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LIFE SCIENCES - SCHOOL OF
MEDICINE
www.biomed.miami.edu
MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY - Dept. Code: MIC
www.biomed.miami.edu/micro
Objective
The objective of the Microbiology and Immunology (MIC) graduate
Program is to provide multi-faceted training opportunities
that lead to competitive postgraduate careers.
The program trains students to rigorously investigate central
topics in Microbiology or Immunology and their biomedical
applications based on a broad comprehension of interdisciplinary
science provided by the Program in Interdisciplinary Biomedical
Sciences (PIBS) in the first year. Thereafter, the MIC Graduate
Program offers students a specialty curriculum that is interactive
and discussion based.
Furthermore, students are in charge of a research project
in either viral or bacterial pathogenesis or in molecular
immunology, autoimmunity, tumor immunity or transplantation.
Finally, the MIC Graduate Program offers outstanding training
opportunities in translational research in diseases or in
therapy.
Goals
The goals of the MIC Graduate Program include:
1) Train up creative and critical-thinking scientific
minds with a solid understanding of Microbiology or Immunology
2) Train technical laboratory skills necessary to perform
experiments in the area of specialization
3) Continue training skills necessary to present scientific
findings orally and in writing, including independent research
plans as well as competitive manuscripts and grant proposals
4) Prepare students to become the teachers of tomorrow
by involving them in the active teaching process of a laboratory
class for undergraduate students (Microbiology 301)
5) Nourish the next generation of a networked community
of scientists that is well prepared for challenging postgraduate
careers in academic and non-academic settings.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All students interested in Microbiology and Immunology doctoral
graduate programs are admitted through the Program in Interdisciplinary
Biomedical Sciences (PIBS). Applicants should have a bachelor’s
degree in a biological or related discipline (e.g., chemistry,
engineering, physics). Although there are no absolute prerequisites,
courses in general biology, cell/molecular biology, calculus,
physics, chemistry, or biochemistry are encouraged.
Strong candidates will have research experience in a laboratory
setting, an excellent academic record and GRE scores, excellent
letters of recommendation from scientists who know the candidate
well, and the motivation to pursue cutting edge biomedical
research. The PIBS Admissions Committee will review and make
decisions on complete applications after December 15th. Applicants
should apply online at: www.biomed.miami.edu.
First year of Graduate Study
In the first semester, students of all graduate programs
participate in the common PIBS curriculum for the biological
and biomedical sciences. The core curriculum also offers learning
opportunities in biostatistics, ethics, graduate development
and in databases skills, Coursework relating to Microbiology
and Immunology is largely being offered in the second semester.
The first year includes learning more about different programs,
performing laboratory rotations with potential dissertation
mentors and ultimately selecting both a program and mentor.
To facilitate this process students are initially mentored
by a senior student and faculty member. The students rotate
through at least three laboratories before they chose mentors
and formally enter the MIC graduate program. For a listing
of our faculty research interest please visit our website:
www.biomed.miami.edu/micro.
The Microbiology and Immunology Program
The Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program accepts
only students who wish to pursue the Doctor of Philosophy
(Ph.D.) degree. The program accepts an individual with the
ultimate goals of developing a creative and critically thorough
research scientist. Such development is encouraged through
the student’s performance of experimental protocols
intended to address outstanding questions rooted in scientifically
important areas of research.
Selection of a mentor to supervise dissertation research
is major function during the first year of graduate study.
Mentor selection is intended to be an experience in decision
making in a supportive environment that launch a very intense
relationship between a graduate student and a mentor.
After selection of a mentor, the mentor advises the student
with regard to both course work and research. He may call
on the student’s Progress Committee for additional advice.
The MIC Graduate Program Office and its director are available
for additional advice.
Degree Requirements
Sixty credits beyond the baccalaureate degree are the minim
requirements for the Ph.D. and 36 credits must be of coursework
at the graduate level and 24 credits of thesis research must
been taken in residence at the University of Miami. In addition
students must pass the MIC Qualifying Exam. They will schedule
defend their Ph.D. dissertation after at least one peer-reviewed;
first-author manuscript with primary experimental data (no
review) has been accepted or in presses before the time of
their defense, in a reputable journal in the areas of investigation.
The Obtaining a doctoral degree in Microbiology and Immunology
normally requires five to six years beyond the bachelor’s
degree. The degree earned will be a Doctor of Philosophy in
Microbiology and Immunology.
Financial Support
All students accepted are awarded a stipend of $26,000 per
annum (as of June 1, 2010) and receive a full tuition scholarship.
In addition, if students choose the University of Miami graduate
student health insurance program, 80% of the individual insurance
premium will be covered.
Inquires
Please direct your questions to:
Graduate Program in Microbiology and Immunology
University of Miami
Miller School of Medicine
P.O. Box 016960 (R138)
Miami, Florida 33101
Telephone: 305-243-5682
Visit www.biomed.miami.edu/micro
COMBINED M.D./PH.D. DEGREE
The Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program participates
in the School of Medicine’s MD/PhD Program. Medical
students interested in advance research in Microbiology and
Immunology should consult the Director of the MIC Graduate
Program (Mathias Lichtenheld, M.D., mlichten@med.miami.edu).
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