IMMUNOLOGY and
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS

Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Faculty and Research Interests

The Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Curriculum provides a multidisciplinary framework for students pursuing concentrated studies in the fields of Immunology and/or Microbiology (including bacteria, protozoan parasites and viruses). Emphasis is placed on an integrated approach to student training that examines mechanisms of pathogenic virulence as well as the resulting innate and acquired immune responses. Much of the research conducted by IMP faculty is done on a collaborative basis, making use of a wide variety of modern techniques in cellular and molecular biology.

Program of Study

After developing a strong foundation in modern biology through the IGP core courses, students entering the IMP curriculum can receive extensive training in Immunology, Bacteriology, and Virology. IMP students are encouraged to tailor their elective course work to meet their individual academic and research interests.

In addition to formal course work, IMP students participate in weekly journal clubs, departmental and campus-wide seminar series, student presentation series, research interest discussion groups, lab meetings, and other formal and informal training opportunities. A number of Chicago area interest groups, such as the Chicago Area Virology Association, the Chicago Association of Immunologists, and the Chicago Area Molecular Parasitology group, provide monthly meetings for labs from several regional universities. Chicago also serves as the host city for a number of annual scientific meetings attended by researchers from throughout the Midwest.
Many IMP faculty belong to the Northwestern University Immunobiology Center, which maintains a state-of-the-art flow cytometry facility within the Microbiology-Immunology Department. IMP faculty also make extensive use of the Northwestern University Transgenic Mouse Facility and the modern animal care facilities.