The program of study for each student is planned jointly by the student and his or her advisory committee and is highly individualized according to the needs and goals of the student. Generally, all students undertake basic courses in microbiology, immunology, and recombinant DNA technology, and Ph.D. students also complete advanced courses in microbiology, immunology, or molecular genetics. All students must complete an original investigation indicating knowledge of research methods and demonstrating an ability to conduct scientific research on an independent basis. Candidates are required to submit and successfully defend a dissertation. Faculty members in the department who have M.D.'s also have appointments in various clinical departments, thus permitting direct access to patients of interest.
Departmental graduates have a strong record of continuing academic appointments.
Research Facilities Facilities of the department include approximately 15,000 square feet of laboratory and office space in the Basic Sciences-College of Dental Medicine Building. Students and faculty have access to various university resources including a fluorescence-activated cell sorter facility, DNA and protein sequencing facility, peptide synthesis facility, transgenic mouse facility, and mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance facility. Financial Aid Graduate students can obtain support in a variety of ways. Graduate stipends are funded by numerous research projects being conducted by the faculty. This research frequently qualifies as a dissertation or research project.