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 for All 3 Tracks

IND 501	(1 cr)	Ethics in Research
IND 408	(5 cr)	Biochemistry
MBI 501	(1 cr)	Microbiology & Immunology Student Seminar – Taken Every Semester
MBI 507	(8 cr)	Laboratory Rotations
MBI 595	(4 cr)	Immunology + Co-Seminar

Microbiology Track

Track requirements:   Four 400-level courses chosen from the following offerings:

MBI 456	(4 cr)	General Virology
MBI 414/514	(4 cr)	Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis + Co-Seminar
MBI 421/521	(4 cr)	Microbial Genetics + Co-Seminar
MBI 431/531	(4 cr)	Microbial Physiology + Co-Seminar
MBI 473/573	(5 cr)	Immunology + Co-Seminar

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 have included:

IND 409	(4 cr)	Cell Biology
IND 410	(4 cr)	Molecular Biology & Genetics
MBI 581	(2 cr)	Oral Microbiology

Immunology Track

Track requirements

MBI 473/573	(5 cr)	Immunology + Co-Seminar
IND 410	(4 cr)	Molecular Biology & Genetics
IND 409	(4 cr)	Cell Biology
MBI 580	(1 cr)	Journal Club & Immunology Research-in-Progress Seminar – Taken Every Semester starting in the 2nd year
MBI 540	(2 cr)	Advanced Topics in Immunology - taken in 2nd semester of 2nd year and yearly during the rest of the Ph.D. program

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 have included:

IND 447	(4 cr)	Signal Transduction: Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms
MBI 456	(4 cr)	General Virology
BST 463	(4 cr)	Introduction to Biostatistics
MBI 414/514	(4 cr)	Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis + Co-Seminar
MBI 414/514	(4 cr)	Advanced Immunology – it is anticipated that students in the immunology track will take this course in addition to MBI 473
MBI 513	(4 cr)	NeuroInflamation

Virology Track

Track requirements

IND 409	(4 cr)	Cell Biology
IND 410	(4 cr)	Molecular Biology & Genetics
MBI 456	(4 cr)	General Virology
MBI 588	(1 cr)	Virology Research Seminar Series - each year starting second year
MBI 589	(1 cr)	Advanced Topics in Virology - each year starting second 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 have included:

IND 425	(4 cr)	Cells and Membranes
IND 447	(4 cr)	Signal Transduction: Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms
MBI 421	(4 cr)	Microbial Genetics + Co-Seminar
MBI 473/573	(5 cr)	Immunology + Co-Seminar
MBI 414/514	(4 cr)	Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis + Co-Seminar

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 Examination

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 -MBI 501

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.