Program Description
The Graduate Group in Immunology (GGI) at the University of California, Davis, offers a broad, flexible program in an exciting field of biology and medicine. It is a university-wide interdepartmental graduate program that comprises a group of about 50 faculty and 50 students. Participating faculty are located in multiple departments within the Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, the College of Agriculture and the College of Engineering as well as the Center for Comparative Medicine and the Center for Vector-borne Diseases. The administrative home of the group is the Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis. The Graduate Group in Immunology offers a Master's and a PhD degree in Immunology. Emphasis of the program is on the PhD.
The PhD program begins with class work and laboratory rotations. After rotations in four different laboratories, students identify a faculty mentor, continue class-work and conduct experimental research in the identified area of immunology. Direct placement into a research laboratory is also possible. After successful completion of all required coursework (see Study Plan) students advance to PhD candidacy by passing a comprehensive Qualifying Examination, usually in the summer of their second year. Examination is on a research proposal, knowledge in general immunology, two sub-specialties of immunology as well as an outside research area chosen in discussion with the faculty mentor and graduate adviser. Students may also choose to further specialize by taking a Designated Emphasis in either Biotechnology or Vector-borne Diseases. A PhD is awarded after successful completion of a written dissertation. Students usually receive their degree within 5 - 6 years.
Masters students identify a research laboratory directly upon entering the program. The Master's degree is awarded upon successful completion of coursework and composition of a Masters thesis. A Master's degree is awarded usually within 2 years.
Additional information about the graduate group can be obtained from the graduate group chair, Nicole Baumgarth, or the program assistant, Jessica Drushell.