Introduction
Encompassing the disciplines of molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology and genetics, immunology sits at the intersection of these important basic sciences with clinical medicine. During the years of rapid growth of the immunology community at Iowa, we have succeeded in attracting excellent scientists who are interactive and dedicated to training students and post-doctoral fellows in their favorite discipline. The program faculty now includes 30 independent immunology investigators at the medical college, all of whom are available for research consultation. A recently reorganized core immunology curriculum plus strong electives in related disciplines encourage creative thinking. Core facilities make the latest technologies available to all investigators. Numerous journal clubs and discussion groups complement an outstanding weekly seminar program featuring both Iowa faculty and prominent immunologists from around the world. Our faculty has been very successful in attracting external research support from the National Institutes of Health and a variety of other granting agencies. The University of Iowa has produced many excellent immunology investigators who have pursued successful careers in academic institutions, research institutes, and industry. Iowa City provides a rich array of cultural and recreational attractions and a no-hassle life style. The University of Iowa Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology would welcome the opportunity to help you achieve a Ph.D. degree in immunology and realize your career goals.

Program Overview
The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology was initiated in 1993 in order to integrate the research training efforts of immunology faculty spread among seven departments. Before 1993, many successful immunology investigators earned Ph.D.s from the Department of Microbiology. Therefore, the new program began with an experienced faculty already distinguished by a highly interactive research style that benefits trainees. Normally, coursework occupies the first year, while laboratory rotations facilitate the selection of a thesis preceptor. The second year, spent partly in the classroom and partly in your preceptor's laboratory, is dedicated to sharpening critical scientific skills. A comprehensive examination in the form of a written grant proposal defended orally before your comprehensive exam committee, results in advancement to candidacy for the Ph.D. Research, and the preparation and defense of your thesis, completes the requirements for the Ph.D. degree.

Research Facilities
Research laboratories are clustered so that none are more than a ten minute walk from the other laboratories and classrooms. All preceptors have well-equipped laboratories currently supported by external funding. Core facilities make the latest technologies available to all preceptors and their trainees. These include the DNA Core (sequencing/oligonucleotide synthesis), the Flow Cytometry Core (multiparameter analysis and cell sorting), the Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Core, the Image Analysis Core (transmission and scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, digital imaging), the Hybridoma Core (custom-made monoclonal antibodies), and the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Core (quantitation of oxygen radicals and other functional groups). The Hardin Health Sciences Library, in the midst of the medical center, houses an excellent collection of journals and books and computer literature searching expertise to support biomedical research.

Group Activities
The Immunology Group Seminar meets at 4:00 p.m. each Wednesday to hear the latest research developments from our faculty as well as from an extensive list of cutting-edge immunology researchers from around the world. Students frequently have an opportunity to interact with these visitors, but especially with the Immunology Group Distinguished Lecturer of the Year, whose extended visit includes an enjoyable social program. The program also has a weekly Immunology Journal Club which meets on Tuesday's throughout the year.

Admission
Applications for admissions are accepted throughout the year. Normally, students are admitted for entry into the fall semester. Please fill out our on-line pre-application form, or contact us at:

Other documents required include an official transcript from undergraduate and any graduate schools, copies of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and three letters of recommendation. Foreign applicants must also send copies of their scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants should have a grade point average (GPA) above 3.0 and a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of approximately 1200.

Financial Aid
Students admitted into the Immunology Program will be awarded a stipend of at least $21,500 per year and have their tuition paid. Students with exceptional credentials are eligible for a University of Iowa Presidential Fellowship.

Curriculum
The curriculum consists of a sequence of required and elective courses that provide didactic training in the conceptual and methodological aspects of immunology. There is ample opportunity for study in a variety of fields that interface with immunology. The following courses are required of all students:

156:201 Principles of Molecular and Cell Biology, 4 s.h.
142:215 Molecular Biology of Gene Expression 3 s.h.
148:201 Immunology I, 3 s.h.
148:202 Immunology II, 3 s.h.
148:221 Advanced Topics in Immunology, 3 s.h.
650:270 Ethics in Research, 1 s.h.
148:231 Immunology Research, arr.
148:211 Immunology Seminar, 1 s.h. (1 sh awarded during the fall semester of year one and the spring semesters of years one and two).

 

In addition to the requirements listed, students must take at least 6 semester hours of approved elective courses.

After successful completion of the comprehensive examination, usually at the end of the second year of graduate study, students advance to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree, devoting full time to thesis research and writing the dissertation. Upon successful completion of all requirements, including the dissertation and its oral defense, students are awarded the Ph.D. degree in Immunology.