Immunology and Medical Microbiology

Department website: http://medicine.wvu.edu/immunology-and-medical-microbiology/

Degree Offered

• Bachelor of Science

Introduction

Every day of our lives, we are exposed to microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. For the most part we suffer no disease or symptoms from these organisms, and they often go unnoticed. The single system in the body that allows life to continue in the face of these assaults is the immune system. The immune system is the network of cells and their biological processes that enable the body to recognize diseased cells or the invasion by microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and prions) and eliminate them. The scientific discipline called immunology is the study of this system, and medical microbiology is the study of the disease states induced by the invasion of microorganisms. Collectively, these two disciplines address how humans and other mammals respond to infectious disease. These scientific disciplines have become the cornerstone for many industries - including the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical and public health industries. These are all areas of particular emphasis and are being targeted for further development in West Virginia.

Educational Objectives

The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Immunology and Medical Microbiology will prepare students from diverse backgrounds to serve as professionals that are knowledgeable about the immune system of humans and other mammals, how the immune system functions, and the consequences of its malfunction on the health of the host. Knowledge of the immune system will be fully integrated with an excellent understanding of the diversity of microorganisms that cause disease in humans and other mammals and mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. Graduates will possess the laboratory skills and knowledge needed to assess the functional status of the immune system and to safely cultivate and identify microorganisms that cause disease in mammals. Graduates will be qualified to pursue several professional career paths in private industry, state and federal government, and academic institutions. The degree can also provide a strong foundation to progress to advanced studies including medical school, dental school, and graduate school.

Relationship of the Objectives to the Mission of WVU

The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Immunology and Medical Microbiology directly fulfills many of the stated objectives in the Strategic Plan for WVU, the WVU Health Sciences Center, and the WVU School of Medicine. It will be a financially viable, innovative, and dynamic educational program that provides a unique opportunity to earn a degree in Immunology and Medical Microbiology for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. Its learner-centered curriculum will integrate both classroom and hands-on laboratory experiences. Graduates of the program will provide the state of West Virginia with a well-trained healthcare and research workforce who have the education and experience to work in a variety of occupations that require knowledge in immunology, medical microbiology and related disciplines.

Immunology & Medical Microbiology

The Bachelor of Science degree in Immunology and Medical Microbiology will prepare students from diverse backgrounds to serve as professionals that are knowledgeable about the immune system of humans and other mammals, how the immune system functions, and the consequences of its malfunction on the health of the host. Knowledge of the immune system will be fully integrated with an excellent understanding of the diversity of microorganisms that cause disease in humans and other mammals and mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. Graduates will possess the laboratory skills and knowledge needed to assess the functional status of the immune system and to safely cultivate and identify microorganisms that cause disease in mammals. Graduates will be qualified to pursue several professional career paths in private industry, state and federal government, and academic institutions. The degree can also provide a strong foundation to progress to advanced studies including medical school, dental school, and graduate school.

Students will:

• Summarize and apply the basic concepts of microbiology and microbial pathogenesis.
• Summarize and apply the basic concepts of immunology and immunological disorders.
• Demonstrate expertise in the laboratory skills and knowledge needed to assess the functional status of the immune system.
• Demonstrate expertise in the laboratory skills and knowledge needed to safely cultivate and identify microorganisms that cause disease in mammals.
• Critically interpret microbiological and immunological assay data.
• Discuss, critique, and interpret primary literature in microbiology, microbial pathogenesis, and immunology.
• Demonstrate oral, written, and visual communication skills that result in clear and organized dissemination of material at a level appropriate for the audience.

• Must have at least a 2.5 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale for general admission.
• Must meet English Proficiency or request conditional admission and admission to the Intensive English Program (IEP).
• Please be advised that some Engineering majors may reach capacity and therefore will be restricted from entry.
• For direct admission to some colleges and majors, SAT or ACT scores are required and must be sent to WVU directly from the respective testing services. Please review the program requirements. For all other majors, international students are encouraged but not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, if available. SAT/ACT scores are useful for determining scholarship eligibility.
• WVU welcomes applications from students with IGCSE and O-Level Certificates from an approved UK exam board for admissions consideration. We require a minimum of five subject passes, of which two must be English and Mathematics. The average of the grades must be at least a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). A passing grade in the subject of English will be accepted as evidence of sufficient English ability.

1. Review the admissions requirements, English Language Proficiency requirements (scores are for undergraduate levels only) and our undergraduate application deadlines.
2. To apply for an on-campus program, complete either the WVU Application or the Common App and include the nonrefundable fee of $65.
   
   WVU Application The Common App

   To apply for an online program, use the steps for WVU Online Campus applicants.

3. Have your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic or Duolingo English Test scores sent to WVU.
4. Send the following information to WVU:
   • Copies of all official academic records/transcripts in original language of issue (transcripts from U.S. institutions must be sent to WVU directly from the institutions).
   • Copies of all academic certificates or diplomas in original language of issue.
   Note: Original or certified copies of official records/transcripts must be submitted after admission or upon arrival.
   • English translations of academic records/transcripts and certificates/diplomas.