We strive to be as flexible as possible, designing a coursework program for each student. However, the basic coursework program will consist of:

At least two of the following three:

• 3 credits of Biochemistry (Biological Chemistry 550, protein structure and function)
• 3 credits of Genetics (Human Genetics 541)
• 3 credits of Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB 530)

and

• 4 credits of basic Immunology (Microbiology and Immunology 640 - 3 credits and Pathology 643 - 1 credit)

Plus Electives.

Student seminars (Immunology 815). Pre-candidate students register for this class Fall and Winter terms of their second year. All students give one or more seminars each year they are in graduate school. Faculty assist the students in preparation of the seminar and provide an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the presentation after the seminar. The faculty at the University of Michigan feel that oral communication skills are very important for scientists whether they are engaged in teaching, research in academic institutions, research in government agencies, research in the private sector, or many other career areas for doctorally prepared biological scientists.

Experimental Immunology (850). Pre-candidates register for this class Winter term of first or second year. Literature based immunology techniques course aimed at providing first year students with an understanding of the theory and application of common tools used in immunology.

Special Topics in Immunology (851). Pre-candidates enroll in this course during Fall of the second year. This is a literature based course consisting of didactic overview lectures on special topics not covered in Micro 640. The focus is on guided discussions of recent research papers in immunology. The goal of the course is to provide graduate students with practice and guidance in the explication of original research papers in Immunology, as well as with in-depth looks at selected research questions of current interest. Topic and instructor vary each semester. Students are strongly encouraged to attend and participate after the second year.