Applied Biosciences - Medical Microbiology and Immunology

Overview

The focus in the  Applied Biosciences - Medical Microbiology and Immunology degree offered by the University of Arizona is training students to attain a graduate level biomedical education with an emphasis on medical microbiology, immunology, and virology.

The disciplines of microbiology and immunology started centuries ago with the development of the simple microscope (the 1600's).  Using this new scientific tool and the seminal work by major microbiologist’s in the 1800’s, led to the vanquishing of the theory of spontaneous generation as the source of disease. 

The ultimate cause of the disease was shown, using hypothesis-based scientific investigations, to be microorganisms or bacteria, and became known as “The Germ Theory” of disease.  

These foundations in Medical Microbiology led to queries into how one could prevent disease by vaccination and by the use of antisera (antibody). These studies used antibodies raised against the bacterial toxins in animals. 

The antitoxin serum led to the use of passive immunization to protect and cure infectious diseases and vaccines against these deadly agents.

This work was seminal in the development and futures discoveries in the field of immunology.  Major research and discoveries in the areas of medical microbiology and immunology have played a major part in the rapid advances in genomics, bioinformatics, and biotechnology. These technologies have also had a major impact on recent advancements in MMI.

Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs

The Graduate College sponsors several Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDPs) in addition to the many interdisciplinary possibilities available through regular graduate degree programs. 

GIDPs transcend departmental boundaries by facilitating cutting edge teaching and research at the nexus of traditional disciplines. The high value placed on interdisciplinary research and education is indicative of The University of Arizona 's enthusiasm and commitment to fostering innovation and creativity among its faculty and students.