Research

The experience of performing laboratory research is the most important component of the students' graduate-level 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. A Graduate Advisory Committee (GAC) of faculty members meets regularly with the student to advise on the progress of the student's research.

Research Programs available include:

Immunology & Cancer Biology

Molecular Microbial Pathogenesis

Molecular Biology and Genetics

Curriculum

The student and his/her GAC will formulate a suitable curriculum of study based on the student's area of interest. Normally, a student will have earned about 40 semester hour credits in formal graduate courses before taking the written examination. All Ph.D. programs curricula in Microbiology & Immunology include:

• Biochemistry/Cell and Molecular Biology (MICR503-504)
• Laboratory Safety (MICR512)
• Scientific Integrity (MICR510)
• Student Research Seminar (MICR690)
• Journal Club (MICR691)
• Immunobiology (MICR505)
• Principles of Molecular Microbiology (MICR515)

Based on research interests, students 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 Ph.D. degree would contain the nucleus of graduate courses listed above and also include additional courses such as:

• Advanced Immunology (MICR686)
• Mechanisms of Viral and Parasite Pathogenesis (MICR616)
• Molecular Bacterial Pathogenesis (MICR618)
• Molecular Genetics (MICR605)
• Special Topic courses from other departments

Seminars

Ph.D. students participate in Student Research Seminar (MICR690) and Department Seminar (MICR690) throughout their tenure in the graduate program

Written Examination

The 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.

Oral Examination and Research Proposal

The oral examination is designed to assess the student's aptitude and potential to ultimately perform as an independent scientist. This examination involves the defense of a research proposal written by the student that describes the research plan he/she expects to follow and which should lead to the Ph.D. dissertation.

Dissertation

Upon completion of the research project, the student prepares a written dissertation based on his or her own research findings. This document is reviewed by an advisory committee of faculty, and the dissertation is defended in a final oral examination. It is expected that students will present this work at scientific meetings and prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.

Teaching

Students will have the opportunity to assist in the teaching of courses offered by the Department.

Student Body

There are currently about 50 graduate students in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. Approximately half of the students are women. The Department has one of the largest graduate programs on the Medical College of Virginia campus.

Applying

Applicants 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
Enrollment Services Assistant
Virginia Commonwealth University
Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology, Box 980678
1101 East Marshall St., 5-051A Sanger Hall
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0678
(804) 828-9728

eMail: mlvanmeter@vcu.edu

Virginia Commonwealth University | School of Medicine
Date Last Modified: 09/03/2009
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