Microbiology PhD Curriculum | Icahn School of Medicine

PHD PROGRAMS

PhD in Biomedical Sciences

The curriculum for the Microbiology multidisciplinary training area in the PhD in Biomedical Sciences program provides comprehensive training in the field of microbiology with a special focus on virology and virus-host interactions. You will gain in-depth knowledge and the skills necessary to understand the complexities of viruses, their interaction with host organisms, and the development of effective strategies to combat viral infections.

As a MIC graduate student you must take the year-long Biomedical Sciences curriculum, including journal clubs. After joining a laboratory, the MIC student is required to register for Seminars in Microbiology and Virus-Host Interactions Journal Club.

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Meet the Co-Directors

Jean K Lim, PhD

PROFESSOR | Microbiology

Dr. Lim focuses on understanding the pathogenesis of vector-borne viruses, such as West Nile virus and how cell trafficking controls viral spread and disease.

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Domenico Tortorella, PhD

PROFESSOR | Microbiology

Dr. Tortorella researches how human cytomegalovirus manipulates cellular factors and processes to co-exist in the human host.

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Curriculum and Courses

Year One Fall courses include:

Biomedical Science
One of: Biostatistics for Biomedical Research or Introduction to Biostatistics (a placement test will determine which one)
Responsible Conduct of Research
Laboratory Rotation

Year One Spring courses include:

Biomedical Science
Rigor and Reproducibility
Laboratory Rotation

Laboratory Rotations
During Year One, you are required to complete two lab rotations, and we encourage you to do them in microbiology laboratories, in order to diversify and extend your exposure to research techniques and approaches. We advise that you choose a preceptor before the completion of your first year so that you may begin your dissertation research as soon as possible.

Year Two Fall courses include:

Independent Research (until you pass your thesis proposal exam)
Virus-Host Interactions Journal Club
Student Journal Club in Microbiology
Seminars in Microbiology
Advanced Virology or Fundamentals in Immunology

Year Two Spring courses include:

Independent Research (until you pass your thesis proposal exam)
Virus-Host Interactions Journal Club:
Student Journal Club in Microbiology
Seminars in Microbiology

Year Three Fall courses include:

Doctoral Dissertation
Virus-Host Interactions Journal Club
Seminars in Microbiology
Advanced Virology or Fundamentals in Immunology (if not completed in Years One and Two)

Year Three Spring courses include:

Doctoral Dissertation
Virus-Host Interactions Journal Club
Seminars in Microbiology

You are expected to meet with your advisory committee at least two times each year. However, students are encouraged to hold these meetings as frequently as possible in order to keep their research project on track. Progress reports that acknowledge these meetings must be filed with the Graduate School office.

To complete the research requirements, you must present your thesis in a public setting. You must then pass a closed thesis defense exam immediately following your presentation.