From the Chairman's Office
As you begin the process of selecting an outstanding academic program for graduate
school, I appreciate the opportunity to describe the Department of Microbiology
and Immunology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San
Antonio.
Knowledge in the biological and biomedical sciences is accumulating at a
remarkably rapid pace. All of us are witnessing this extraordinary scientific
revolution and almost endless application of today's discoveries and modern
technologies to improve tomorrow's lifestyles. Our responsibility to graduate
students in the Microbiology and Immunology Program is to provide solid and sufficiently broad
educational opportunities in the biological sciences so that each student
encounters and utilizes interdisciplinary and state-of-the-art approaches to
further scientific investigation. Our graduate course curriculum emphasizes the
fundamentals of microbial physiology and genetics, pathogenic mechanisms,
immunology, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology. Advanced courses in
each of these areas are available so that students can build upon their existing
knowledge base. Also, students assist faculty to a limited degree in the
teaching of medical and dental students, and public school teachers, gaining
important classroom experiences. Furthermore, students learn to write and
critique grant proposals, develop skills in communication, and discuss the
ethical basis of scientific research and conduct.
A wide range of ongoing departmental research activities in faculty
laboratories provide students with many opportunities for their dissertation
work, including studies on the molecular basis of emerging infectious diseases; virulence mechanisms of bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic agents, including bioagents requiring specialized containment facilities; ontogeny and immunological basis of protective and inflammatory processes; development of vaccines and diagnostic reagents; global gene expression and many other research areas. Therefore, each subdiscipline of microbiology and immunology is represented by a core of well-funded, accomplished and enthusiastic faculty. Our excellent seminar program and specialty journal clubs further strengthen the overall research
environment. Outstanding laboratory facilities and cutting-edge technologies and equipment are utilized by each graduate student. Our goal is to train students to be not only independent creative thinkers but also role models in the community at large. The quest for discovery and the synthesis of new and relevant knowledge into insightful and important applications are the
overriding themes as one progresses through the Microbiology and Immunology Program. After
program completion our graduates have been highly successful in entering exciting
and rewarding academic, industrial, and government-related professional careers.
We intend to continue this track record. All of us in the Department of
Microbiology and Immunology would be pleased to assist you in your important
decision.
Sincerely,
Joel B. Baseman, Ph.D.
Professor and
Chair
Department of Microbiology &
Immunology
