Immunology and virology at UMMS are active interdisciplinary biomedical fields whose studies range from molecular mechanisms to clinical trials. The Program in Immunology & Virology (IVP) is directed by the Immunology and Virology Committee, an interdepartmental group that includes faculty with diverse research interests, including the molecular and cellular basis of immune responsiveness, and the control of viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. The program has a training grant to support both graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Graduate students acquire a broad base of knowledge in biochemistry, genetics, and cell and molecular biology through the core curriculum. Specialized training in immunology is initiated in the first year through the basic immunology course, IM770 Molecular and Cellular Immunology Part I, which introduces students to the scope and relevance of the immune system and the specialized vocabulary and experimental systems that describe it. Specialized training in virology begins in the fall of the second year with IM711 Introduction to Animal Virology course. Additional formal training in immunology and virology is ongoing with courses, seminars, journal clubs and tutorials that explore the most active areas of current research. Laboratory rotations help familiarize students with current research methods and facilitate the selection of an area of interest, and a laboratory in which a student can pursue her or his dissertation research. Requirements for Specialization
In addition to the core courses and laboratory rotation, IM770 Molecular and Cellular Immunology Part I and IM711 Introduction to Animal Virology are required of all students. Students primarily interested in immunology are expected to enroll in IM771 Molecular and Cellular Immunology Part II, while those with a virology focus are encouraged to take an advanced virology course. All students, except for students in the final stages of their dissertation research, are required to take IM800 Graduate Student Seminar and IM825 Immunology Virology, the annual seminar and journal club. |