McGill University, MSc, Microbiology and Immunology

The primary goal of this program is to provide students with unique opportunities to learn experimental designs and fundamental research techniques, and objectively synthesize information from scientific literature. These tools enable the students to focus on major research topics offered by the Department: molecular microbiology, mycology, microbial physiology, virology, genetics, immunology, drug design, and aspects of host-parasite relationships. Each M.Sc. student chooses their preferred major research area and research supervisor. Following an interview, the student is presented with a research topic and offered a studentship (amounts vary). Each student then must register for our graduate courses (two seminars, two reading and conference courses, and three current topics). If pertinent to the student’s research program, the research adviser may advise the student to take additional courses. Most of our students, after one year, are proficient researchers, and some first authors of a research publication. About 70% of the M.Sc. students elect to enter into our Ph.D. program. The remaining students advance their microbiology background by opting to enter into medicine, epidemiology, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical disciplines.