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ResearchThe experience of performing laboratory research is an most important component of the MS students' graduate-phase of education. Such research is conducted under the direction of a graduate advisor. Laboratory rotations provide an opportunity to interact closely with faculty in order to determine a suitable match so that an informed decision can be made to join a particular research laboratory. Once the advisor is chosen, students carry out an original, independent research project under the direction of that advisor. The scope of the research is usually more limited than that for the PhD. A Graduate Advisory Committee (GAC) of faculty members meets regularly with the student to advise on the progress of the student's research. An MS student in good standing can petition the Graduate Program Committee for transfer to the PhD program after 1 year in the MS program. Research programs available include: CurriculumThe MS student and his/her GAC will formulate a suitable curriculum of study based on the student's area of research interest. Most students in the MS degree program complete at least 24 semester hour credits in formal graduate courses. A typical MS program curriculum in Microbiology & Immunology includes:
Based on research interests, students can select from three possibilities for MICR691 topic courses based on their research interests: Immunology, Molecular Pathogenesis, or Molecular Biology. A typical curriculum of study for the MS degree would contain the nucleus of graduate courses listed above and also include additional courses such as:
SeminarsMS students participate in Student Research Seminar (MICR690) and Department Seminar (MICR690) throughout their tenure in the graduate program Written ExaminationThe written examination is designed to assess the student's ability to work creatively in his or her area of academic specialization. The student's GAC members, who form the examination committee, will test the student's ability to think analytically and critically about the scientific literature, to use the scientific method, to apply what he/she has learned in addressing scientific problems, and to propose hypothesis-driven research experiments. ThesisUpon completion of the research project, the MS student prepares a written thesis based on his or her own research findings. This document is reviewed by an advisory committee of faculty, and the thesis is defended in a final oral examination. It is expected that students will present this work at scientific meetings and prepare a manuscript for publication in scientific journals based upon their research findings. TeachingStudents will have the opportunity to assist in the teaching of courses offered by the Department. Student BodyThere are currently about 50 graduate students in Microbiology & Immunology, which is one of the largest graduate programs on the Medical College of Virginia campus. ApplyingApplicants must have earned a baccalaureate or equivalent degree prior to admission. The typical successful applicant will have taken introductory level courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics; advanced level course work in these disciplines is also strongly recommended. You can obtain an online application form at: http://www.vcu.edu/graduate/ps/apply_options.html For requests of printed application materials for the graduate programs in Microbiology & Immunology , please contact or e-mail the address below. For consideration for financial support, applications should be received by January 7 in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. The deadline for application is May 1 for a student to matriculate the following semester.
Mrs. Martha L. VanMeter eMail: mlvanmeter@vcu.edu |
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| Microbiology And Immunology 1101 East Marshall Street Richmond, Virginia 23298-0678 Phone: (804)828-9728 Fax: (804) 828-9946 |
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