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Microbiology and Immunology

Introduction

The program leading to the Master of Science degree in microbiology and immunology prepares students for careers as professional microbiologists/immunologists in industry, government, education, and research organizations, or for further professional training.

Areas of specialization in the Microbiology and Immunology program include indoor allergies, basic and clinical immunology, retrovirology (retroviral variation, HIV, endogenous retroviruses), immunotoxicology, viral pathologenicity, vaccine development, immunoparasitology of ectoparasites, microbial ecology, immune modulation, algal toxins, inflammatory and immune effector cell function, cytokine signaling and apoptosis.

The M.S. degree in microbiology and immunology requires the submission and oral defense of either a research-based or literature-based thesis. Candidates are required to obtain a major advisor and an advisory committee. For the research-based thesis, the advisory committee will help formulate a study program to include a minimum of 20 quarter credits of graduate-level course work and 25 quarter credits of research (which could include journal clubs, seminars, or special topics). For the literature-based thesis, the student, with assistance of the advisory committee, will select the additional courses required to fulfill the 45 credit hour limit. The advisory committee will also provide counseling and evaluate student progress. If a student is uncertain of a major area of concentration, the program director will serve as a temporary advisor until the student selects an area and is accepted by an advisory professor.

Admission

Applicants must fulfill the requirements for admission established by the School of Graduate Studies. Preference is given to students with a grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 grading scale. Letters of recommendation and GRE scores are also considered.

Degree Requirements

1. Candidates must complete a minimum of 45 quarter credits and must participate in graduate seminars for at least six credit hours.

2. Candidates must maintain a 3.0 cumulative average with no more than nine credit hours of C grades applicable to the degree.

3. A maximum of 10 credits of graduate courses may be transferred fromother institutions.

Faculty

Microbiology and Immunology

Faculty members for the Departments of Anatomy, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Physiology and Biophysics with interests in microbiology and immunology constitute the program faculty.

Professors
Larry G. Arlian, immunoparasitology, allergies
Nancy J. Bigley, immunology
G. Allen Burton, stressors in aquatic ecosystems
Wayne W. Carmichael, algal toxins
Barbara E. Hull, skin, viral pathogen protection

Associate Professors
James P. Amon, environmental microbiology
Scott E. Baird, evolution and development
Thomas L. Brown, apoptosis, cell signaling
Julian G. Cambronero, inflammation, cytokine signaling
Keith A. Grasman, immunotoxicology
Dave E. Krane, DNA, molecular evolution
Dawn P. Wooley, virology, HIV

Financial Assistance

Two graduate teaching assistantships are available on a competitive basis. These carry a waiver of most tuition and instructional fees. Appointments are made for one year and may be renewed for a second year.