205
Graduate Programs
205.42
Medical Microbiology and Immunology
205.42 Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology
1-41 Medical Sciences Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7
E-mail: mmi.mail@ualberta.ca
205.42.1 General Information
The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Students may specialize in the following areas: bacteriology, immunology, mycology, parasitology, virology, macromolecular crystallography, or clinical microbiology. Both programs require coursework, completion of a research project, and preparation of a thesis.
The staff of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology is currently carrying out research in various aspects of cellular, molecular, reproductive, and tumour immunology; microbial pathogenesis; and the development of novel methods for the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.
The Department is well equipped with the modern facilities required for research in medical microbiology and immunology.
Prospective students are invited to consult with the Graduate Coordinator for further information and to visit the Department's home page on the worldwide web.
Entrance Requirements
The Department generally does not accept students with less than an honors grade (3.3 at the University of Alberta) in the last two years of their undergraduate degree, or an equivalent qualification from another recognized institution. Where applicable, a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based) or 96 (internet-based) is required. GRE scores in the 75th percentile or above in all three areas are also required for internationally trained applicants, as is a Master's degree in a related area of Basic Science.
Financial Assistance
Exceptionally qualified applicants may be nominated for University of Alberta entrance scholarships by the department. Students accepted into a graduate program are encouraged to apply for a studentship through the Department to outside agencies such as the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, NSERC and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. In addition, a limited number of graduate assistantships are available.
205.42.2 The Degree of MSc
Program Requirements
Course requirements depend on the area of specialization and the undergraduate background of the student; however, a minimum of 
6 in graduate-level courses is required. Each student must participate each year and must register once for credit during the program in the Medical Microbiology and Immunology seminar course, MMI 601.
Terminal MSc students are required to maintain a program GPA of at least 2.7; however, students wishing to proceed to a later PhD in the Department must maintain a program GPA of at least 3.0.
A candidate for the MSc degree must submit an acceptable thesis and defend it orally before a committee formed according to Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research guidelines.
No language other than English is required for the degree.
The minimum period of residence is two years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Length of program
The time required to complete the program depends on the student's background and the nature of the thesis project. Normally, a minimum of two years of full-time study and research is required for the MSc degree.
205.42.3 The Degree of PhD
Program Requirements
Course requirements depend on the area of specialization and the undergraduate background of the student; however, a minimum of 9 in graduate-level courses—one of which must be MMI 605—is required. In addition, each student must participate each year and must register once for credit during the program in the Medical Microbiology and Immunology seminar course, MMI 601.
Students are required to maintain a GPA of at least 3.0.
After completion of required coursework, students must pass an oral candidacy examination in order to continue in the program.
A candidate for the PhD degree must submit an acceptable thesis and defend it orally before a committee formed according to Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research guidelines.
No language other than English is required for the degree.
The minimum period of residence is three years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Length of program
The time required to complete the program depends on the student's background and the nature of the thesis project. Normally, a minimum of four years of full-time study and research is required for the PhD degree.
205.42.4 Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the subject heading:
Medical Microbiology and Immunology (MMI)
