University of Oregon

What you'll study

The programme blends core coursework, hands-on laboratory training and an independent research project. Core topics typically include microbial genetics and physiology, molecular immunology, host–pathogen interactions, microbial pathogenesis, and advanced laboratory techniques.

• Core lectures: molecular microbiology, cellular and molecular immunology, and principles of microbial ecology.
• Laboratory techniques: sterile technique, microbial culture and identification, bacterial and viral molecular methods (PCR, cloning), protein biochemistry, cell culture, flow cytometry, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and next-generation sequencing workflows.
• Data and computational skills: bioinformatics for microbial genomics, statistical analysis of biological data and reproducible research practices.
• Seminars and journal clubs: departmental seminar series, student-led journal clubs and research presentations to develop critical reading and communication skills.
• Research thesis: an independent laboratory research project conducted under a faculty mentor, culminating in a written thesis and an oral defence or public presentation.

Students may also be able to tailor study with elective modules in infectious disease, environmental microbiology, immunotherapy, vaccine biology, or microbial biotechnology, depending on faculty expertise and available courses.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a closely related field. Successful candidates typically demonstrate a strong academic record, relevant laboratory experience and clear research interests.

• Academic background: undergraduate coursework in biology, chemistry and laboratory methods; advanced coursework in genetics, cell biology or immunology is advantageous.
• Research experience: prior laboratory or research experience (undergraduate research, internships or industry placements) is strongly recommended and helps when selecting a research mentor.
• Supporting documents: academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals, a curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation from instructors or research supervisors.
• International applicants: evidence of English language proficiency is required if previous education was not in English; applicants should consult the department for acceptable tests and score guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates gain practical laboratory skills and research experience valued across academia, industry and public sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Laboratory research technician or research scientist in academic, government or corporate laboratories.
• Further study leading to a PhD in microbiology, immunology or related biomedical sciences.
• Positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including roles in assay development, quality control and product development.
• Clinical and public-health laboratories, working on infectious disease diagnostics, surveillance and outbreak response.
• Regulatory affairs, science communication, patent and technology transfer roles for graduates combining science and policy or business skills.

Why study at University of Oregon

The University of Oregon provides a collaborative research environment with access to modern core facilities and interdisciplinary centres. Students benefit from close mentoring by faculty active in diverse areas of microbiology and immunology and from opportunities to participate in hands-on research from early in the programme.

• Research infrastructure: access to shared instrumentation and cores for genomics, microscopy, flow cytometry and proteomics that support advanced experimental work.
• Interdisciplinary connections: collaboration opportunities across biological sciences, bioengineering and health sciences, enabling projects that span basic microbiology to translational immunology.
• Professional development: seminar series, teaching and mentoring opportunities, and support for presenting at conferences and publishing research.
• Location and network: a vibrant campus in the Pacific Northwest with links to regional research organisations and a growing biotechnology community, offering internship and employment pathways.

Overall, the programme is structured to prepare students for technical roles, independent research and further academic training in microbiological and immunological sciences.