The Ph. D. program in Microbiology and Immunology is offered by the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics (MIMG), within the College of Medicine (COM). MIMG graduate students can focus their studies in the core disciplines of microbiology and immunology or in cross-disciplinary areas such as cancer immunology, immune response to infection, and the role of the microbiota in human health and disease.
Through a research-intensive experience and development of strong communication skills, the program is designed to prepare students for research careers in academia, industry, and government, as well as teaching careers in colleges and universities. The program has at its heart a close student-mentor relationship that allows for the maximum flexibility in the development of independent and creative scientists and teachers. Students in good academic standing are supported by a research assistanceship that provides a yearly stipend and tuition.
Admission Requirements
Students are admitted through the COM Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS) program (https://graduate.med.uky.edu/integrated-biomedical-sciences). The IBS program is an “umbrella” program that handles admissions and organizes first-year course work for students in the COM basic sciences departments, which includes MIMG. Students wishing to join MIMG should apply directly to the IBS program. The IBS program requires that prospective students have a Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited institution, with appropriate course work in biology, chemistry, physics and math. GRE scores are not required. Students are encouraged to contact the Director of Graduate Studies for questions regarding the program, including their qualifications for admittance to IBS.
Students in the IBS program complete coursework that provides a foundation for doctoral studies in any of the COM basic science departments. In addition to coursework, IBS students do research rotations with any faculty in participating departments. Students completing the IBS year with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and a minimum grade of B in all IBS coursework are welcome to join MIMG.
Degree Requirements
Students are required to take 36 credit hours before taking the Qualifying Exam. This includes IBS courses in the first year and MIMG courses in their second year.
MIMG requires all Ph.D. students to take the following core courses:
MI 685: Immunobiology, Infection and Inflammation
MI 720: Microbial Structure and Function
MI710: Special Topics in Microbiology (Grant Writing)
MI 772: Seminar in Microbiology
Students must also take one elective that is aligned with their dissertation research.
Students are also required to take at least two semesters of MI 767 (Dissertation Residency Credit) for research credit following the qualifying exam. MI 767 must be taken each Fall and Spring semester until the dissertation is defended.
https://microbiology.med.uky.edu/
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