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Molecular Medicine is the branch of biology dealing with the study of eukaryotic cells,
especially their formation, structure, components, and function. Immunology is the
study of the defense mechanisms of the host against infectious diseases, cancers and
other diseases. Microbiology is the study of microscopic forms of life, including
bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi. The disciplines of Cancer Research, Molecular
Genetics and Infectious & Inflammatory Diseases are uniquely intertwined and rely
on cutting-edge techniques to answer questions related to multiple diseases. Gaining
a thorough understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms used by the body
to combat infectious diseases and other pathologies can result in the development
of therapeutic approaches to prevent and cure these diseases.
Specific research interests of the cell biology, immunology, and microbiology faculty
include neuroinflammation; HIV-1 biology; fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging; regulation
of eukaryotic gene expression; T cell and NK cell biology; host response to infections;
molecular immunology; tumor immunology; cytokine biology; vision research; and molecular
diagnostics for emerging vector borne pathogens. Faculty programs are funded by multiple
sources including the federal government, state government, and private foundations.Students
may enter the program with a variety of academic backgrounds, providing that they
have fulfilled prerequisite courses. The graduate training program involves core courses
in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, immunology and microbiology, physiology,
and pharmacology, as well as advanced courses in selected topics. Students participate
in seminars and discussion of current research and receive extensive training in techniques
of contemporary microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, and immunology. Students
perform original, publishable research and present their research findings at national
scientific meetings. In addition, students are required to present their research
at the annual UNT Health Research Appreciation Day (RAD) and during the weekly departmental
Works in Progress (WIPs). Approximately two years are required to complete the Master
of Science degree, while the Doctor of Philosophy degree is normally completed in
approximately five years. Graduates with advanced degrees find employment in higher
education, industry and government agencies.
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