Immunobiology
Interdepartmental Graduate Program
Graduate Study
Work is offered for the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees with a major in Immunobiology. Faculty are drawn from eight departments: Animal Science; Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology; Biomedical Sciences; Entomology; Kinesiology; Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine; Veterinary Microbiology & Preventative Medicine; and Veterinary Pathology. The diversity of faculty expertise ensures a broad education, while offering flexibility in choice of specialization. Ongoing research projects include areas such as: antibody and cell-mediated immunity, immunochemistry, immunogenetics, immunomodulation, mucosal immunity and nutritional immunology.
Students may enter the Immunobiology major in one of two ways; they may apply to and be directly accepted into the major, or they may be admitted to a participating department followed by formal admission to the major. Students directly admitted into the Interdepartmental Immunobiology Major will take IMBIO 697 Graduate Research Rotation in their first two semesters, and by the end of the second semester, enter a department by choosing a major professor from the participating faculty. Students first admitted to a department will choose a major professor from the participating faculty in that department.
Students should have a strong background in the biological sciences, including work in immunology, genetics and biochemistry. Prior research experience is highly encouraged. Submission of scores of the GRE General Test is required.
Immunobiology students should include in their program of study a core of courses which will provide a broad coverage of the basic program in immunobiology. Formal courses should include immunology, biochemistry, and Statistics. Additional coursework may be selected to satisfy individual interests or departmental requirements. The foreign language and teaching requirements are determined by the student’s department. All students will take a minimum of one seminar course per year.
Graduates have a broad understanding of the interdisciplinary field of immunobiology, and can effectively integrate the principles of immunology with related disciplines. They are able to effectively communicate with scientific colleagues and the general public in both formal and informal settings. Graduates are able to integrate theory and research to address complex problems facing scientific professionals studying animal and human health, taking into account related ethical, social, legal and environmental issues. They are skilled at carrying out research, communicating research results, and writing persuasive grant proposals.
Courses for graduate students
IMBIO 602. Current Topics Workshop in Immunology.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
Repeatable.
Lectures provided by off-campus experts. Students are required to participate in discussion sessions with lecturers.
IMBIO 604. Seminar in Immunobiology.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
Repeatable.
Student and faculty presentation.
IMBIO 690. Special Topics.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable.
Advanced study of specific topics in specialized field of immunobiology.
IMBIO 697. Graduate Research Rotation.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable.
Graduate research projects performed under the supervision of selected faculty members in the Interdepartmental Immunobiology major.
IMBIO 699. Research.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable.