Overview
The Immunobiology Program's Numerous Interdisciplinary Research Efforts Make the Immunobiology Degree World-Class
The Department of Immunobiology has a special mission within the University of Arizona's College of Medicine, where it is one of the five basic science departments. A primary purpose of the immunobiology program is conducting leading-edge research in human health and disease, particularly as regards the function of the immune system, the biology of pathogenic microorganisms, and the ways in which these organisms interact with the immune system throughout a person's lifespan.
A core focus of the immunobiology program is to undertake interdisciplinary research efforts with other departments, programs, and centers of the College of Medicine, the goal of which is to reach out to the people of Arizona, the United States, and every nation on earth with new discoveries and inventions. The purpose of these various endeavors is to eliminate, reduce, and prevent illness and death attributable to autoimmune disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases. Every immunobiology degree is one more step toward a healthier world, and the immunobiology program at the University of Arizona is world-class.
To accomplish its important goals, the Department of Immunobiology seeks to educate students in basic and advanced immunobiology, virology, microbiology, and microbial pathogens, making for a solid and comprehensive immunobiology degree. However, the graduate program in immunobiology, offering advanced training that results in a Doctor of Philosophy degree (major in immunobiology), is the very heart and soul of the department. The research opportunities in the immunobiology program are varied and challenging, offering graduate students an immunobiology degree that will take them however far they wish to go in this vitally important field.
Immunobiology Faculty Conducts a Wide Range of Research Programs that Put Graduate Students on the Front Lines
Graduate students in UA's Department of Immunobiology benefit from a world-renowned faculty, whose members are performing vital research in areas impacting global health and wellbeing. The faculty members weave lectures, mentoring, and laboratory time into a veritable tapestry of knowledge, offering a strong general foundation in molecular and cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry. More specific and targeted studies address both bacterial and viral pathogenesis, as well as immunology.
Courses deemed essential to the basic knowledge of a research scientist, covering immunology as well as infectious diseases, are required of all graduate students. After consulting with their advisers and considering their own particular interests regarding research, students can choose from a variety of other offerings. Because of the department's many programs, first-year graduate students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the numerous and varied research interests that are represented in the department's faculty.
The research being conducted by faculty and students is wide-ranging and important. The department head, for example, is studying cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and their role in disease and aging. The research is targeted at revealing the relationship(s) between the immune system and pathogens over an organism's entire lifespan. In another faculty member's laboratory the areas under investigation include the role of viral and host factors that are associated with higher viral loads and a rapid progression of AIDS in infants, as compared with adults. If you want to have an impact on world health in the most positive way, the Department of Immunobiology has the faculty and the research to add to your passion.
Application Requirements and Advice on How to Apply Available Online
The University of Arizona awards graduate degrees in over 100 different fields, but has streamlined the application requirements and the application process itself, as well as made it simple to find out how to apply.
Students may apply to the UA Graduate College in one of two ways. The online process is the preferred method, and applicants are directed to a secure server to complete the process. Alternatively, students can download and print out a paper application, where there is a checklist for how to apply, including all the forms, fees, and application requirements. Applicants will need to send separate mailings to the Graduate Admissions Office and the department(s) they are applying to, all of which they should verify with the Program Description Guide in UA's online catalog.
UA strongly encourages online applications and tries to keep it simple. However, there are a few online application requirements:
(1) Applicants must be a "Domestic Student," which means a U.S. citizen or naturalized citizen OR an international student who is applying for a certificate program, a master's degree or a Ph.D. program (no non-degree studies).
(2) Applicants must pay the appropriate fee online at the same time they apply, using Visa, MasterCard, or an American Express card. If students cannot pay with a credit card, they must print out and mail in an application instead.
If students do not understand the application requirements, or need help figuring out how to apply, they may contact the Graduate Admissions Office.
