MS in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Course Information

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General Course Information

Please see the USC Schedule of Classes under “MICB” for courses currently offered.

The following departmental (MICB) and interdepartmental (INTD) courses are offered on a variable schedule (units in parenthesis):

  • Molecular and Cellular Immunology (2, max 8)
    Specific Topics to be scheduled on a yearly and rotating basis.
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  • Molecular Biology of Cancer (4)
    Coverage of chemical, viral, and radiation carcinogenesis; epidemiology of human cancer; cancer immunology; DNA repair and mutagenesis in mammalian cells; cell cycle; chemically induced neoplastic cell transformation; molecular biology of lung cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, breast cancer, prostate cancer.

  • Infection and Host Response (4)
    Introduction to immunology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, mycology, and overview of representative major diseases caused by microorganisms.

  • Cell Biology (4)
    Current perspectives on major research areas in cell biology. Emphasis will be on-depth examination of cellular structures, regulatory processes, intracellular routing & targeting, and cell/environmental interactions.

  • Animal Virology (2, max 6)
    Virus structure and chemistry; virus-cell interactions; aspects of virus genetics; molecular biology; pathogenesis, immunology, and evolution of viral infections.

  • Student Seminar Series (1, max 8)
    Microbiology students will present research seminars describing their thesis progress.
    Prerequisite: completion of first two semesters.

  • Procaryotic Molecular Genetics (4)
    Macromolecular processes and their regulation in prokaryotic cells; replication, transcription and post-transcriptional events in general and as related to operons, phage biology and eukaryotic organelles; molecular mechanisms of mutagenesis, DNA damage and repair.; insertion sequences and transposons.

  • Recent Advances in Microbiology (1, max 6)
    Intensive examination of selected topics in microbiology; student presentations and critiques.

  • Molecular Genetics (4)
    Prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular genetics; DNA and RNA structure and function; biochemistry and molecular biology of replication, transcription, RNA processing, translation, and regulation of gene expression.

  • Microbiology Research Seminar (1, max 10)
    Critical discussion of current research topics. Students present published and unpublished research results for discussion and critique during their lab meetings.

  • Biochemistry (4)
    Physical-chemical basis of life processes.
    Required for all MICB students.

  • Directed Research (1-10)
    Research leading to the master’s degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree requirements may not exceed 10.
    Graded CR/NC (no letter grade).

  • Master’s Thesis (2-2-0)
    Credit on acceptance of thesis
    Graded IP/CR/NC (no letter grade).

Requirements for Graduation

In order to successfully graduate from our program and receive the Master’s Degree in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, the following requirements have to be met:

  • Completion of a total of 34 units of elective graduate study (coursework + laboratory research) as determined by the MS Student Handbook and the student’s Guidance & Advisory Committee (GAC).
  • Overall grade point average (GPA) of ≥3.00.
  • Candidates pursuing the thesis option must complete a written thesis based on original research and present a seminar of this work.
  • Students pursuing the non-thesis option must complete coursework and present a seminar on their laboratory work.