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Program Details

Graduate Program: Applied Biosciences (PSM) - Medical Microbiology & Immunology

General Information

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Program/Degree
Applied Biosciences (PSM) - Medical Microbiology & Immunology  
Program Description

The primary objective of the Medical Microbiology and Immunology (MMI) track, one of six sub-plans of the Applied Biosciences GIDP, is to instruct and prepare students for an occupation in the diverse field of biomedical sciences.  The focus in the MMI track is training students to attain a graduate level biomedical education with an emphasis on medical microbiology, immunology, and virology.

The disciplines of microbiology and immunology started centuries ago with the development of the simple microscope (the 1600's).  Using this new scientific tool and the seminal work by major microbiologist’s in the 1800’s, led to the vanquishing of the theory of spontaneous generation as the source of disease.  The ultimate cause of the disease was shown, using hypothesis-based scientific investigations, to be microorganisms or bacteria, and became known as “The Germ Theory” of disease.  These foundations in Medical Microbiology led to queries into how one could prevent disease by vaccination and by the use of antisera (antibody). These studies used antibodies raised against the bacterial toxins in animals. The antitoxin serum led to the use of passive immunization to protect and cure infectious diseases and vaccines against these deadly agents. This work was seminal in the development and futures discoveries in the field of immunology.  Major research and discoveries in the areas of medical microbiology and immunology have played a major part in the rapid advances in genomics, bioinformatics, and biotechnology. These technologies have also had a major impact on recent advancements in MMI.

This program is unique in incorporating the MMI-biomedical science training along with the linking and integration of important knowledge from the disciplines of management, business, and law. All students in the PSM program are required to complete an internship, in our case, in the area of MMI. Students do internships with biotechnology companies based in the Tucson-Phoenix corridor, or in academic research laboratories, and obtain invaluable on-the-job training, experience, and knowledge.  This real world expertise obtained in the internship is unique and different from classroom learning or taking on-line courses.

This innovative curriculum will give students the ability to take various career paths upon graduation. This could include doing research at “the bench”, to manage a laboratory at a university or in industry. With knowledge gained in business and legal fields, our trained scholars can also become involved in the business side of biomedical science.  Graduates from this track will be ready for such diverse professional vocations in the areas of: biotechnology, biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, local or national government, academic institutions, plus positions in immunologic and microbiologic biotechnology companies.

The MMI subplan is working in alliance with the Certificate Program in Microbiology and Immunity (MIGCP) which is housed within the Department of Immunology.  Upon admission to the ABS MMI track, the 15 units completed by the student for the MIGCP certificate may be transferred as fulfillment of the Core Science and Science Electives Modules of the MMI subplan.

 
Department/Academic Unit(s)

Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs

The Graduate College sponsors several Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDPs) in addition to the many interdisciplinary possibilities available through regular graduate degree programs. GIDPs transcend departmental boundaries by facilitating cutting edge teaching and research at the nexus of traditional disciplines. The high value placed on interdisciplinary research and education is indicative of The University of Arizona's enthusiasm and commitment to fostering innovation and creativity among its faculty and students.

 

 
College

Graduate College/GIDP

 
Campus where offered

University of Arizona - Main - Tucson

 
Contacts
Admissions Contact
Jennifer Shim
520-626-9111
Graduate Program Coordinator
Jennifer Shim
520-626-9111
Director of Graduate Studies
Nafees Ahmad
520-626-7022
Graduate College Degree Counselor
Hayley Jean Kral
520-621-3484
 
Tuition and Fees
Please refer to the UA Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees Calculator for up-to-date information about tuition and fees. 
Please refer to the UA Registrar's's Office Special Course Fees for up-to-date information about special course fees. 

Admissions Information

Admissions Requirements

Prerequisites

Students who wish to apply to the Professional Science Master's degree in Applied Biosciences must have the minimum qualifications:

  • A Bachelors (or equivalent) degree with a major in an area of biosciences from an accredited institution.

  • A minimum 3.0 GPA

  • A desire to pursue a professional career in the applied biosciences.

Admissions Process

Students should apply directly to the specific track in the program they wish to pursue. The application should be submitted online (only) via the Graduate College website (http://grad.arizona.edu). Be prepared to submit the following materials:

  • Scans of all transcripts (official versions will be requested if you are selected for admission)

  • GRE scores (recommended but not required; general test only)

  • Proof of English proficiency is required for any international applicant born in a country where English is not the official language. 
    Acceptable English Proficiency Credentials can be found at:
    https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/requirements/international-applicants#english-proficiency

  • GPAs for all undergraduate work

  • A one to two page statement of interests, which outlines your background (including any professional experience) and your professional goals.

You should separately arrange with two references (typically former or current professors or work supervisors) who can comment on your skills, training and potential for the PSM in Applied Biosciences.  You will need to include their names and email addresses in your online application

 
Standardized Tests

Required test(s):
Required GRE Subject tests: general test only

Minimum GRE Verbal: 130-170, in 1 point increments
Minimum GRE Quantitative:  130-170, in 1 point increments
Minumum GRE Written: 0-6, in half point increments
Minimum MAT:
Minimum TOEFL:  79 internet based  (IBT) 550 paper based (PB) required for international students or
Minimum IELTS:   7 (no subject area below a 6) for international students
Minimum Pearson PTE Academic
Minimum Minimum CEPT:   110 on Full Academic test for international students

For more information on the English Proficiency requirement, please click here

 

 

 
Funding Opportunities

There is no funding support directly available from this program. 

 
Admissions Deadlines

Domestic Applicants:

  • Fall: March 31
  • Spring: August 31

International Applicants:

  • Fall: March 31
  • Spring: August 31
 
International Conditional Admission

International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.

Other Information
The GRE Institution Code for The University of Arizona is 4832

Completion Requirements

Minimum Credit Units

36 

Core Coursework Requirements

The ABS program is designed specifically to prepare students to competitively enter the scientific workforce. During the two-year course of study, students will gain a strong understanding of the applications of the biological sciences to real world problems, including those faced by public institutions and private industry. A minimum of 36 unit hours is needed for this degree; 6-9 of these units are for the research internship and report. Students have a maximum of 6 years to complete the degree. Students may apply for, and be admitted to, any of the 4 tracks (“sub-plans”). Each track has its own specific core requirements and electives

Curriculum

All Tracks have the following general structure.

Science Module...................................................15 Units

Professional Preparation Module.............................12 Units

Internship Module (including the Final Report)..........9 Units

Total.................................................................36 Units

Core Coursework Requirements

Core Coursework for the Science Module: 15 Units Required (9 Core + 6 Electives)

Core Science Classes:  Choose 9 Units

BE 513                   Applied Biostatistics, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

CMM 504             Cell Biology of Disease, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

IMB 501                Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

IMB 519                General Immunological Concepts, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

IMB 533                Medical and Molecular Virology, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

IMB 548                Basic Immunological Concepts, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

IMB 565                Principles and Molecular Mechanisms of Microbe-Host Interactions, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

IMB/CMM  605  Medical Immunology and Infectious Disease, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

IMB 696A             Research Seminar, 1 unit, minimum required grade A or B

Core Coursework for the Internship Module (9 units minimum)

ABS 593A             Internship, 8 units, minimum required grade S or P

ABS 909                Master’s Report, 1 unit, minimum required grade S or P

Core Coursework for the Professional Preparation Module (2 units minimum)

BE 501                  Research Methods in Biosystems Engineering, 2 units, minimum required grade A or B

CBIO 595D           Scientific Writing, Presentations and Bioethics, 2 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENVS 508             Scientific Writing for Environmental, Agricultural and Life Sciences, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MSE 502               Research Proposal Preparation, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

OPTI 597B           Technical writing and communication, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

Minimum GPA in core coursework: 3.0

 
Elective Coursework

Science Electives: Choose 6 Units

Electives can include any course from the Core Science Module as well. Courses not listed here may also be chosen but require an agreement with the Director of Graduate Studies or the Graduate Committee.

BIOC 565         Proteins and Enzymes, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BIOC 568         Nucleic Acids, Metabolism, and Signaling, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BIOS 576A       Biostatistics for Public Health, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BIOS 576B       Biostatistics for Research, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

CMM 504        Cell Biology of Disease, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

CMM 588        Principles Cellular &Molecular Neurobiology , 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENVS 525         Environmental Microbiology, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

EPID 573A       Basic Principals of Epidemiology, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

EPID 660          Infectious Disease Epidemiology, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

IMB 696A        Research Seminar, 1 unit, minimum required grade A or B

MIC 503R        Biology of Animal Parasites, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MIC 595A        Critical Evaluation of Scientific Literature, 1 unit, minimum required grade  A or B

MCB 516A       Bioinformatics and Genome Analysis, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MCB 573         Recombinant DNA Methods and Applications, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PLP 528L          Microbial Genetics Laboratory, 2 units, minimum required grade A or B

PLP 528R         Microbial Genetics, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PLS 539            Methods in Cell Biology and Genomics, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

Elective Coursework for the Professional Preparation Module (Choose 9 to 10 units to reach a total of 12 units for the Module)

ACBS 568A       Bioeconomy, Marketing and Business Principles, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ACBS 568B       Bioeconomy, Marketing and Business Principles II, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ACBS 571         Risk Assessment, Management and Communication, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ABE 552           Globalization, Sustainability Innovation, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ACCT 521         Business Law for Accountants, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ALC 509           Team Organizational Leadership, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ALC 510           Entrepreneurial Leadership in Agriculture and the Life Sciences, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ALC 511           Principles and Application of Organizational Development, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ALC 522           Communicating Knowledge in Agriculture and Life Sciences, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

AREC 550         Financial Management for Agribusiness, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BIOS 675          Clinical Trials and Intervention Studies 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BNAD 597B     Advanced Consulting Projects, 3-4 units, minimum required grade A or B

CBIO 597C       Grant Writing for Graduate Students, 1 unit, minimum required grade A or B

CTS 595C         Responsible Conduct of Research, 1 unit, minimum required grade A or B

ECON 578        Energy, the Environment, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

EHS 575           Environmental and Occupational Health, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENGR 512A      Management of Technology, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENGR 514        Law for Engineers/Scientists, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 506         Introduction to Entrepreneurship, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 515         Strategic Planning, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 548         Healthcare Entrepreneurship, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 557         Project Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 581A      Assessing Early Stage Medical Technologies for Commercialization, 2 units, minimum required grade A or B

GRAD 595D     Regulatory Issues in Laboratory Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

IMB 521           Scientific Grantsmanship,  2 units, minimum required grade A or B

LAW 695D       Regulatory Science, 1 unit, minimum required grade A or B

LAW 576A       Drug, Discovery, Development and Marketing Obligations, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

LAW 578A       Legal and Regulatory Aspects for Health Care Delivery, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

LAW 589A       Regulatory Science Case Study Project, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MCB 695E        Science, Society, and Ethics, 1 unit, minimum required grade A or B

MGMT 535      International Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MGMT 538      Health Organization and Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MGMT 563      Doing Business In/With Africa, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MIS 506           Healthcare Information Systems, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MIS 578           Project Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MKTG 510       Marketing-Based Management, 2 units, A or B

MSE 502          Research Proposal Preparation, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PCOL 5 84        Fundamentals in Industrial and Environmental Health, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHPM 506       Economic Foundations for Health Sciences, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHPM 562       Health Services Administration, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHPM 569       Fundamentals of Health Budgeting and Financial Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHPM 574       Public Health Policy and Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHSC 513         Health Technology Assessment, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

SIE 515             Technical Sales and Marketing, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

SIE 567            Financial Modeling for Innovation, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

SLHS 649         Survival Skills and Ethics, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

Minimum GPA in Elective coursework: 3.0

 
Additional Requirements

Students need to do an oral presentation and submit a written report of the internship

See our Student Handbook for detailed information: https://abs.arizona.edu/current-students/student-handbook

 

 
Student Handbook

Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.

 

Persistent link: https://grad.arizona.edu/catalog/programinfo/ABSPSMMMI
Last revised 02 Dec 2022
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