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Degree Requirements:
The MII graduate program is oriented toward providing a dynamic training environment with the ultimate goal of awarding a Ph.D degree. It typically requires four to six years of study. Independent research is at the core of the program. During the first two years, students complete formal course requirements and rotate through three different laboratories. Thesis labs are chosen after completion of the first year. Toward the end of the second year, students prepare and defend a detailed research proposal. Successful completion of this process qualifies the student to advance to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. This program does not accept students who intend to terminate their studies at the Master’s level.
Coursework:
Students take a select group of core courses in the first semester designed to provide a solid foundation in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, and gene regulation. An individualized coursework program is then developed to meet the specific interests of the student and course requirements of relevant training programs. This typically includes additional classes, topical journal clubs, seminar series, and research-in-progress meetings. Students have the opportunity to develop oral presentation skills throughout their tenure as graduate students by participating in colloquia, journal clubs, research group meetings, and mini-courses.
Laboratory Research:
Students perform three rotations in laboratories of their choice during their first year in the program. These rotations provide an opportunity to become familiar with specific laboratory and research areas while performing small research projects. Students typically choose to begin their rotations during the summer prior to the beginning of courses so that they can become acquainted with research opportunities before classes begin. After completion of all three rotations at the end of the first year of study, students then choose a research lab and thesis advisor.
The research programs of faculty participants in the MII graduate program are nationally and internationally renowned. They are well-funded from both federal and private sources, providing student research activities with excellent financial and technological support. Laboratories are well-equipped with modern and sophisticated instrumentation to enable advanced experimentation in molecular and cellular biology.
Activities:
A wide range of activities outside of the classroom and laboratory are available to students in the MII program. Weekly seminar series in microbiology, immunology, infectious disease, biodefense, cancer, and cell biology provide a mechanism for students to hear about the newest developments throughout the international research community. These seminar series are complemented by one- and two-day symposia highlighting the research of distinguished scientists whose research focuses on related topics. Students have the opportunity to present their own work to faculty and peers at annual poster sessions and regional meetings. Students are also encouraged to attend and present their work at national and international scientific meetings.
Numerous activities are also available to students outside of the laboratory. The Graduate Biosciences Society (http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/gbs) is an active student-run organization that hosts many social events for graduate students, such as river tubing, outings to local vineyards, and an annual retreat. Groups of interested students also compete in various intramural and local sports teams, including soccer, volleyball and softball. The Charlottesville community offers a wide range of cultural activities including music, theatre, dance and fine arts. Students also take advantage of the close proximity to Washington D.C., the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Stipend:
All students in the MII graduate program will receive a stipend that is competitive with that offered by other institutions, and the cost of living in Charlottesville is low. Tuition, fees, health insurance and travel costs to scientific meetings are also covered. The program makes a commitment to support a student as long as he or she is making acceptable progress toward their degree.
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