The National Institutes of Health-University of Pennsylvania Graduate Training Program in Immunology is directed toward the acquisition of knowledge of molecular and basic immunology as well as the necessary foundation in the appropriate basic disciplines. These basic areas include biochemistry, molecular genetics, cell biology, virology, developmental biology and physical chemistry and all are related to understanding the mechanisms of disease. Based on a long history of excellent research in immunology at both the University of Pennsylvania and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) intramural laboratories, this combined program assures students of training with outstanding investigators in the most current laboratory facilities.
After taking basic courses in the first year of study and working part-time in a laboratory, students take advanced courses in their area of interest in the second year. Students are expected to pass a preliminary examination generally by the end of the second year that tests their knowledge and potential for conducting independent immunological research. During the second year, students select a research supervisor at either the NIH or the University of Pennsylvania after exploring thesis research options through various short laboratory experiences during the first and second years. Depending on the thesis research area, students may spend research time at either or both institutions and have an advisory committee composed of both NIH and University of Pennsylvania faculty.
This program utilizes the faculty and facilities of the many departments of the Schools of Arts and Science, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania and laboratories of the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia as well as the many investigators and institutes of the NIH and its large Clinical Research Center. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease at NIH has hundreds of researchers and postdoctoral fellows doing immunology-related research and the Vaccine Development Center at NIH affords a singular training opportunity.
The Graduate Student Group in immunology has approximately 60 students with 15-20 new students admitted each year. Students doing their immunology dissertation research in NIH laboratories are supported for up to five years with stipend, tuition, and medical insurance funding from NIH.
Students wishing to be considered for admission into this partnership need to submit the University application by the specified deadline.
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