Study

Our department is home to one of UBC’s top-ranked research areas and is recognized as a global leader in driving innovation in microbiology and immunology. Our faculty and trainees are working at the forefront of fundamental and translational research to explore the function of the microbiome in human health, host-pathogen interactions, immune function to control cancer, antimicrobial therapies, and environmental and industrial microbiology. With the support of their faculty advisor, our graduate students tackle critical research questions and develop the skills needed to think and work as independent investigators. 

Our suite of research facilities provides trainees access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and equipment for high-throughput screening, imaging, microscopy, proteomics, cell culture and sorting, and animal modelling. Additionally, our professional development-focused coursework provides education in advanced topics in microbiology and immunology, training in core areas such as literature analysis and peer review, grant proposal preparation, and written and oral science communication, and technical instruction in sophisticated experimental and computational tools. 

As you participate in lab meetings and research seminars, pursue teaching assistant experience, and get involved with our graduate student society, you will find many opportunities for mentorship, leadership, and connection with other passionate scientists. 

Undergraduate Programs

As one of UBC’s top-ranked areas of study, an undergraduate degree in microbiology and immunology provides in-depth knowledge of bacteria, viruses, and the immune system and how they interact to influence human and environmental health. Through complementary coursework in the classroom and our new Undergraduate Life Sciences Teaching Laboratories, you will gain expertise in microbial pathogenesis, physiology and genetics, environmental and ecological microbiology, immunology, virology, and bioinformatics and data science. 

Throughout the program, you will master complex laboratory techniques, acquire computational skill such as analyzing biological datasets with data science tools, and immerse yourself in the process of scientific discovery from project conception to manuscript publication. Our undergraduate programs are distinguished by unique experiential learning courses and additional opportunities to gain hands-on research and work experience.

Our dedicated teaching faculty and science education specialist collaborate to maintain cutting-edge curriculum, implement evidence-based teaching approaches that support academic tenacity and student well-being, and foster an inclusive and accessible learning environment. Upon completion of the program, you will have mastered a range of learning outcomes aimed at educating the whole student, from disciplinary knowledge to application of the scientific method to academic and research integrity to interpersonal skills and attitudes.