Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Immunology
The Ph.D. in Immunology is awarded after completion of three phases of study: (i) coursework; (ii) an oral qualifying examination, and (iii) filing a dissertation. The dissertation is a written synopsis of the original, scholarly research activities conducted for the Ph.D. degree. The written dissertation must demonstrate your ability to conduct independent research of significance, as determined by your Dissertation Committee. Coursework requirements are dependent on whether a Ph.D. or a dual (M.D./Ph.D. or D.V.M/Ph.D.) degree is sought and are outlined in the respective Study Plans (see GGI Handbook). Apart from core courses in immunology, the student will select courses in outside areas to provide general background, preparation for the oral qualifying examination, and preparation for the research on which the dissertation is to be based. The selection of appropriate coursework is made in consultation with the academic advisor and the faculty mentor (major professor). Following laboratory rotations, during the first two quarters of residence, the student will identify a faculty mentor and develop a research proposal.
The oral qualifying examination is administered by a five-member committee, appointed by the Dean of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Executive Committee of the group. The examination should be taken during the first two years of residence (usually in the summer of year 1 for dual degree students and no later than the summer of year 2 for Ph.D. students). The student will be examined on the written research proposal that is to be provided to the Qualifying Examination (QE) committee at least two weeks prior to the examination date. The student will also be examined on general knowledge of immunology, as well as in two specialized areas of immunology (e.g., adaptive immunity, autoimmunity, cancer immunology, clinical immunology, immune signaling, innate immunity, mucosal immunology, neuroimmunology, nutrition and immunity). In addition, the student will be examined in one outside area, usually related to the student's area of research (e.g. virology, microbiology, neurology, pathology, cell biology). The student should have preparation equivalent to an upper division course in the outside area.
After passing the Qualifying Examination the student advances to candidacy (Ph.D. Plan C). The student then works toward completion of the research and dissertation. The student, in consultation with the faculty mentor and graduate advisor, will identify a Dissertation Committee. The student's faculty mentor (major professor) acts as the Chair of the Dissertation Committee. Two additional committee members are identified by the student, nominated by the graduate adviser, and approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies. The student is expected to meet at least once a year with the Dissertation Committee to report on progress and to receive feedback from the committee. Upon completion of the research component, the candidate will report the significant research findings in the context of the existing literature, and with discussion on the implication of the findings in form of a written dissertation. Following approval of the dissertation by each member of the Dissertation Committee, the student will submit the dissertation to Graduate Studies.
The Ph.D. student will present a formal research exit seminar, followed by a closed-door exam with the Dissertation Committee, upon completion of the written dissertation.
Master of Science (M.S.)
There are two plans under which a student may pursue a M.S. degree at UC Davis: Plan I (by thesis); and Plan II (by comprehensive examination).
The graduate group in immunology currently only offers admission to the Master Plan I (by thesis). Candidates for the M.S. degree will only be considered for admission under very special circumstances: 2-year government sponsored fellowship, or a commitment of full financial support by a GGI faculty member, or a current UC Davis Ph.D. student in another discipline who wishes to pursue a dual degree Ph.D./M.S. in Immunology. If one of these special circumstances apply to you, and you wish to apply to the M.S. program, please contact the Graduate Group Administrator (eckent@ucdavis.edu) prior to submitting your application.
M.S. by comprehensive examination (Plan II) is available only under exceptional circumstances. To receive the M.S. degree, students are required to be in residence a minimum of three quarters. A M.S. Plan I degree is usually obtained within 2 years.
Plan I (M.S. degree by thesis):
Students who meet the very special circumstances listed above must identify a sponsoring faculty member for admission to the M.S. degree program. Upon entering the program, the student will conduct coursework and research under the guidance of the identified faculty mentor. The degree requires completion of coursework as outlined in the M.S. degree Study Plan (see GGI Student Handbook) and a written thesis. M.S. Plan I students will enroll in graduate coursework consisting of core classes (12 units), selectives (6-10 units), seminars (2-3 units/year), 4-8 units of upper division or graduate level electives (100 and 200 series), as well as 299 research units for a minimum of 30 units. As soon as possible, but no later than Spring quarter of the first year, the student, in consultation with the faculty mentor and the graduate advisor, will identify a Thesis Committee. The Thesis Committee consists of three faculty members. The sponsoring faculty mentor acts as the Chair of the Thesis Committee. The Chair and the two additional members are appointed by the Dean of Graduate Studies, on recommendation by the student's Graduate Advisor.
Plan II (M.S. degree by comprehensive examination):
M.S. Plan II students will enroll in graduate level coursework consisting of core classes (8 units), selectives (6-10 units), seminars (2-3 units/year), as well as 4-8 units of upper division or graduate level electives (100 and 200 series only), and 299 research units for a minimum of 36 units. The core classes, selectives, and seminars listed above are all graduate level classes in the major field of Immunology and can be used towards 18 of the 36-unit requirement. Under this plan, passing a comprehensive final examination is required to obtain the M.S. degree.