The Ph.D. Program in Microbiology and Immunology is designed to train scientists to enter a field where there is a progressively increasing demand to fill the gaps in biomedical research and technology. Our department is committed to the concept that the modern microbiologist and immunologist must possess a comprehensive knowledge of the physical, biochemical, molecular, and biological properties of microorganisms and of the interaction between these microorganisms and their hosts. The graduate program is designed to encourage independent investigation in an environment conducive to a stimulating exchange of ideas. The emphasis upon scholarship, original thinking, and the practical application of knowledge to the solution of complex problems will enable the students to make significant contributions to their specialty and to society.
Microbiologists today are needed in academia, government, hospitals, and industry. Pharmaceutical, food technology, veterinary product development, genetic engineering, environmental research and monitoring, and medical diagnostic industries are major employers in the field. Studies include identification of disease-causing microorganisms and controlling communicable diseases. The Office of Technology Assessment has predicted a shortfall of 700,000 scientists and engineers by the year 2000 (ASM News, January, 1990).
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is firmly committed to being an important component of an achieving University and College by emphasizing teaching, research, and service. The high quality of teaching and research on-the-cutting-edge attracts students and researchers world-wide.
The Microbiology/Immunology graduate students are active in student organizations and extracurricular activities. The Basic Medical Science Student Organization (BMSSO) is a service organization which represents the graduate students of the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Students from the five basic science departments are represented by an elected governing body which serve as a liaison between the students and the administration. The organization provides enrichment of the students' professional careers through informal forums and lecturing opportunities. The BMSSO also organizes social events, encouraging interdepartmental interactions between the students. The purpose of the BMSSO is to unify the Basic Medical Sciences program and to encourage student involvement.
Graduate studies in the college of Medicine are conducted under the auspices of the Graduate School of the University of South Alabama. The course of study leading to the Ph.D. in Basic Medical Sciences with emphasis in Microbiology and Immunology is a four to five year program. All students entering the program must complete a core curriculum of graduate courses. Two tracks of advanced study are then available to candidates. One track involves a Molecular Biology orientation with additional coursework in Biochemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology. The other track has an Immunology orientation and involves completion of Medical Pathology and Advanced Immunology. Students are encouraged to rotate through three labs during their first year to decide the direction they wish to take in their thesis work. Research makes up the majority of the second year through the end of the graduate studies. Teaching is also seen as an important part of the students' education and during the third or fourth years, students will help teach the laboratory sections of the Medical Microbiology course for the Medical students.
A seven year program is available that leads to the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. Admission to the M.D./Ph.D. program requires acceptance by both the College of Medicine Admissions Committee and the Graduate Program Admissions Committee. Complete information about the M.D. program may be obtained from the Office of Admissions, 2015 MSB, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688-0002 (telephone 334-460-7176).
The following brief summary of requirements must be met for students who are seeking the Ph.D. degree.
Core Curriculum
Electives
All students are required to take core curriculum and at least 3 electives. Elective choices are based on student interest and must receive dissertation committee approval.
*Recommended courses to fulfill two of the elective requirements.
Stipend and Benefits
All students accepted into the Ph. D. program receive a competitive full stipend and waiver of tuition and non-resident fees. This level of support is sufficient to allow students to devote full time to graduate studies. Additional financial aid can be obtained through loans according to the student's need in relation to graduate school costs. Full health coverage is also provided for the student.
The Department provides an annual travel allowance to students presenting posters or talks at national meetings and pays for student memberships in the American Society for Microbiology. Subscriptions for one ASM journal are also paid for by the Department.
Housing
The university maintains a wide range of housing facilitie at extremely affordable pricess. Housing for single students varies from traditional residence hall rooms to apartments with full kitchen). The Hillsdale area contains single-dwelling unfurnished houses located one mile from the campus.Mobile also offers a wide range of inexpensive off-campus apartments and houses, many of which are available close to the campus. Walking, biking, and public transportation make many areas very accessible.
Application forms for admission into the Graduate Program may be obtained from: