About the Ph.D. Program

Creative and innovative research is the hallmark of our graduate program in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. This challenging program is designed to provide a nurturing environment in which graduate students can fully develop and express their intellectual, research talents, and teaching abilities. These goals are accomplished through an integrated program of independent research, graduate courses, seminars and teaching. Entering students select from a wide range of stimulating courses designed to complete their preparation for advanced study and research. Molecular and cellular immunology, microbial pathogenesis, molecular virology, microbial physiology, cellular and molecular networks, biochemistry and molecular genetics are some of the topics covered in our courses. To facilitate development of skills necessary for a career in modern research and teaching, many courses are oriented towards discussion of the primary research literature.

During the first year as a member of Program in Biomedical Sciences or PIBS, students participate in brief research projects by rotating in at least two different laboratories for four months at a time. Laboratories for the rotation period are selected by the student in consultation with faculty members. Such research experiences provide exposure and training in the diverse research interests of our faculty, and have proven valuable to students in their selection of a thesis research advisor after the first year. Beginning in the second year, students have the opportunity to develop their teaching abilities by contributing to instructional Medical School courses offered by our department.

As a vital part of graduate training, students refine communicative skills by presenting discussions of research literature in a weekly seminar course, Microbiology 812. Additionally, numerous journal clubs are organized by students and faculty around special topics, including molecular pathogenesis, virology, and immunology. Graduate students also meet regularly to discuss their research activities amongst themselves in an informal, relaxed setting. These activities are complemented by frequent departmental colloquia presented by recognized scientists from leading research institutions around the nation. Students are encouraged to participate in OMIS (Organization of Microbiology and Immunology Students), which sponsors events such as the annual department picnic, as well as holding regular meetings to discuss student issues within the department.

Students complete preliminary examinations within two years of matriculation. This involves the submission of three proposed research topics on a fundamental research problem and an oral examination based on the assigned proposal. Ph.D. candidacy is achieved by successfully completing the formal course work and preliminary examinations, thereby freeing students to concentrate on research projects. Research experiences of students are expected to lead to productive scholarship in the form of national meeting presentations and peer-reviewed journal publications. Degree candidates meet annually with their faculty committee to ensure continued progress towards completion of thesis project. The Ph.D. degree is granted upon submission of a written thesis and presentation of an oral defense based on the student's original, independent research. This program is designed to require approximately five years for completion, and graduates of our department have gone on to pursue outstanding postdoctoral and faculty positions.

Students accepted into the Microbiology and Immunology Ph.D. program are provided with a stipend (for academic year 2005-06, the rate is $23,500/year), full tuition, and healthcare. The department typically accepts between 5-10 students a year. The department is located on the U of M Medical Campus, adjacent to the University Hospital and Cancer and Geriatric Center.