester every other year)			1.0
MBI 570	Molecular Biology Seminar (fall & spring)			1.0
MBI 573	Immunology Seminar (fall)			2.0
MBI 589	Advanced Topics in Virology (fall)			1.0
Research
MBI 495	Master’s Research (summer, fall and spring)			12.0

Total minimum credit hours for the MS = 30.0

Credits shared between BS/MS = 9.0-10.0

Undergraduates in the Microbiology BS (BMB) major complete three 400 level MBI courses as part of the requirements for the major. The three 400 level MBI courses are selected from MBI 414, 421, 431, 456 and 473 (total of 9 or 10 credits if upper level of Writing in Microbiology has been completed). These credits can be shared between the BS and MS.