534. Structure, Synthesis, and Degradation of Macromolecules. (4 s.h.)

Topics covered include: Structure and synthesis of DNA and RNA, recombination, DNA repair, regulation of gene expression, the genetic code, protein synthesis, techniques of molecular biology.

550. Scientific Writing. (1 s.h.)

This course is given to better prepare the student for the Preliminary Examination. Lectures are presented on conducting computer literature, searches, writing of scientific papers, writing of grant proposals, sources of grant funds, etc.

564. Special Topics in the Mechanism of Enzyme Catalysis. (2 s.h.)

A detailed examination of the current status of knowledge of the mechanisms of action of selected enzymes which are illustrative of differing modes of catalysis. The examples discussed will include enzymes whose activity is regulated by interaction with modifiers.

799. Preliminary Examination Preparation. (1-6 s.h.)

899. Pre-Dissertation Research. (1-6 s.h.)

997. Research in Biochemistry. (1-9 s.h.)

998. Research in Biochemistry. (1-9 s.h.)

999. Ph.D. Dissertation. (1-6 s.h.)

MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

Direct inquiries to: Dr. Chris D. Platsoucas, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140, 215-707-7929.

E-mail: cplatsou@vm.temple.edu

Graduate Faculty

Helen Buckley, Professor, Ph.D., University of London; Bettina A. (Leonard) Buttaro, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., University of Minnesota; Marion Chan, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Cornell University Medical College; Lolita Daneo-Moore, Professor, Ph.D., Rutgers University; Toby K. Eisenstein, Professor, Ph.D., Bryn Mawr College; Earl E. Henderson, Professor, Ph.D., University of Chicago; Michael L. Higgins, Professor, Ph.D., Rutgers University; Walter K. Long, Jr., Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of Illinois; Marc Monestier, Associate Professor, M.D., Ph.D., University of Lyon; David M. Mosser, Associate Professor, Ph.D., North Carolina State University; Patrick J. Piggot, Professor, Ph.D., University of London; Chris D. Platsoucas, Professor and Chair, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology.; Thomas J. Rogers, Professor, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin; Padmini Salgame, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Bombay University; Arthur G. Schwartz, Professor, Ph.D., Harvard University Medical School; Kenneth J. Soprano, Professor, Ph.D., Rutgers University; Alexander Y. Tsygankov, Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Bach Institute, Moscow.

General Statement

The program for the Doctor of Philosophy degree is designed to provide students with:

1. a broad background in the biological, genetic, and molecular principles of microbiology and immunology,
2. advanced coursework and laboratory training, and
3. a multidisciplinary, state-of-the-art research environment.

The program provides a foundation for students wishing to pursue a career in research and teaching. Numerous collaborations among faculty members offer students an interactive research environ-ment. Students are exposed to a wide variety of perspectives, ideas, and methodologies in approaches to scientific problems that will bring them to the forefront of knowledge in their specialized field of microbiology and immunology

Upon matriculation, students enter a research-oriented program that allows them to become familiar with the basic research tools and approaches in several laboratories. By the end of the first year, or earlier, a permanent research adviser and a research advisory committee are chosen. Research reviews before the committee are an integral part of the program.

Areas of Concentration

The major areas of study in the Department include: molecular and cellular immunology, molecular and biochemical microbiology, and eukaryotic and prokaryotic molecular genetics. Formal courses and seminars are offered on specific topics within each of these areas.

Application Deadlines

July 1 for fall admission, and November 1 for spring admission.

Financial Aid

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology offers fellowships, traineeships, assistantships, and tuition grants, which are awarded on the basis of scholastic ability. Assistantships are usually awarded only to students pursuing the Ph.D. degree.

Master of Science

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements are the same as those for the doctoral program.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete 20 credits of course work in the Department, exclusive of research, and write and defend a thesis.

Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

Applicants are selected on the basis of their qualifications in several categories: undergraduate grades (including Temple University); scores on the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE); at least two letters of recommendation; and previous experience. International applicants must take the TOEFL test and minimally score 230 on the computer-based version (CBT) or 575 on the paper-based version. A personal interview is desirable.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of two years of full-time residence is required. Students must complete 30 credits of course work, exclusive of research. Required courses include Microbiology and Immunology (413, 415, 433, and 545), plus 500-level courses totaling at least 12 credits selected from the advanced courses listed. Graduate Biochemistry, Graduate Student Seminar, and Presentation of Scientific Information (403).

Before being elevated to Ph.D. candidacy, students must pass a written and oral preliminary examination. In addition, students must complete and defend a dissertation before the Ph.D. degree is awarded.

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