An emphasis is placed on the relationship of these microorganisms to disease. Projects focus on the dynamic relationship between parasite and host and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The program of the department is designed to provide the Ph.D. candidate with the tools required for a research career. The research activities of the faculty span a broad spectrum of subdisciplines and utilize cellular, biochemical, and molecular approaches to study current problems in microbiology and immunology. Courses are chosen to fit individual needs from both departmental offerings and from pertinent courses offered by other departments.
Course work is usually complete in the first three semesters.
During this time the student also participates in both the departmental seminar program and research rotations through the laboratories of faculty members chosen by the student. Laboratory rotations provide the opportunity for students to become acquainted with faculty research programs available for thesis research. The department occupies more than 12,000 square feet in the Medical-Dental Building and has access to additional facilities in the Lombardi Cancer Center.