Immunology & Microbial Disease Program Curriculum
We offer MS and PhD degrees.
The PhD program requires 29 didactic credits and 50 research credits. The MS program requires 18 didactic credits and 20 research credits. Thirty hours of research equals 1 credit and research credits are limited to 15 per semester.
Elective Courses may be taken in the other three basic science departments at Albany Medical College or in graduate programs at the University at Albany and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Please consult with the Graduate Director before cross-registering for courses at other institutions.
First-Year Curriculum
In the first semester of all basic science programs, all students take the six courses listed below as AMC 516A-F. These courses teach the basic concepts relevant to all aspects of cell and molecular biology. Pre-recorded lectures, textbook readings, and online presentations followed by an in-class review session will cover the basic principles of each topic.
Subsequent face-to-face sessions will include directed reading of review articles and primary literature followed by an instructor-led discussion of the material, introduction to experimental approaches used in biomedical research, and/or hands-on demonstrations of online tools available to scientists.
This curriculum will prepare the student for more specialized courses beginning in the spring semester of the first year and extending into advanced courses in subsequent years.
Late in the first semester, AMC 517 Metabolic Biochemistry will provide an integrated exposure to major chemical reactions taking place within each cell of a living organism. The course provides fundamental insights into normal physiologic processes and how dysregulation of these processes will lead to pathophysiologic conditions. Students also participate in colloquiums specific to their department.
During the spring semester of the first year, students take specialized courses within their selected departments in two eight-week modules from mid-January to late March and from late March to late May.
PhD and MS Programs
| Course | Course ID | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Colloquium in the Biomedical Sciences | AMC 502 | 1 |
| Introduction to Scientific Integrity | AMC 507 | 1 |
| Protein Structure and Function | AMC 516A | 1 |
| Molecular Genetics | AMC 516B | 1 |
| Structure and Function of Biological Membranes | AMC 516C | 1 |
| Signaling and Pharmacology | AMC 516D | 1 |
| Cell Proliferation, Differentiation and Death | AMC 516E | 1 |
| Cell Cytoskelecton, Adhesion and Motility | AMC 516F | 1 |
| Metabolic Biochemistry | AMC 517 | 2 |
| Introduction to Grant Writing | AMC 603 | |
| Discussions in Scientific Integrity | AMC 612 | 1 |
| Research | IMD 501 | Maximum 15 per semester |
| Research Colloquium | IMD 502 A | 1 |
| Research Techniques in Biomedical Science (Lab Rotations) | IMD 504 A,B,C | 1 |
| Advanced Immunology | IMD 602 | 3 |
| Bacteriology | IMD 604 | 2 |
| Virology | IMD 605 | 2 |
| Immunology | IMD 608 | 3 |
| Advanced Molecular Virology: Biodefense, Emerging and Re-emerging Infections | IMD 611 | 3 |
| Special Topics in CIMD | IMD 620 | 1 |
| CIMD Seminar Series | 0 | |
| Journal Club | 0 |
Immunology and Microbial Disease Courses
Course ID: IMD 501
Course Director: Student's Mentor
Thesis laboratory work. Students must register for thesis research every semester following the first year.
(Required all semesters)
Objectives: (1) Develop the ability to read the scientific literature and develop a research project, (2) Learn how to design an appropriately controlled experiment to address a defined research question, and (3) Learn how to properly collect and analyze experimental results and draw conclusions based on those findings.
Assessment: Mentor evaluations of student presentations at lab meetings and/or one-on-one planning meetings. Mentor and Thesis Committee evaluations of student performance (with written feedback) at regularly scheduled 6-month committee meetings, annual IMD Colloquium presentations, Final Data Set presentation and final Thesis Defense. Mentor and Thesis Committee evaluation of student’s written Candidacy Exam Proposal and Final Thesis.
Course ID: IMD 502 A
Credits: 1 (first year only; P/F subsequent years)
Course Directors: Dr. James Drake and Dr. Michael Robek
Student research symposium in which all IMD students present their own research or critically evaluate a journal article of broad scientific interest. Required attendance and participation throughout each student's tenure. More than three unexcused absences will result in a Fail grade. However, only one credit will count towards each student's total didactic credits. Presenters: IMD faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. (Required all semesters)
Objectives: (1) develop the skills necessary to both present the students’ own research in the colloquium format and the research of others in a journal club format, (2) develop public speaking skills, and (3) Develop the ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and the students’ own work. Assessment: The students are expected to attend and participate in order to earn a passing grade.
Course ID: IMD 504 A,B,C
Course Director: Dr. Jim Drake
This course consists of research rotations to be completed during the first year of study. Master Students are required to complete two rotations. PhD Students are required to complete three rotations. All rotations are to be completed prior to mentor selection.
Instructors: Rotation mentor
(First year only)
Objectives: (1) Develop the ability to read the scientific literature and develop a research project, (2) Learn how to design an appropriately controlled experiment to address a defined research question, and (3) Learn how to properly collect and analyze experimental results and draw conclusions based on those findings.
Assessment: Rotation Advisor evaluations of student presentations at lab meetings and/or one-on-one planning meetings. Rotation Advisor evaluation of student’s written Rotation Report.
Course ID: IMD 602
Course Director: Dr. Kate MacNamara
An advanced graduate level course that focuses on the cellular and molecular basis of the immune response. The general format will include lectures and the presentation of key papers for class discussion.
Prerequisite: IMD 608
(Offered every other year; Fall semester only)
Objectives: (1) Gain knowledge on the most recent findings of critical importance in immunology, (2) Learn how to critically read and understand complex publications, (3) Present breakthrough studies in immunology, and (4) Develop an understanding of how to apply knowledge of basic immunology to current, unanswered questions.
Assessment: Paper presentation (30%) – students present papers throughout the course, Participation in the discussions in the class (40%) – Class discussions are student-led, and Two exams (30%). Exams will be based on assigned reading with respect to specific content or overall concepts; Exams will be designed to test ability to conduct and interpret experiments.
Course ID: IMD 604
Course Director: Dr. Wei Sun
Students will learn how bacteria replicate & interact with the host, therapeutic interventions for bacterial infections and the fundamental methodology for the study of bacteria.
(Year 1, Spring semester only)
Objectives: 1) To gain a broad understanding of bacteria and the infectious diseases they may promote. 2) To understand the impact of bacterial composition, gene regulation, and mechanisms of survival in both host and non-host environments. 3) To delineate the mechanism(s) by which different bacteria cause the disease with which they are associated.
Assessment: In class written examinations.
Course ID: IMD 605
Course Directors: Dr. Carlos de Noronha and Dr. Kouacou Konan
This course focuses on basic principles of virology including: mechanisms of virus replication & interaction with the host, disease pathogenesis and relationships between virus life cycles & therapeutic interventions. Lectures, student presentations, and an understanding of fundamental hypothesis-driven experimental design methodology.
(Year 1, Spring semester only)
Objectives: (1) Be able to describe how viruses replicate and interact with the host, (2) Be able to describe fundamental hypothesis-driven experimental design and methodology for the study of viruses, (3) Be able to explain therapeutic interventions for viral infection, and (4) Develop skills to critically evaluate the virology literature.
Assessment: Two exams - Problem-based essay exams that require an understanding of lecture material, textbook readings, the literature, hypothesis development and experimental design. Class participation - It is expected that each student will make constructive contributions to the classroom discussion. Student-led discussions - Each student will lead class discussion of a paper that they have selected. Students will meet as a group to define areas of interest and prevent duplication. PDF copies of potential papers are sent to the course directors for approval. A PDF of the paper is posted on Sakai at least one week before the discussion.
Course ID: IMD 608
Course Directors: Dr. William O'Connor
The IMD 608-Immunology course provides students with a solid foundation in Cellular and Molecular Immunology. Students gain an understanding of the cells, processes, and regulatory mechanisms that govern immunity. IMD 608 prepares students for Advanced Immunology (IMD 602) and subsequent Special Topics courses (IMD 620); as a stand-alone course it provides a framework for scientists and physicians to consider immunologically relevant questions, be it in basic research or in clinical contexts. Prerequisites: Enrollment in Albany Medical College graduate study or permission of the course director.
(Year 1, Spring semester only)
Objectives: Upon completion of this course, students should be able to (1) describe the molecules, cells and tissues of the innate and adaptive immune systems and explain their role in the immune response, (2) describe, at a cellular and molecular level, the processes underlying the development, activation and polarization of lymphocytes, (3) describe the mechanisms of immune recognition of antigen and explain their role in the generation and regulation of an immune response, (4) describe the effector functions of both innate and adaptive immune cells and explain the role of each in immunity to tumors and the various classes of pathogen, (5) explain the unique aspects of immunity at mucosal and epithelial surfaces, (6) explain the known cellular and molecular mechanisms of allergy, hypersensitivity, auto-immune and immunodeficiency diseases, and (7) describe the foundational techniques of modern immunology and explain how they can be applied to interrogate innate and adaptive immune responses, and thereby investigate outstanding questions in modern immunology.
Assessment: Students are expected to attend, to perform well on exams/class assignments, and to participate in class.
Course ID: IMD 611
Course Directors: Dr. Carlos de Noronha and Kouacou Konan
This course will have a literature-based lecture/discussion format of diverse research investigations within the field of molecular virology. Topics of inquiry will include viral replication, pathogenesis, evolution, immune evasion, transmission, and oncogenesis. The course objectives include developing proficiency in i) evaluating and reviewing molecular virology literature; ii) employing the scientific literature to follow a line of investigation; iii) developing hypotheses and working models with which to test hypotheses; and iv) designing experiments to test hypotheses. Lecturers will guide the students through the process of analyzing primary research papers both classical and modern, centered on a specific molecular virology question, and then moderate discussions on how to develop hypotheses and design experiments to continue the line of research. Students participate in the discussion and lead one of the discussion sessions. Students will receive a letter grade for the course.
Prerequisite: IMD 605 or consent of the Course Directors.
(Offered every other year; Fall semester only)
Objectives: (1) Describe how viruses replicate and interact with the host, (2) Devise fundamental hypothesis-driven experiments and methodology for the study of viruses, (3) Critically evaluate virology literature, and (4) Link classical discoveries and methodologies to contemporary experiments.
Assessment: Two exams, development of a specific aims page, Instructor evaluation of student in-class participation and an in-class presentation
Course ID: IMD 620
Course Director: Dr. Guangchun Bai
This course will address selected topics in Immunology and Microbial Disease using current and historical research at the discretion of IMD Students and Faculty. Students are encouraged to solicit faculty to offer courses addressing issues of special interest to them.
(Offered both semesters)
Objectives: In depth learning on current topics of interest in the field of immunology and microbiology.
Assessment: The instructor assigns letter grade at the end of the course based on the presentation and discussion by the students.
Course Director: Dr. Michael D. Robek
Guest Speakers (locally and nationally known) present relevant material during this weekly seminar and hold a question and answer session at the end. Attendance is required for all students. More than three unexcused absences will result in a Fail grade.
(Required all semesters)
Objectives: (1) Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the areas of research relevant to immunology, microbiology, virology and host-pathogen interactions, (2) Interact with seminar speakers to build scientific inquiry and networking skills.
Assessment: Attendance as well as faculty observation of student participation.
Course Directors: Dr. Michael Robek and Dr. Jim Drake
Students may choice either Immunology Journal Club or Molecular Cell Biology Journal Club. These clubs meet once per week and discuss scientific articles of interest with the group. Students and Faculty participate and lead the group in discussion. Attendance is required for all students.
(Required all semesters)
Objectives: (1) Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the areas of research relevant to immunology, microbiology, virology and host-pathogen interactions, (2) Develop the ability to critically read the primary scientific literature, and (3) Develop improved scientific presentation skills.
Assessment: Attendance, faculty observation of student participation and post-presentation feedback from faculty to student presenter.
Albany Medical College Basic Sciences Courses
Course ID: AMC 502
Course Director: Dr. Mark Fleck and Dr. John Schwarz
The Research Colloquium Series is essentially a critical reading course, which is presented with two main learning objectives: First is to better prepare incoming students with the skills required to critically evaluate and present research papers in the primary literature. Second is to expose students to papers related to the topics and methods being discussed concurrently in the Foundations of Biomedical Research course. Learning Assessment is based on regular attendance, preparedness, presentations and contributions to the general discussion. (Year 1, Fall semester only)
Course ID: AMC 507
Course Director: Dr. John Kaplan
Students attend a total of three, two-hour class meetings and participate in workshops and discussions. Short readings are assigned. Sessions address current issues in scientific integrity, ethical principles and theory, introduction to ethics case analysis, an ethical skills workshop, and considerations in selecting a mentor. At the end of this course students will have a basic appreciation of ethical principles in relation to standards of professional conduct in science. Students will also develop their skills and confidence in their ability to analyze and discuss ethical and professional standards as they apply to specific aspects of scientific research. This course is required of all first-year students. Learning Assessment is based on attendance, preparedness, discussion and a presentation. Prerequisite for AMC 612.
(Year 1, Fall semester only)
Course ID: AMC 516A
Course Directors: Dr. David Jourd’heuil and Dr. Ken Norman
Part of the Molecular Cell Biology Theme made up of two-week courses that are offered in non-sequential order. Designed to teach beginning graduate students the basic concepts relevant to protein structure and function. Pre-recorded lectures, textbook readings, and online presentation followed by an in-class review session will cover the basic principles of protein structure and function. Subsequent face-to-face sessions will include directed reading of review articles and primary literature followed by an instructor-led discussion of the material. Students will also be provided with hands-on demonstrations of online tools available to scientists interested in protein-centered questions.
Formative assessment will be via student-faculty discussions and interactions during the face-to-face sessions.
Summative assessment will be via a multiple-choice exam on basic concepts, faculty evaluation of student participation in face-to-face sessions, and a final take-home exam that will include topics covered in the face-to-face sessions.
Course ID: AMC 516B
Course Directors: Drs. Lamar and Schwarz
Part of the Molecular Cell Biology Theme made up of two-week courses that are offered in non-sequential order. Designed to teach beginning graduate students the basic concepts relevant to the structure, function, and regulation of DNA and RNA. Pre-recorded lectures, textbook readings, and online presentations followed by an in-class review session will cover the basic principles. This will be followed by four small group discussions (SDGs) with instructor-led discussion/activity and hands-on demonstration of online research and data analysis tools that will utilize and reinforce the background material. Students are assigned learning tools (pre-recorded lectures, directed reading of review articles and/or primary literature that they should complete prior to each face-to-face SDGs.
Course ID: AMC 516C
Course directors: Drs. Drake and Lennartz
Part of the Molecular Cell Biology Theme made up of two-week courses that are offered in non-sequential order. Designed to teach beginning graduate students the basic concepts relevant to the structure and function of biological membranes. Pre-recorded lectures and textbook readings followed by an in-class review session will cover basic principles of membrane biology. Subsequent directed reading of brief review articles and primary literature followed by instructor-led discussion of the material will introduce the student to advanced concepts in membrane biology as well as the process of reading primary literature peer-reviewed publications.
Formative assessment will be via homework questions and student-faculty discussions/interactions during the small group discussion (SGD) sessions.
Summative assessment will be via a multiple-choice exam on basic concepts, faculty evaluation of student participation in SGD sessions and a final take-home exam on the SGD material.
Course ID: AMC 516D
Course directors: Dr. Ginnan
Part of the Molecular Cell Biology Theme made up of two-week courses that are offered in non-sequential order. Designed to teach beginning graduate students the basic concepts relevant to cellular signaling and the principles of drug-receptor interactions used to target these processes. Pre-recorded lectures and selected readings followed by an in-class review session will cover the basic principles of intracellular signaling pathways and pharmacology. Subsequent directed reading of brief review articles and primary literature followed by an instructor-led discussion of the material will introduce the student to advanced concepts and experimental approaches in cellular signaling as well as the process of reading primary literature peer-reviewed publications. Formative assessment will be via homework questions and student-faculty discussions/interactions during the small group discussion (SGD) sessions. Summative assessment will be via a multiple-choice exam on basic concepts, faculty evaluation of student participation in SGD.
Course ID: AMC 516E
Course directors: Drs. Fredman and Tang
Part of the Molecular Cell Biology Theme made up of two-week courses that are offered in non-sequential order. Designed to teach beginning graduate students the basic concepts relevant to cell proliferation and death. Pre-recorded lectures and textbook readings followed by an in-class review session will cover basic principles. Subsequent directed reading of brief review articles and primary literature followed by an instructor-led discussion of the material will introduce the student to advanced concepts in cell proliferation, differentiation, and death, as well as the process of reading primary literature peer-reviewed publications.
Formative assessment will be via homework questions and student-faculty discussions and interactions during the small group discussion (SGD) sessions.
Summative assessment will be via a multiple-choice exam on basic concepts, faculty evaluation of student participation in SGD sessions and a final take-home exam on the SGD material.
Course ID: AMC 516F
Course directors: Drs. Logue and Adam
Part of the Molecular Cell Biology Theme made up of two-week courses that are offered in non-sequential order. Designed to teach beginning graduate students the basic concepts relevant to cell locomotion. Pre-recorded lectures and textbook readings followed by an in-class review session will cover the basic principles of cell signaling, adhesion receptors, and cellular cytoskeleton components and how these are coordinated to regulate cellular motility. Subsequent SGD discussions of the material will introduce the student to advanced concepts in cell signaling, adhesion, and migration, in two complementary formats 1) Discussion of a classic paper that shifted paradigms in cell biology, with focus on understanding the state of the field at the time, technical approaches, and conclusions that can and cannot be drawn from the results. Students will be provided Homework questions to facilitate the discussions. In addition, a second SGD session will expand on this topical area by providing additional didactic material in the form of review articles and then asking students to present a group PowerPoint demonstrating the relevance to the topic to the four graduate themes at Albany Medical College. Note: students will be randomly assigned to groups with the hope that most are presenting on topics somewhat outside their chosen discipline. These sessions will begin training in the process of reading primary literature, peer-reviewed publications and organizing and presenting complex material.
Formative assessment will be via homework questions and student-faculty discussions and interactions during the SGD sessions.
Summative assessment will be via a multiple-choice exam on basic concepts, faculty evaluation of student participation in SGD sessions and presentations and a final take-home exam on the SGD material.
Course ID: AMC 517
Course Director: Dr. Ralf-Peter Czekay
A major challenge to biomedical scientists is gaining a better understanding of the structures, functions, and interactions of molecular systems used in nature. Previously acquired knowledge about basic protein and membrane structure as well as function and control of enzymatic processes, will be applied to understand the regulation of complex metabolic processes. This will provide fundamental insights into normal physiological processes and how dysregulation of these processes will lead to pathophysiological conditions, e.g., Metabolic Syndrome. AMC 517 will provide an integrated exposure to major chemical reactions that take place within each cell of a living organism and that provide energy for vital processes and for synthesizing new organic material. This course will focus primarily on bioenergetics and the major biochemical pathways related to three central metabolic themes applicable to all advanced courses within the various training programs: glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and fatty acid/lipid metabolism. Students will integrate information obtained by studying the mechanism of pathways into the concept of pathway communication. Utilizing the socio-medical condition of Metabolic Syndrome, students will gain a deeper understanding of the function and limitations of compartmentalization of molecules, and the significance of pathway regulation far beyond a subcellular compartment, or the cell itself. Small-group-based problem solving will allow stronger integration and reinforcement of the material taught in each section, leading to greater long-term retention of the material discussed in this course.
Course ID: AMC 603
Course Directors: Dr. Michael DiPersio and Dr. Peter Vincent
This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to writing research grants and to the grant review process. The course will focus on what should be included in the different sections of a NIH research proposal (Research Plan Section). To emphasize the purpose of this information in supporting the grant proposal, students will be provided with sections of well written proposals, as well as proposals that did not do well in study sections. Discussions of these examples will highlight how proposals can be improved. As part of each module, students will write (1) a Specific Aims page, (2) a Significance and Innovation section, and (3) an Approach section that is focused on one of the specific aims. Students will then read and critique one another’s written assignments and discuss their reviews using a study section format. Students will then revise each section in response to the reviewers’ critiques. The course will
culminate in a mock study section performed by faculty with experience serving on NIH grant review panels, in order to demonstrate how the grant peer review process works at the NIH.
Course ID: AMC 612
Course Directors: Dr. John Kaplan, Dr. Thomas Andersen, Dr. Ralf-Peter Czekay
This course utilizes a case-study based discussion format to provide a vehicle for students to learn and reflect upon the responsible conduct of research. Topics covered include an overview of ethical theory, conducting research, reporting research, peer review, handling research materials and information, mentoring and laboratory supervision, misconduct in research, conflict of interest, human subjects and clinical research, animals in research and genetic research. This course also familiarizes students with both internal and national policies regulating research conduct. (This program fulfills the NIH requisite for predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows on National Research Service Award Training Grants.)
Instructors: This course is team-led by a basic scientist and ethicist. It utilizes the text, "Teaching the Responsible Conduct of Research Through a Case Study Approach", prepared by the
American Association of Medical Colleges. Learning Assessment is based on attendance, preparedness, discussion and a presentation.
Prerequisite: AMC 507
(Year 2, Fall semester only)