Course variations

Course summary

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is a multidisciplinary department encompassing the areas of cellular and molecular immunology, virology, microbial genetics, and pathogenic bacteriology. The department currently consists of 27 primary faculty and 26 secondary faculty and is currently recruiting additional scientists. The goals of the department's graduate program are to provide each student with the opportunity to acquire the theoretical background and conceptual framework with the technical research skills necessary to attain a Ph.D. During the first year of study a broad educational base in all disciplines together with laboratory rotations introduce students to the diverse array of interests in the department. Students then choose one area of concentration for their research. The varied interests of the faculty provide numerous opportunities for student participation and a broad choice in dissertation research. In addition to the regular program of graduate study, the department participates in the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences curriculum, the combined M.D./Ph.D. program and the interdepartmental program in neuroscience.

Entry requirement for international students

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology accepts only students who wish to pursue the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. Strong applicants should have a G.P.A. equal to or greater than 3.0 (B) and a composite GRE (verbal plus quantitative) equal to or greater than 1200 points. (Students from non-English speaking countries must provide a TOEFL score and demonstrate competence in English). The Department accepts individuals into the graduate program with the ultimate goal of developing a creative and critically thorough research scientist. Such development is encouraged through the student’s performance of experimental protocols intended to address critical questions rooted in scientifically important areas of research. Such an objective requires an intense level of commitment on the part of the faculty and student concerning both time and effort - a commitment which may be fully appreciated only upon completion of the Ph.D. degree. Students accepted into the program are expected to demonstrate proficiency in formal courses, a written comprehensive examination, and a dissertation proposal examination before being admitted to Ph.D. candidacy. Candidates are expected to show increasing comprehension in their chosen discipline and to develop independent research. Qualities of successful candidates include: independence, problem solving abilities, patience, persistence, and the ability to learn from one’s mistakes.

Qualification

Doctoral

Awarding body

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

Department name

Miller School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology