The current revolution in modern biology and biomedicine is far-reaching and provides one of the most exciting frontiers for creative and intellectual activity. Advances in DNA, RNA and protein technology are occurring at incredibly rapid rates with spectacular progress across many fields. Microbiologists, biochemists and immunologists are at the center of this revolution, performing cutting edge research to explore the chemical basis of life by examination of almost all fundamental processes in molecular detail. Fundamental reactions such as gene expression and the immune response are becoming understood at the molecular level in terms of specific interactions between metabolites, proteins, membrane components, DNA and RNA molecules. Microbiologists and immunologists are using a wide variety of methods, from recombinant DNA techniques to monoclonal antibody technology to elucidate the mechanistic basis of life processes.
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is dedicated to contributing significantly to future developments in these areas through education of future scientists and health care professionals and by supporting basic research. The research interests of the faculty of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology span a wide range of activities, organisms and approaches. Students are provided a broad spectrum from which to choose their specific areas of study. The Department offers outstanding opportunities for a challenging and exciting graduate education.
