Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Creating independent scientists and critical thinkers is one of the goals of the Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PhD Thesis) program. Students work with faculty in conducting diverse research, ranging from lung infections in cystic fibrosis and systemic infections such as sepsis, to molecular diagnostics and therapeutics and vaccine development. The program is associated with several research groups, including the Immunology, Bacterial Pathogenesis and Gastrointestinal Research Group, as well as the Inflammation Research Network. Ambitious students will find many opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, and will enjoy studying in the heart of a vibrant, young city that is one of the cleanest in the world and on the doorstep of Alberta's Rocky Mountains.

Completing this program

• Courses: Topics may include medical microbiology and microbial diseases, gene expression in bacteria and others.

• Research Ethics: Students are required to attend Research Integrity Day sessions in the first year of their program.

• Sex & Gender Module: Students are required to complete one of the CIHR sex and gender online training modules found at discoversexandgender.ca in the first year of their program.

• Seminar: Students will present a public seminar based on the results of their thesis research.

• Research proposal: Students must defend a written research proposal to their supervisory committee.

• Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.

• Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.

Outcomes

Pharmaceutical industry – researcher, project manager; academia, including post-doctoral research; government, clinical microbiology, consulting, public health.

A PhD in microbiology and infectious disease is usually considered a final degree; many graduates pursue post-doctoral research.