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 more than 68 faculty and approximately 50 students. Participating faculty are located in multiple departments within the Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, the Colleges of Biological Sciences, Agriculture and Engineering, as well as the California National Primate Research Center and the Comprehensive Cancer Center. The emphasis of the Graduate Group in Immunology is on the PhD program, although in very special circumstances the program offers a M.S. degree in Immunology. The PhD program begins with coursework and laboratory rotations. All students are assigned a Graduate Academic Advisor, who will provide help in selecting courses, identifying potential labs for rotations, selecting faculty to serve on qualifying and thesis committees, and with general aspects of career development. After rotations in two different laboratories, students identify a faculty mentor (referred to as Major Professor), whose lab they will conduct their dissertation research. Students then continue their required coursework and conduct experimental research in their Major Professor's laboratory. After successful completion of all required coursework (see Study Plan in the GGI Student Handbook) students advance to Ph.D. candidacy by passing a comprehensive Qualifying Examination, usually in the summer of their second year. This Qualifying Examination includes defense of a research proposal, and demonstration of knowledge in general immunology, two sub-specialties of immunology, and an outside research related to their dissertation research. Some students may choose to further specialize by taking a Designated Emphasis in either Biotechnology, Host-Microbe Interaction, Vector-borne Diseases, or Translational Research. A Ph.D. is awarded after successful completion of a written dissertation, approved by their Thesis Committee. Students usually receive their degree within 5 - 6 years.
Additional information about the graduate group can be obtained from the program coordinator, Erin Kent.