Program Overview

Microbiology & Immunology Master's (MSc), Doctorate (PhD)

The Microbiology & Immunology program at Dalhousie University is offered through the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Department of Microbiology & Immunology.

Program Details

The graduate program is designed to provide students with the foundation to excel in a competitive research environment. Graduate training is first and foremost a research degree, and students will be expected to aggressively pursue an independent research project that provides the foundation for their graduate thesis.

Structure

The program is structured to introduce students to independent research, which should generate new knowledge suitable for publication in a well-respected journal in their field. Completion of the MSc degree generally takes 2-3 years.

Requirements

• Classes: Students are required to take MICI 5400 as well as any classes required by their supervisory committee, usually not more than one or two.
• Journal Club: Attend weekly classes where students will present on cutting-edge publications in their research area.
• Seminar: Present two departmental seminars of acceptable quality.
• Departmental Seminar: Attend weekly departmental seminars with a minimum of 80% attendance.
• Thesis and Oral Examination: Produce an acceptable thesis and defend it successfully.

Choosing a Supervisor

After applying to the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, students are encouraged to visit the department or start an email correspondence with faculty members whose research interests align with theirs. Students should discuss ideas and projects with prospective supervisors and ask faculty for descriptions of possible research projects.

MSc Thesis Defence

Once the research thesis is complete, students will make a 20-minute public oral presentation of their work, followed by an opportunity to defend their thesis by answering questions asked by the examining committee.

Research Areas

The program allows students to explore various research areas under the supervision of experienced faculty members. Students are expected to find a research supervisor that matches their interests and work closely with them throughout their program.

Graduate Life

The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive graduate experience, including academic, research, and professional development opportunities. Students are encouraged to participate in departmental seminars, journal clubs, and other academic activities to enhance their knowledge and skills.