Molecular Microbiology & Immunology

Introduction

The goal of the MHS training program in MMI is to provide a solid foundation in the biomedical sciences for a select group of students interested in addressing outstanding issues underlying infectious and immunologic diseases of public health importance. It aims to equip students with a diversity of disciplinary concepts and methodological tools to solve specific disease-related problems. This holistic approach requires a common core of knowledge of the population, clinical, cellular and molecular aspects of disease.

This MMI MHS Guidebook, which supplements the School's resources page, which can be found at https://publichealth.jhu.edu/offices-and-services/office-of-student-affairs is intended to summarize most of the School and Departmental requirements for your degree program. In addition, other practical information is included for your convenience and consideration.

The MHS in MMI

The Department provides the Master of Health Science (MHS) program for students who wish to gain a greater depth of knowledge in molecular microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases or in tropical public health, but who do not wish to commit to longer-term research training programs. MHS training is provided through coursework, special studies with faculty members, and participation in other Departmental activities. An elective opportunity to gain experience with basic molecular biological laboratory techniques is also available.

MHS to ScM Program Transfer

MHS students who excel in the program and wish to add a research component to their training may apply for transfer to the MMI ScM program. The integrated MMI Master's program is intended to facilitate transfer between ScM and MHS degree programs; the program requirements have a high degree of overlap for the first two academic terms. However, the programs diverge significantly in the third term and a decision on degree program, therefore, must be made before that time. At the time of application for transfer from the MHS to the ScM program, students are strongly encouraged to have identified into which laborator(ies) they wish to rotate and to have confirmed that those laborator(ies) would be amenable to taking on an ScM student.

Masters students who wish to transfer programs should inform the Student Coordinator in writing by December 1st. Applications for transfer to the ScM program are evaluated by the departmental Admissions Committee on the same basis as incoming ScM applications and a completed School application form must be available for review. In general, the Departmental copy of the student's original MHS application (held by the Student Coordinator) can be used. However, the student should confirm that the information contained on the application is still current, and may wish to modify the thesis to reflect the new goals of his/her proposed training program. Additional references may also be added. Note that because this application is submitted directly to MMI and not the School, no application fee is required. 

Applicants for the MHS to ScM transfer will be informed of the Admission Committee's decision before the beginning of third term.  Because there is no guarantee that an application will be successful, students should continue to follow the MHS academic program including thesis preparation (below) until they have received a final decision.

Learning Outcomes

Key educational objectives for MHS students include:

1. Develop knowledge through coursework in the areas of immunology and microbiology;
2. Develop skills for the critical evaluation of scientific literature;
3. Develop literature-based analytical and research skills; and
4. Develop the ability to communicate scientific information orally and in writing.

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