Microbiology, PhD

Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology PhD

Alistair Ramsay, PhD

Professor and Head

Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology

The program is designed to provide graduate training through coursework, seminars, and laboratory research leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. For the Ph.D. degree, it is expected that a period of at least four years will be devoted to full time study, including dissertation research and defense. During the first year, students complete foundational course work in Biomedical Sciences that covers Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Physiology, Bioinformatics, Research Methods, Experimental Design, Statistics, Professionalism, and more. In the second year, students select electives from advanced courses such as Fundamentals of Immunology, General and Molecular Virology, Medical Bacteriology, Molecular Biology of Eukaryotic Pathogens, Advanced Microbial Pathogenesis, and Analysis of Research Literature. In addition to coursework, first year students also participate in research rotations through laboratories of their choice to aid in the selection of a mentor and research for their dissertation. The area of thesis or dissertation research is chosen by the student in consultation with the faculty by the end of the first year. The faculty has major areas of expertise in immunology, bacterial pathogenesis, molecular mycology, parasitology, and virology, the microbiome, and bioinformatics/ computer biology.

Application is made through the School of Graduate Studies-Interdisciplinary Studies Program. Applicants should have taken courses in general and organic chemistry with laboratory, college algebra, a general biology course, and one course in general microbiology. Research experience, as well as microbiological subspecialty courses (eg. bacteriology, mycology, genetics, immunology, virology) are highly desirable.

The Program for obtaining the PhD can be tailored to the requirements of each individual student.  The minimum (core) requirements can be found at the link below.