Microbiology and Immunology (Thesis) (M.Sc.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Microbiology & Immunology (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences)
Degree: Master of Science
Program credit weight: 45
Thesis Courses (33 credits)
Course List
Course
Title
Credits
MIMM 697 Master's Research 1. 11 Master's Research 1.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
Independent work under the direction of a supervisor on a research problem in the student's designated area of research.
MIMM 698 Master's Research 2. 11 Master's Research 2.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
Independent work under the direction of a supervisor on a research problem in the student's designated area of research.
MIMM 699 Master's Research 3. 11 Master's Research 3.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
Independent work under the direction of a supervisor on a research problem in the student's designated area of research.
Required Courses (6 credits)
Course List
Course
Title
Credits
MIMM 611 Graduate Seminars 1. 3 Graduate Seminars 1.
Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026
Presentation of a research proposal seminar, which is not held publically but presented and evaluated in the context of the first Advisory Committee meeting. Presentation of the relevant background of the research project, the hypothesis to be tested, the objectives of the research project and summary of the experimental approach that will be used.
MIMM 612 Graduate Seminars 2. 3 Graduate Seminars 2.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
Presentation of a scientific seminar, which includes a summary of the relevant background of the research project, the hypothesis being tested, the student’s experimental work to date and the future objectives.
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
Minimum 6 credits from:
Course List
Course
Title
Credits
MIMM 607 Biochemical Pathology. 3 Biochemical Pathology.
Terms offered: Winter 2026
Immunopathogenesis of Human Disease: Lectures and seminars on immune-regulatory mechanisms (cellular/molecular), maintaining the balance between protection and pathology; pathogenesis of major infectious diseases with bacterial, viral and parasitic involvement (e.g. tuberculosis, AIDS, malaria) and classical immune disorders (e.g. asthma).
MIMM 616 Reading and Conference 1. 3 Reading and Conference 1.
Terms offered: Fall 2025
Student presentations, taken from current literature, are concerned with aspects of a central topic. Presentations are designed to be informal and to generate student discussions. Topic will change from term to term.
MIMM 617 Reading and Conference 2. 1 3 Reading and Conference 2.
Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.
Student presentations, taken from current literature, are concerned with aspects of a central topic. Presentations are designed to be informal and to generate student discussions. Topic will change from term to term.
MIMM 619 Reading and Conference 4. 1 3 Reading and Conference 4.
Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.
Student presentations, taken from current literature, are concerned with aspects of a central topic. Presentations are designed to be informal and to generate student discussions. Topic will change from term to term.
NEUR 502 Basic and Clinical Aspects of Neuroimmunology. 3 Basic and Clinical Aspects of Neuroimmunology.
Terms offered: Winter 2026
The role of inflammation in physiological function of the nervous system, as well as in a broad range of neurological diseases where inflammation can act as a
contributing factor to the development of pathology or promote recovery, including fundamentals of neuroimmunology to molecular/cellular aspects of
neuroinflammation underlying the pathology seen in clinical conditions.
- 1
Not offered in every academic year.
Any life sciences-related 500-level or above course (3 credits). Department approval required.
Microbiology and Immunology (Thesis) (M.Sc.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Microbiology & Immunology (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences)
Degree: Master of Science
Program credit weight: 45
Thesis Courses (33 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MIMM 697 | Master's Research 1. | 11 |
Master's Research 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Independent work under the direction of a supervisor on a research problem in the student's designated area of research. | ||
| MIMM 698 | Master's Research 2. | 11 |
Master's Research 2. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Independent work under the direction of a supervisor on a research problem in the student's designated area of research. | ||
| MIMM 699 | Master's Research 3. | 11 |
Master's Research 3. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Independent work under the direction of a supervisor on a research problem in the student's designated area of research. | ||
Required Courses (6 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MIMM 611 | Graduate Seminars 1. | 3 |
Graduate Seminars 1. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Presentation of a research proposal seminar, which is not held publically but presented and evaluated in the context of the first Advisory Committee meeting. Presentation of the relevant background of the research project, the hypothesis to be tested, the objectives of the research project and summary of the experimental approach that will be used. | ||
| MIMM 612 | Graduate Seminars 2. | 3 |
Graduate Seminars 2. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Presentation of a scientific seminar, which includes a summary of the relevant background of the research project, the hypothesis being tested, the student’s experimental work to date and the future objectives. | ||
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
Minimum 6 credits from:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MIMM 607 | Biochemical Pathology. | 3 |
Biochemical Pathology. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Immunopathogenesis of Human Disease: Lectures and seminars on immune-regulatory mechanisms (cellular/molecular), maintaining the balance between protection and pathology; pathogenesis of major infectious diseases with bacterial, viral and parasitic involvement (e.g. tuberculosis, AIDS, malaria) and classical immune disorders (e.g. asthma). | ||
| MIMM 616 | Reading and Conference 1. | 3 |
Reading and Conference 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Student presentations, taken from current literature, are concerned with aspects of a central topic. Presentations are designed to be informal and to generate student discussions. Topic will change from term to term. | ||
| MIMM 617 | Reading and Conference 2. 1 | 3 |
Reading and Conference 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Student presentations, taken from current literature, are concerned with aspects of a central topic. Presentations are designed to be informal and to generate student discussions. Topic will change from term to term. | ||
| MIMM 619 | Reading and Conference 4. 1 | 3 |
Reading and Conference 4. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Student presentations, taken from current literature, are concerned with aspects of a central topic. Presentations are designed to be informal and to generate student discussions. Topic will change from term to term. | ||
| NEUR 502 | Basic and Clinical Aspects of Neuroimmunology. | 3 |
Basic and Clinical Aspects of Neuroimmunology. Terms offered: Winter 2026 The role of inflammation in physiological function of the nervous system, as well as in a broad range of neurological diseases where inflammation can act as a contributing factor to the development of pathology or promote recovery, including fundamentals of neuroimmunology to molecular/cellular aspects of neuroinflammation underlying the pathology seen in clinical conditions. | ||
- 1
Not offered in every academic year.
Any life sciences-related 500-level or above course (3 credits). Department approval required.
The goal of the MSc program is to prepare students for scientific careers in many areas of microbiology and immunology. Research training focuses on the major topics of research in the department: molecular biology, microbiology and microbial physiology, virology, genetics, immunology, drug design and parasitology. These research programs provide students with training in the latest experimental approaches in molecular and cellular biology applied to important problems in microbiology and immunology.
Microbiology and Immunology (Ph.D.)
Offered by: Microbiology & Immunology (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences)
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Program Description
The primary goal of the Ph.D. program is to create a self-propelled researcher, proficient in experimental designs and advanced methodologies applicable to the varied and rapidly changing disciplines in microbiology and immunology. Close research supervision and bi-weekly laboratory sessions impart the requisite research discipline and objective assessment of acquired or published research data.
Thesis
A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.
Required Courses (9 credits)
Course List
Course
Title
Credits
MIMM 611 Graduate Seminars 1. 3 Graduate Seminars 1.
Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026
Presentation of a research proposal seminar, which is not held publically but presented and evaluated in the context of the first Advisory Committee meeting. Presentation of the relevant background of the research project, the hypothesis to be tested, the objectives of the research project and summary of the experimental approach that will be used.
MIMM 612 Graduate Seminars 2. 3 Graduate Seminars 2.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
Presentation of a scientific seminar, which includes a summary of the relevant background of the research project, the hypothesis being tested, the student’s experimental work to date and the future objectives.
MIMM 701 Comprehensive Examination-Ph.D. Candidate. 0 Comprehensive Examination-Ph.D. Candidate.
Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026
An examination that must be passed by all doctoral candidates in order to continue in the doctoral program. The comprehensive examination includes submission of a written research proposal, an oral presentation of the research accomplishments to date and an oral testing on the understanding of the research area and of relevant areas related to the research project. Students are expected to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of their research area and a good understanding of relevant areas related to their project.
MIMM 713 Graduate Seminars 3. 3 Graduate Seminars 3.
Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
Presentation of a maximum of three seminars topics throughout the course of their degree program.
Complementary Courses (9 credits)
9 credits from the following:
Course List
Course
Title
Credits
MIMM 616 Reading and Conference 1. 3 Reading and Conference 1.
Terms offered: Fall 2025
Student presentations, taken from current literature, are concerned with aspects of a central topic. Presentations are designed to be informal and to generate student discussions. Topic will change from term to term.
MIMM 617 Reading and Conference 2. 3 Reading and Conference 2.
Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.
Student presentations, taken from current literature, are concerned with aspects of a central topic. Presentations are designed to be informal and to generate student discussions. Topic will change from term to term.
MIMM 619 Reading and Conference 4. 3 Reading and Conference 4.
Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.
Student presentations, taken from current literature, are concerned with aspects of a central topic. Presentations are designed to be informal and to generate student discussions. Topic will change from term to term.
OR
Any life sciences-related courses at the 500 level or higher. Departmental approval is required.
Microbiology and Immunology (Ph.D.)
Offered by: Microbiology & Immunology (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences)
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Program Description
The primary goal of the Ph.D. program is to create a self-propelled researcher, proficient in experimental designs and advanced methodologies applicable to the varied and rapidly changing disciplines in microbiology and immunology. Close research supervision and bi-weekly laboratory sessions impart the requisite research discipline and objective assessment of acquired or published research data.
Thesis
A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.
Required Courses (9 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MIMM 611 | Graduate Seminars 1. | 3 |
Graduate Seminars 1. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Presentation of a research proposal seminar, which is not held publically but presented and evaluated in the context of the first Advisory Committee meeting. Presentation of the relevant background of the research project, the hypothesis to be tested, the objectives of the research project and summary of the experimental approach that will be used. | ||
| MIMM 612 | Graduate Seminars 2. | 3 |
Graduate Seminars 2. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Presentation of a scientific seminar, which includes a summary of the relevant background of the research project, the hypothesis being tested, the student’s experimental work to date and the future objectives. | ||
| MIMM 701 | Comprehensive Examination-Ph.D. Candidate. | 0 |
Comprehensive Examination-Ph.D. Candidate. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 An examination that must be passed by all doctoral candidates in order to continue in the doctoral program. The comprehensive examination includes submission of a written research proposal, an oral presentation of the research accomplishments to date and an oral testing on the understanding of the research area and of relevant areas related to the research project. Students are expected to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of their research area and a good understanding of relevant areas related to their project. | ||
| MIMM 713 | Graduate Seminars 3. | 3 |
Graduate Seminars 3. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Presentation of a maximum of three seminars topics throughout the course of their degree program. | ||
Complementary Courses (9 credits)
9 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MIMM 616 | Reading and Conference 1. | 3 |
Reading and Conference 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Student presentations, taken from current literature, are concerned with aspects of a central topic. Presentations are designed to be informal and to generate student discussions. Topic will change from term to term. | ||
| MIMM 617 | Reading and Conference 2. | 3 |
Reading and Conference 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Student presentations, taken from current literature, are concerned with aspects of a central topic. Presentations are designed to be informal and to generate student discussions. Topic will change from term to term. | ||
| MIMM 619 | Reading and Conference 4. | 3 |
Reading and Conference 4. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Student presentations, taken from current literature, are concerned with aspects of a central topic. Presentations are designed to be informal and to generate student discussions. Topic will change from term to term. | ||
OR
Any life sciences-related courses at the 500 level or higher. Departmental approval is required.
The PhD degree is now required for many scientific positions that lead to higher levels of responsibility. Our program aims to produce scientists capable of solving basic biological and health-related problems who will be competitive for leadership positions in universities, government laboratories and the private sector.