Applied Immunology

Our Program

The MSc in Applied Immunology is a two year, research-based, non-thesis degree program housed within the Department of Immunology.

Through course work and a major research project in a host laboratory, we train students to design, implement, and evaluate immunological research that measures immune responses and/or immune function.

Instead of a thesis, students complete oral and written presentations throughout the program to summarize their findings and discoveries. Students can personalize their learning from a wide array of graduate courses to fulfill their electives, available within and outside of our department.

Students can also, if they choose, complete a four-month internship or an international research opportunity. Students receive a guaranteed stipend (equivalent to tuition + incidental fees).

Courses

Students in this program complete 7.0 FCE

Year One

IMM1450Y – Major Research Project I, 1.0 FCE
IMM1550Y – Major Research Project II, 1.0 FCE
IMM1436H – Techniques in Immunology, 0.5 FCE
1.0 FCE from the following courses: IMM1428H (Molecular Immunology, 0.5 FCE), IMM1429H (Developmental Immunology, 0.5 FCE), IMM1430H (Clinical Immunology, 0.5 FCE), IMM1431H (Immunotherapy, 0.5 FCE)

Year Two

IMM1050H – Easton Seminar Series, 0.5 FCE
IMM1075H – Special Topics in Immunology 0.5 FCE
IMM1650Y – Major Research Project III, 1.0 FCE
IMM1651H – Applied Research in Immunology, 0.5 FCE
1.0 FCE electives

*Successful students typically complete this program within 2 years. Students from U of T who completed a specific set of pre-requisites can enter the program with advanced standing and complete their degree requirements in 16 months.

Alumni Profile

Christina Maria Ditlof, MSc

During my MSc, I investigated a potential treatment option for children with nut allergies. The Applied Immunology program allowed me to develop scientific knowledge and enhance my technical and soft skills in both lab and clinical research settings.

I was also involved in several initiatives led by graduate students in the Department of Immunology. This helped me to build a sense of community within the department.

After graduating, I transitioned from academia into industry, working as a Data Manager for clinical trials. Returning to the Department of Immunology as an Education Program Assistant, has deepened my appreciation for faculty, staff and students in the department.

I would advise prospective students to maximize opportunities in their lab to broaden their skills to best prepare themselves for the next transition - whether that be within academia or industry.

Potential Career Paths

Sample Job Titles

Alumni from our program have successfully transitioned into further education such as PhD programs, medical school, and law school. Others have successfully transitioned into diverse roles such as:

Consultant
Research Associate
Research Technican
Editor
Clinical Research Analyst
Commercialization Analyst
Senior Associate Scientist
Medical Writer

By the Numbers

12

Average class size.

25

Number of current students.

85

Number of active research faculty.

*Full course equivalent. A typical 0.5 FCE is over one term (13 weeks), meeting 1-2 times per week. A typical 1.0 FCE is over two terms (26 weeks), meeting 1-2 times per week.