GRADUATE PROGRAM OVERVIEW

• Introduction
• Admissions
• First Year Curriculum
• Alumni - Where Are They Now?
• Program Brochure

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is a multidisciplinary department encompassing the areas of cellular and molecular immunology, virology, microbial genetics, and pathogenic bacteriology. The department currently consists of 27 primary faculty and 26 secondary faculty and is currently recruiting additional scientists.

The goals of the department's graduate program are to provide each student with the opportunity to acquire the theoretical background and conceptual framework with the technical research skills necessary to attain a Ph.D. During the first year of study a broad educational base in all disciplines together with laboratory rotations introduce students to the diverse array of interests in the department. Students then choose one area of concentration for their research. The varied interests of the faculty provide numerous opportunities for student participation and a broad choice in dissertation research. In addition to the regular program of graduate study, the department participates in the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences curriculum, the combined M.D./Ph.D. program and the interdepartmental program in neuroscience.

Active research in immunology includes the areas of cytotoxicity, programmed cell death, cytokine receptor signaling, clinical and experimental bone marrow transplantation, stem cell biology, gene therapy for cancer treatment, antigen recognition, cell differentiation and communication, aging of the immune system, interleukins, genetic control of immunoglobulin production, gene activation, and evolution of the immune response. Research in other areas includes molecular biology of virus-host interaction in both animal and human systems, control and regulation of bacterial pathogenesis, selective tumor chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and therapy of parasitic infections.

Training in the graduate program is comprised of required course work, elected course work, seminars, and research. In addition, students participate in teaching and journal clubs. Students are required to present their experimental work annually to the faculty and their peers at special Work-in-Progress seminars. All students are encouraged to participate in the Eastern Student Research Forum held annually at the University of Miami and organized and staffed by graduate students from all the basic science departments. Each year, internationally recognized scientists visit the department as guests participating in our Special Seminar Series to meet and discuss science with the graduate students. As each of our graduate students progresses in their work they are expected to attend national meetings to present their ongoing research.

The first year curriculum is comprised of graduate level course work in interdisciplinary cellular and molecular biology, immunology, virology and pathogenic bacteriology, and laboratory rotations. These rotations are selected by the students, and each culminates in a Rotation Symposium at which students discuss and highlight their findings. After selecting a mentor (by the end of year 1), formulating a dissertation proposal, and conducting initial research, a qualifying examination is administered during the second year. The examination includes presentation of the dissertation proposal to the students’ Ph.D. dissertation committee. Successful completion of the qualifying examination is followed by annual progress meetings with the Ph.D. dissertation committee until the final defense examination. An accomplished scientist from outside the University is invited to the dissertation defense and serves as a member of the examining committee.

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ADMISSIONS

Individuals are accepted into the graduate program with the ultimate goal of developing a creative and critically thorough research scientist. Such development is encouraged through the student’s performance of experimental protocols intended to address critical questions rooted in scientifically important areas of research.

Such an objective requires an intense level of commitment on the part of the faculty and student concerning both time and effort - a commitment which may be fully appreciated only upon completion of the Ph.D. degree. Students accepted into the program are expected to demonstrate proficiency in formal courses, a written comprehensive examination, and a dissertation proposal examination before being admitted to Ph.D. candidacy. Candidates are expected to show increasing comprehension in their chosen discipline and to develop independent research. Qualities of successful candidates include: independence, problem solving abilities, patience, persistence, and the ability to learn from one’s mistakes.

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FIRST YEAR CURRICULUM

Prior to selecting a faculty mentor, all students are advised by the First Year Advisory Subcommittee of the Graduate Studies Committee. Students meet with the first year advisor periodically to discuss course work, mentor selection, research interests, and success in the graduate program. After selecting a mentor, but prior to admission to candidacy, the mentor advises the student and may call on the Progress Subcommittee for additional advice. After the student is admitted to Ph.D. candidacy, the dissertation committee helps advise the student with regard to both course work and dissertation research. The Progress Subcommittee is available to all students who wish to be advised as to requirements for the completion of their degree.

Graduate students are required to fulfill the following core courses for a total of 30 credit hours:

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