Overview
Indiana University is a comprehensive statewide university system, with core campuses located at Indianapolis and Bloomington. The department of microbiology and immunology is located in the Indiana University School of Medicine on the campus of IUPUI in Indianapolis. The campus also includes law, allied health, dental and nursing schools, four hospitals, and the IUPUI undergraduate schools.

The department maintains a group of approximately 35 graduate students. Typically, between 6 and 8 students are admitted each year. Their undergraduate backgrounds include degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular and cellular biology. Recent graduates have moved on to postdoctoral research positions in academic and industrial settings. Others are primary faculty members teaching at liberal arts colleges.

The Location and Community
Indianapolis, a rapidly developing metropolitan area of more than 1 million people, has gained nationwide recognition as an attractive place to live. It is the capital city of Indiana, and the campus is located within walking distance of a vibrant downtown. The Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus contains world-class athletic facilities for swimming and diving as well as for track and field. Many Olympic qualifying and collegiate championships continue to be held on campus at these facilities. Professional sports include baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer. The city has one of the nation's finest orchestras and art museums. Cultural activities include touring plays, theater, and art festivals. Indianapolis is home to two recreational reservoirs, large parks, and many fine public golf courses. The popular Indianapolis 500 auto race takes place in the city every May.

Programs of Study and Degree Requirements
The department offers a comprehensive program of study and research leading to the Ph.D. degree. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach of molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques as a means to solve current problems in molecular and cellular immunology, microbial pathogenesis, virology, and cancer biology. The primary goal of the department is to prepare students for careers in both basic research and teaching.

During the first two years of graduate work, students take courses in an area of focus based on their research interests (immunology, pathogenesis, or cancer). This includes core courses in molecular biology and cell biology and selected courses in immunology, pathogenesis, virology, and/or cancer. Students are introduced to research opportunities in the department by a series of three laboratory rotations. In March of their first year, students select a research adviser and advisory committee and begin their thesis research project. Formal course work is typically completed by the end of the second year. At this time, students take a written and oral qualifying examination to be admitted to candidacy for an advanced degree. The remaining time in the program is spent toward developing both research and problem-solving skills. Progression to the Ph.D. normally takes four to five years.

In addition to course work and research, students further develop their scientific and communication skills through their participation in supervised teaching, student seminars, journal clubs, and representation of their own research at local and national meetings. The department sponsors a weekly seminar series that, in conjunction with campuswide seminars, covers a diverse set of topics exposing students to national and international research investigators.

Within the department, faculty interests are diverse, creating opportunities for a wide variety of research projects. Current topics of investigation include cancer (cancer cell biology, DNA repair, gene therapy, hematopoiesis, stem cell transplantation, tumor immunity, viral oncogenesis); immunology (autoimmunity, innate immunity, development and differentiation of immune cell function, transplantation biology); and pathogenesis (gene therapy and viral vectors, viral gene regulation, mechanisms of host-cell invasion, viral and bacterial pathogenesis). Faculty members also have affiliations with the NCI-designated Indiana University Cancer Center, Walther Oncology Center, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, and the Sexually Transmitted Disease Center and training programs in cancer, diabetes, aging, and gene transfer/gene therapy.

Facilities & Resources
New laboratories throughout the department are well equipped with the necessary tools for current multidisciplinary approaches to scientific investigation in microbiology and immunology. Computer facilities within the department and on campus connect students to the Internet. Students have access to the Biochemistry Biotechnology Facility, which contains the latest equipment for DNA and protein synthesis and sequencing, image analysis, and computer sequence analysis. Genomic, proteomic, and flow cytometry facilities are available to all researchers. Transgenic and knockout mice can be generated in a modern animal-care facility located within the School of Medicine.

Expenses and Aid
Normally, all students in the doctoral program receive a full stipend, health insurance, and payment of tuition costs. Students are expected to purchase any required textbooks and pay for parking and the preparation of the thesis. Travel costs and expenses for students to represent their research at national meetings are generally available.

Financial Aid:
Financial support includes a stipend, currently $22,000 annually, health insurance, and tuition. This support is provided by University fellowships, research grants, departmental assistantships, and work-study programs. Numerous opportunities are available for spousal employment on campus and within the metropolitan area.

Housing/Living Expenses:
Indianapolis is a very affordable place to live and study. Apartments are available within walking distance or a short drive from campus. Major streets and interstate highways make the campus easily accessible.

How to Apply / Application
A strong background in molecular and/or cellular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or related fields is recommended for applicants. Undergraduate courses should include basic biology, genetics, general and organic chemistry, physics, calculus, and biochemistry. The General Test of the GRE is required, and a Subject Test is recommended. Applications should be submitted to the department by February 15 for matriculation in the fall semester. Students are selected on the basis of undergraduate grades, test scores, personal statement, research interests, letters of recommendation, and interviews with faculty members.

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