Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy Biomedical Sciences with a Concentration in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD)

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences with a Concentration in Microbiology and Immunology is an interdisciplinary program that equips students with a broad foundation in basic biomedical science topics. The program integrates basic courses with laboratory experiences and special seminars, highlighting disciplinary interrelationships and approaches to biomedical research.

Admission

To be admitted to the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a B (3.00) average. Students with advanced degrees are encouraged to apply.
• In addition to the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements, international applicants must have either a score of 84 on the TOEFL, with a score of 26 on the speaking portion, or an IELTS overall score of 8.
• Prior training in biology (two years), calculus and/or statistics, and organic chemistry (one year). Additional courses in biology, chemistry, and physics are recommended.

Application Procedures

The completed application for the biomedical sciences Ph.D. program will include the following items:

1. Transcripts of coursework only from institutions awarding a bachelor's or master's degree.
2. A statement of personal goals and academic objectives.
3. Writing sample on a science-related topic (from a course or from research experience).
4. Resume listing all degrees earned and work experience.
5. Three letters of recommendation on letterhead, from faculty members at colleges attended who are familiar with the applicant's academic and research capabilities.
6. A completed application form.
7. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test scores, sent directly from ETS to the ODU International Graduate Admissions Office.

Financial Support

Sources of financial aid available to biomedical sciences Ph.D. students include:

1. Research and teaching assistantships
2. Students on research or teaching assistantships may be eligible for a tuition waiver.
3. Financial Aid

Curriculum Requirements

To accomplish the objectives of the program, the student:

1. Enrolls in the basic biomedical sciences courses to develop a broad foundation for more advanced course work and dissertation research;
2. Selects a concentration and completes the required advanced courses.
3. Completes at least 78 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree or 50 to 51 credit hours beyond the master's degree;
4. Presents two seminars;
5. Candidacy Exam and Prospectus: Develops a written interdisciplinary research NIH style proposal based on preliminary and proposed research that is accepted by the student's committee.
6. Develops an interdisciplinary research proposal in NIH format that is accepted by the guidance committee;
7. Performs publishable research to demonstrate the ability to complete original and creative research projects; and
8. Prepares and successfully defends a dissertation.

Biomedical Sciences Core

The core courses include:

• BIOL 810: Advanced Cell Biology (3 credits)
• BIOL 847: Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (3 credits)
• BIOL 857: Statistics in Biology (4 credits)
• BMS 899: Dissertation Research (6 credits)
• CHEM 865: Advanced Biochemistry (3 credits)
• HLSC 873: Planning Proposals and Developing Grants in Health Research (3 credits)
• MDTS 850: Molecular Genetics, Gene Function and Genomics (3 credits)

Microbiology and Immunology Concentration

The concentration courses include:

• BIOL 805: Advanced Microbiology (3 credits)
• BIOL 845: Advanced Immunology (3 credits)
• BIOL 840: Vaccinology (3 credits)
• BIOL 881: Autoimmunity and Transplantation (3 credits)
• Graduate Seminars (4 credits)

Electives

Optional elective courses require permission of the dissertation committee.

Additional Requirements

Continuance

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and receive no more than one course grade of B- or lower to continue in the Ph.D. program. Students are also required to complete Responsible Conduct of Research training within their first 12 completed credit hours in the program.

Teaching

Students are required to successfully complete the GTAI Institute and teach at least one semester. International students or students where English is not their first language are required to either pass the SPEAK test or demonstrate they have received a score of 26 or better on the speaking portion of their iBT TOEFL exam.

Exit Requirements

Students must complete the following in order to graduate:

1. Academic requirements - All core and concentration course requirements
2. Publication Research
3. Exit Survey