The University of Toledo

Curriculum Overview

A. Ph.D. Program

The Infection, Immunity and Transplantation training program at the University of Toledo on the Health Science Campus offers the Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., and M.S.B.S. degrees through the interdisciplinary degree programs in Medical Sciences. The primary goal of the doctoral program in Infection, Immunity and Transplantation is to train students for independent, creative careers in research and/or teaching. The curriculum for the Ph.D. degree consists of a core of concentrated course work in the first year, followed by specialized elective courses and an emphasis on laboratory research. Elective courses are offered in advanced immunity, microbiology of human infections, advanced virology and cellular and molecular biology of pathogenic bacteria. Other training activities include an annual combined journal club and seminar course (current topics in IIT), participation in annual IIT student research forums and graduate school student poster forums, presentation of a formal third-year seminar to track faculty and students, and the completion of a written dissertation or thesis and its oral defense.  Students also are encouraged to present their findings at local, national and international meetings in their fields.

During the first two semesters, each student rotates through three research laboratories, conducting short-term projects, gaining exposure to techniques and identifying potential areas for further investigation. At the end of the second semester, each student selects a major advisor who directs the student's doctoral research. A faculty advisory committee is also jointly chosen by the student and advisor to supervise academic progress toward completion of the Ph.D. degree.

IIT required and elective courses:

Current Topics in IIT, IITP 603/803
The course includes attendance at biweekly seminars given by invited speakers and on an alternating biweekly basis the presentation of papers related to the seminar topics. May be repeated for credit. (1 credit hour)

Advanced Immunology, IITP 602/802
Student led discussion of recent literature supporting key concepts in the human immune response. Discussions will focus on how current research impacts our understanding of specific responses.

Independent Study in Medical Microbiology and Immunology, MICB 689/889
Intensive study in a field of interest, including theoretical and experimental work. May be repeated for credit. (1-15 credit hours)

Microbiology of Human Infections. MICB 620/820
The course provides a broad survey of bacteria, viruses and fungi causing human infections by lecture, lab exercises and review of current scientific literature.  (3 credit hours)

IIT Systems Pathophysiology, IITP 601/801
A mini course that presents current understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of selected microbes and the impact of the immune system on disease and its prevention. (2 credit hours)

YEAR 1 (Ph.D. Students) 

COURSE	CREDITS
FALL SEMESTER (all are required)
Current Problems and Research Approaches (CPRA) in...
CPR in Protein Structure and Catalysis	2.5
CPRA in Cell Biology and Signaling	2.5
CPRA in Genes and Genomes	2.5
CPRA in Biomembranes	2.5
Methods in Biomedical Sciences	2
"On Being a Scientist"	1
Introduction to Biomedical Research	0
Mentored Research (one 8 week lab rotation)	2
TOTAL	15

COURSE	CREDITS
SPRING SEMESTER (all are required)
Systems Pathophysiology I	4
Systems Pathophysiology II	4
Mentored Research (two 8 week lab rotations)	6
Recent Adv BMS Journal Club	1
TOTAL	15

COURSE	CREDITS
SUMMER TERM
Biostatistics (required)	3
Track-specific Course(s)	0-7
Mentored Research (an additional rotation is possible)	0-7
TOTAL	10

B.  MASTERS Program

The IIT track participates in the masters in biomedical sciences training program.  Students are expected to complete a core curriculum similar to that of doctoral students but with some of the courses as elective offerings, to experience one or more rotations before selecting a major advisor and thesis laboratory.  In addition to 40 credit hours in didactic and other courses, students are required to successful pass a candidacy exam and to write and defend a research thesis. Students usually complete the degree requirements in 2-3 years.

YEAR 1 (Masters Students)

COURSE	CREDITS
FALL SEMESTER (all are required)
Current Problems and Research Approaches (CPRA) in...
CPR in Protein Structure and Catalysis	2.5
CPRA in Cell Biology and Signaling	2.5
CPRA in Genes and Genomes	2.5
CPRA in Biomembranes	2.5
Methods in Biomedical Sciences	2
"On Being a Scientist"	1
Introduction to Biomedical Research	0
Mentored Research (one 8 week lab rotation)	2
TOTAL	15

COURSE	CREDITS
SPRING SEMESTER (all are required)
Recent Adv BMS Journal Club (required)	1
Electives	0-11
Research in "Track"	0-11
Mentored Research (1 or 2 rotations if needed)	0-6
TOTAL	12-15

SUMMER TERM

COURSE	CREDITS
Biostatistics (required)	3
Research in Track	0-7
Mentored Research (an additional rotation is possible)	0-7
TOTAL	10