Internationally Recognized
Microbiology and Immunology at UBC is internationally recognized for its excellence in research and teaching. Our 25 core research faculty members lead a community of more than 160 graduate students, postdocs, research associates and technicians with considerable strength in immunology, microbiology and virology. We are at the forefront of interdisciplinary research to understand the function of the microbiome in human health, host-pathogen interactions, immune function to control cancer, microbial ecology and geochemistry, and antimicrobial therapies.
Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Research
We encourage interdisciplinary research through collaboration within the department and with groups at UBC and beyond. For example, immunologists and microbiologists are collaborating for an integrated approach to commensal microbiota and host-pathogen interaction. Our faculty with groups at the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), and Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) have joined forces through the Centre for Tuberculosis Research (CTBR) to develop novel therapeutics against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The Centre for Microbial Diversity and Evolution training program highlights exploratory and collaborative research between microbiologists, botanists and zoologists into the diversity of microbial life.
Minimum Stipend Guarantee
We recognize the socioeconomic barriers that exist for trainees to pursue graduate and postdoctoral studies. We are committed to providing competitive stipends for graduate students and living-wage stipends for postdoctoral fellows.
Master's
Minimum Stipend: $22,941.00
*Supplement Equivalent to Tuition and Fees
PhD
Minimum Stipend: $26,220.00
*Supplement Equivalent to Tuition and Fees
Students are expected to seek additional funding opportunities including individual scholarships, awards, and Teaching Assistantships.
Social Events and Lectures
Weekly Seminars: opportunities for students to network with each speaker.
Quarterly Departmental Symposiums: opportunities for students to interact with faculty and staff within the Department.
Student Initiatives: Pizza Journal club; Immunity, infection, and inflammation (I3) graduate student talks.
Graduate Student Seminar Series (GS3)
Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Student Society (MIGSS): student-run organization that hosts many academic and non-academic events such as beach BBQs, hikes and pub nights.