Program of Study

The first year is spent taking courses (two to three each semester) and performing three laboratory rotations. Students supplement core courses in molecular and cellular immunology with additional courses selected from the wide range available in cell and developmental biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, computational biology and bioinformatics, and molecular medicine. Required courses include intensive introductory and advanced courses covering almost all aspects of the immune system and seminar courses that focus on special topics in immunology and emphasize the methods and logic of research, how to read and critically evaluate the literature, and how to write a research proposal.

A great deal of effort is made to encourage interaction between students, faculty, and postdoctoral students. In addition to numerous lab and journal club meetings, the Department of Immunobiology provides a series of excellent forums for the dissemination of ideas and data. A weekly “Research in Progress” seminar series allows graduate students and postdoctoral trainees to present their latest data to the entire department for feedback and discussion. Seminar series for the Immunobiology Department, the HTI/YCIO programs, and the CSEI, bring immunologists from around the world to present their research and engage with faculty and trainees. Every year, graduate students organize the Yale Immunobiology Student Symposium and host experts in immunology and related disciplines. Finally, the Department of Immunobiology and the HTI program each hold a yearly retreat, which provides more opportunity for exchange of ideas and results and the development of a sense of community among members.

More than forty laboratories are actively involved in research in immunology. Many share immediately adjoining or nearby laboratory space in The Anlyan Center (TAC), Amistad, 100 College, and 300 George Street buildings, and three faculty are funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The Department of Immunobiology provides one of the largest integrated training programs in immunology in the country, led by a faculty with a reputation for excellence in research and dedication to mentorship, diversity, and inclusivity. The Department of Immunobiology maintains a wide variety of major equipment and benefits from cutting-edge core facilities supporting flow cytometry, genomics, genome engineering, imaging, mass cytometry, and other applications.