From the Chairman's Office

As you begin the process of selecting an outstanding academic program for graduate school, I appreciate the opportunity to describe the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Knowledge in the biological and biomedical sciences is accumulating at a remarkably rapid pace. All of us are witnessing this extraordinary scientific revolution and almost endless application of today's discoveries and modern technologies to improve tomorrow's lifestyles. Our responsibility to graduate students in the Microbiology and Immunology Program is to provide solid and sufficiently broad educational opportunities in the biological sciences so that each student encounters and utilizes interdisciplinary and state-of-the-art approaches to further scientific investigation. Our graduate course curriculum emphasizes the fundamentals of microbial physiology and genetics, pathogenic mechanisms, immunology, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology. Advanced courses in each of these areas are available so that students can build upon their existing knowledge base. Also, students assist faculty to a limited degree in the teaching of medical and dental students, and public school teachers, gaining important classroom experiences. Furthermore, students learn to write and critique grant proposals, develop skills in communication, and discuss the ethical basis of scientific research and conduct.

About Microbiology & Immunology

The graduate program in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology is one of eleven Ph.D. programs/tracks in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Students can choose their research specialty from a broad range of disciplines that reflect the diverse interests of the nearly thirty active research faculty. Projects currently ongoing in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology concern problems in immunology, molecular and cell biology, virology, microbial physiology and genetics, and mechanisms of microbial and protozoan pathogenesis.

• Focus on microbial pathogenesis and immune response to bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.
• Graduate student stipends fully cover tuition, living expenses and health insurance.
• National recognition of departmental excellence reflected by two NIH training grants, in Microbial and Viral Pathogenesis
• Located in San Antonio, the seventh largest U.S. city, in the heart of the beautiful Texas Hill Country.