Immunology and Microbiology Track

The Immunology and Microbiology Program Plan varies from the BSBT - GENERAL Program curriculum. It has different pre-requirements and requires a separate application.

The Immunology and Microbiology Program Plan will provide students with a focused education in immunology and microbiology as well as laboratory skills. The goal will be to enhance career advancement in education or industry or prepare a student for a career in research, including further training in graduate and professional programs. Importantly, this program will provide extensive hands-on research experience, where students will be trained in research laboratories located within the department of Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Students will complete 38 units that include core course work, electives and participation in cutting-edge research, as well as write and defend a thesis. Of these 38 credits, a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 credits have to be earned through thesis work.

Recommended Prerequisites:

  • Strong background in biological sciences. BA/BS in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology or equivalent specialty.
  • Course in Microbiology and/or Immunology

A Great Diversity of Research Areas

  • Microbiology:
  • Bacterial pathogenesis
  • Viral pathogenesis
  • Bacterial physiology
  • Microbial Genetics
  • Host response
  • RNA biology
  • Immunology:
  • Immune surveillance
  • Vaccine development
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Allergy
  • Lymphocyte development
  • B and T cell lymphomas

Laboratory Research

Students will perform 5-week rotations in 3 labs over the course of one semester, spending a minimum of 10 hours per week in the lab. Students will learn about the research and gain hands on experience in several laboratories. Following the rotations, the student will choose a lab to complete their thesis work for the remaining time in the program. Students will spend at least 20 hours/week working in the lab on a research thesis project. This project will be documented as a Master’s thesis and defended orally as a requirement for graduation. Please see the Department of Immunology and Microbiology website to learn about specific research areas and laboratories

Scientists in the lab Lab equipment

Curriculum

The Master’s Track Program in Immunology and Microbiology requires 21 credits in core courses such as Foundations in Biomedical Sciences, Ethics, Scientific Writing, Microbiology and Immunology. 6 electives credits are chosen from various disciplines and 11 credits are devoted to laboratory research and development of a thesis.

Click here to download the Curriculum

Fall I


BSBT

6072 – 6075

BSBT 6072: Foundations in Biochemistry BSBT 6073: Foundations in Molecular Biology BSBT 6074: Foundations in Cell Biology BSBT 6075: Foundations in Genetics


1.5 cr./each Fall

BSBT 6065

RCR Case Studies

1 cr / Fall

BMSC 7810-002

Microbiology in Biomedical Research

2 cr./ Fall

IMMU 7530

Introduction to Immunology

2 cr./ Fall

BSBT 6070

Laboratory Research Mini- Rotations (Discuss with Program Plan Director!)

1-2 cr./Fall


Spring I

MICB 7703


MICB 7701


OR


IMMU 6210

Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Disease Molecular Virology and Pathogenesis

OR


Immunology Current Methods/Literature

3 cr. Spr.


3 cr. Spr.


3 cr. Spr.

BSBT 6064

Scientific Writing

1cr / Spr.

BSBT 6071

R Programming

1 cr.

BSBT 6067

Statistics for the Biomedical Sciences

2 cr.

BSBT 6070

Laboratory Research Mini- Rotations (Discuss with Program Plan Director!)

1-2 cr./Spr.

BSBT 6069

Laboratory Research Microbiology or Immunology

1-2 cr. /Spr.


Summer I

BSBT 6069

Laboratory Research Microbiology or Immunology

1-2 cr.


Fall II


BSBT 6061

Project Management

2 cr. Spr., Fall

BSBT 6069

Laboratory Research Microbiology or Immunology (Credits can vary from 3-6))

3-6 cr.

BMSC 7810

Inflammation (for Immunology interested students)

2 cr./Fall

Elective


2-4 cr.


Spring II

Elective

If needed

2-4 cr..

BSBT 6071

R Programming (If needed)

1 cr.

BSBT 6067

Statistics for the Biomedical Sciences (If needed)

2 cr.

BSBT 6950

Laboratory Thesis Research Microbiology or Immunology (Credits can vary from 3-6))

3-6 cr.



Scientific poster presentation Scientific lecture

Contact

Associate Program Director: Dr. Kelly Doran, kelly.doran@ucdenver.edu