Year One Fall courses include (credits):

• BSR1012 Biomedical Science (6)
• Biostatistics; either MPH0300 - Introduction to Biostatistics (3) or BIO6400 - Biostatistics for Biomedical Research (3)
• BSR1021 Responsible Conduct of Research (.5)
• BSR1006 Lab Rotation (4)

Year One Spring courses include (credits):

• BSR1013 Biomedical Science (6)
• BSR1022 Rigor and Reproducibility (.5)
• BSR1007 Lab Rotation (4) or BSR8000 - Independent Research for Basic Science Research (10 credits) if a lab was declared in the Fall semester

Biomedical Sciences (Fall) and (Spring) are a requirement in Year One. Concurrent with your coursework, you complete a minimum of two laboratory rotations. You choose a preceptor, preferably from the Immunology MTA faculty. We do give you the choice to select a preceptor outside of the Immunology MTA faculty if you desire and your advisory committee agrees. You must choose a preceptor by the end of Spring Semester of the 1st year.

In addition to the below course requirements, we offer electives that match your interest. A total of 6 credits of elective courses are a requirement to graduate. IMM MTA students should take Fundamentals in Immunology (3 elective credits) + 3 credits in electives of their choice.

Year Two Fall courses include:

• BSR5501 - Seminar in Immunobiology (1 credit)
• BSR5502 - Works in Progress: Immunobiology (1 credit)
• BSR4501 - Immunology Journal Club (1 credit)
• BSR8000 - Independent Research for Basic Science Research (10 credits)
• BSR1501- Fundamentals in Immunology (3 credits/elective)

Year Two Spring courses include:

• BSR5501 - Seminar in Immunobiology (1 credit)
• BSR5502 - Works in Progress: Immunobiology (1 credit)
• BSR4501- Immunology Journal Club (1 credit)
• BSR8000 - Independent Research for Basic Science Research (10 credits)
• BSR 35XX - Topics on Immunotherapy/ Immunoschool (1 credit/elective)

Fundamentals in Immunology

Fundamentals in Immunology is a 3 credit advanced course that IMM students take in the second year. This course is intended to introduce students to the organization of the immune system and function of the immune response as it relates to health and disease.  Different topics and sections will be presented and discussed by faculty members who have expertise in the subject matter.  By the end of the course, students will have developed a solid understanding of immunological concepts, as well as the skills needed to conduct original research and undertake advanced studies in immunology.

Year Three Fall courses include:

• BSR5501 - Seminar in Immunobiology (1 credit)
• BSR5502 - Works in Progress: Immunobiology (1 credit)
• BSR4501- Immunology Journal Club (1 credit)
• BSR8000 - Independent Research for Basic Science Research (10 credits)

Year Three Spring courses include:

• BSR5501 - Seminar in Immunobiology (1 credit)
• BSR5502 - Works in Progress: Immunobiology (1 credit)
• BSR4501- Immunology Journal Club (1 credit)
• BSR8000 - Independent Research for Basic Science Research (10 credits)
• BSR 35XX - Topics on Immunotherapy/ Immunoschool (1 credit/elective) * can be taken multiple years, as topics change

Students need to complete a minimum of 72 credits, with an average grade of B or better in all required core courses (i.e., Biostatistics and Core) and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Of the 72 credits, at least 14 need to be letter-graded credits of coursework. Consult handbook for the most up to date information.

Seminars in Immunology is a one-credit course. This course combines a seminar series hosted by the Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute (required) and seminars hosted by other departments and institutes (student choice).

The first series features a monthly seminar given by an invited speaker who is a prominent scientist in immunology. As part of the course, you familiarize yourself with the speaker’s research areas. You have the opportunity to attend a luncheon with the speaker, to ask questions and engage in discussions.

Works in Progress: Immunobiology

Weekly work-in-progress seminars are presented by Immunology Institute students and postdocs, relating to their own research. You are required to present to your colleagues yearly after the defense of the thesis proposal.

The thesis proposal qualifying exam consists of a written thesis proposal followed by an oral examination overseen by a committee of at least 4 faculty members (one of the co-directors of Immunology training area serves as chair, plus two faculty members and a preceptor). The Qualifying Exam must be completed by the end of semester four or the end of your second year for PhD candidates, and semester six for MD-PhD candidates.

After completion of your project, you, your preceptor, and at least three members of the steering committee will meet and decide whether enough work has been completed to proceed with your preparation of a dissertation and a thesis defense (“green light”). If approval is granted, the preceptor will guide you regarding the dissertation preparation and the presentation of your work in an open seminar-format thesis defense.

Biomedical Sciences I and II courses are a requirement during your first two years of medical school or during the first year of your PhD studies. Courses in biostatistics, as well as other courses as outlined above are also requirements, along with the completion of nine credits of advanced coursework.

Advanced coursework courses include Fundamentals in Immunology, Advanced Topics in Immunology, and Advanced Electives. Once you enter the PhD phase of your training as an MD-PhD student, attendance at the weekly Journal Club, as well as the Immunology Institute Works-in-Progress and Seminars in Immunology series enable you to keep abreast of the newest and latest developments in immunology.