Microbiology Training Program

The Microbiology Training Program includes a literature-based curriculum, prominent guest speakers, and spirited journal clubs, as well as extensive hands-on laboratory training. Small class size and extensive interaction between the various faculty in the basic and clinical sciences allow our students to become familiar with a number of research themes, and our collegial atmosphere and integrative approach to training provide a highly supportive environment for students.

Students may choose any of the faculty within the Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology for their research training. Particular areas of expertise within the research community include:

• Viral molecular biology
• Viral-host cell interactions
• Host defense and immune responses to viral and bacterial pathogens
• Stem cell biology
• Immune exhaustion
• Development of diagnostic tools
• Development of therapeutics
• Systems immunology & vaccine development

Please see the individual faculty research descriptions for a more complete picture of ongoing research programs.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate academic mastery in virology, host-pathogen interactions, and/or immunology.
• Demonstrate competencies in oral and written communication.
• Generate an original body of research in virology, host-pathogen interactions, and/or immunology.
• Attain the skills and qualifications needed for employment in an academic, government, or private sector position related to biomedical sciences.

Admissions

Students must apply for admission through the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) umbrella program offered by Graduate Medical Sciences of Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Students may enter the Microbiology Training Program after completing their first year of training in the PiBS program, following consultation with their research mentor and the Director of Graduate Studies for Microbiology. Students may also enter the Microbiology Training Program through the MD/PhD training program. Application information and forms for the PiBS umbrella program are available through Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Graduate Medical Sciences. Application information and forms for the MD/PhD program are available through the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

Financial Aid

All trainees receive full stipend, tuition, and health insurance from institutional sources and from faculty research grants. Funding is also available for travel to scientific meetings.

Students are also eligible to compete for support from outside sources, such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. While in graduate school, students are also eligible to apply for internal research and travel awards.

Coursework

The curriculum for students in the Microbiology Training Program offers flexibility in training and is designed with the interests of the student and their prior background and training in mind. Formal coursework emphasizes breadth and depth in various areas of microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry. Formal coursework is normally completed within the first two years with the majority usually completed in the first year. Students should consult with the Director of Graduate Studies for program-specific coursework.

Seminars and Journal Clubs

Seminars and journal clubs are important components of training at all stages of a scientific career and all students are encouraged to attend seminars in a variety of disciplines. In addition, all students in the Microbiology Training Program are expected to attend and participate in departmental seminars throughout their graduate career.

The Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology hosts a weekly seminar series that includes invited speakers from other institutions. It is held on Wednesdays, 12–1 pm, in the X222 conference room. Following these guest speaker seminars, students may meet with the speakers over lunch to network and discuss research and career paths. Each student is expected to attend at least four lunches over the course of the academic year.

In addition, the Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology holds a Trainee Seminar Series and Journal Club on Mondays, 12–1 pm, in the X222 conference room. Research seminars are presented by more advanced graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research scientists. Journal clubs are presented by early stage trainees and involve discussion of research papers chosen from the current scientific literature.

Teaching

Teaching is an important training experience for students who plan on an academic career, and the Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology encourages students to avail themselves of opportunities to gain teaching experience within GMS.

Qualifying Exam

The qualifying exam is taken at the end of the student’s first year in the Microbiology Training Program and has three parts: (1) an F31-style grant application on the student’s research topic, (2) a 30–45-minute presentation of the student’s proposed research plan in an open session of students, other trainees, and faculty, and (3) a closed session of questioning by the ad hoc Qualifying Exam Committee. Students also have a practice prequalifying exam that focuses on a primary research paper related to their research.

Laboratory Research

Research is the central part of the graduate student’s training and as such most of the time spent in graduate school is devoted to original laboratory research. This is carried out in the laboratory of a faculty member chosen by the student who serves as the student’s mentor and scientific advisor. A Dissertation Advisory Committee composed of faculty scientists provides additional expertise and guidance to the student. The committee meets regularly with the student to help direct the course of research. Students are expected to publish the results of their original research in refereed scientific journals.

Dissertation—PhD Program

As part of the PhD requirements, a written dissertation describing the student’s research accomplishments must be submitted and defended.