Physical chemistry is recommended and opportunities are available for outstanding students to make up deficiencies in their undergraduate training. Research interests within the program are clustered in pathogenic microbiology, cancer cell and molecular biology and immunology. Specific research areas include microbial physiology, bacterial pathogenicity, cellular and molecular immunology, tumor immunology, lymphocyte differentiation, neuro-immunomodulation, membrane biology, molecular virology, molecular genetics and gene regulation, and involve extensive utilization of molecular biology, genetic engineering, transgenic technology, hybridoma technology and fluorescence activated cell sorting. The program of study is tailored to the individual background and career goals of the student and stresses an interdepartmental approach both in the selection of courses and in the pursuit of research. Students typically select courses in the Departments of Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, and Biology as well as Microbiology and Immunology and are expected to participate in graduate seminars, journal clubs, research seminars, to interact with visiting scholars and to present the results of their research at local and national meetings.
Financial support is available for highly qualified students.
Inquiries regarding graduate level training in Microbiology and Immunology should be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536-0084.