Microbiology and Immunology Ph.D.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Upon completion of the degree, students should be able to fully understand 1) the molecular mechanisms by which common microbial pathogens (virus, bacteria, fungus, parasite) infect a host, establish a program of virulence, and lead to pathogenesis; and 2) modern principles underlying the field of immunology, including the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the mammalian immune response.

2. Upon completion of the degree, students should be able to create an experimental workflow designed to identify an unknown microbe that is the causative agent of a worldwide pandemic, decipher critical virulence factors, and identify immunology-based intervention methods.

3. Upon completion of the degree, students should be able to deliver a formal seminar presentation on their dissertation research with effective communication techniques (verbal and visual) and address audience questions in a constructive manner.