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):

  • (2 units, Fall)
    Specific Topics to be scheduled on a yearly and rotating basis.

  • (4 units, Fall)
    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.

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

  • (4 units, Fall)
    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.

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

  • (1 unit, Fall)
    Microbiology students will present research seminars describing their thesis progress.
    Prerequisite: completion of first two semesters.

  • (1 unit, Fall and Spring)
    Intensive examination of selected topics in microbiology; student presentations and critiques.

    (i) The Fall semester version will focus on facilities, equipment, and research activities within the MMI Department, along with student summaries. The Fall version can be taken only once and is mandatory. It is strongly recommended that students enroll in the Fall version of this course as early as possible (i.e., during their first semester / first year).

    (ii) The Spring semester version in odd years (2025, 2027, etc.) will focus on bioinformatics and hands-on learning how to mine large datasets. Students bring their laptop to class and practice how to access raw datasets and extract information. This version of the course is optional.

    (iii) The Spring semester version in even years (2026, 2028, etc.) will have flexible format, but is generally delivered as a journal club with student presentations. This version of the course is optional.

  • (1 unit, Fall, Spring and Summer)
    Critical discussion of current research topics. Students present published and unpublished research results for discussion and critique during their lab meetings. Course can be taken repeatedly.

  • (1  or more units, Fall, Spring and Summer)
    Research leading to the master’s degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree requirements may not exceed 10. If taking MICB 594A and MICB 594B (thesis courses), the maximum units which may be applied to the degree requirements may not exceed 6. Graded CR/NC (no letter grade).

  • Master’s Thesis (2/2/0)
    Credit on acceptance of thesis.
    Graded Credit (CR) / No Credit (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.