Immunology and Infectious Disease (IID)
Program Coordinator
Dr. James Endres Howell
814-867-0194
www.immunology.psu.edu
The Immunology and Infectious Disease major (or IID) lies at the point of convergence between postgenomic-era molecular biology and the treatment of disease. One of the only such bachelor's programs in existence, it provides students with a solid background in biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology, followed by advanced courses in immunology, epidemiology, and infectious pathogenesis.
Students enjoy the wealth of opportunities to interact with our top-ranked faculty, including by pursuing independent research projects. Many of our students have been co-authors of publications appearing in top scientific journals. Successful students in Immunology and Infectious Disease have a passion for the biomedical sciences and its impact on health. Students with a history of success in mathematics and science, especially chemistry, tend to do well in the program.
Career Opportunities
The Immunology and Infectious Disease major can provide excellent preparation for medical school, veterinary school, or graduate programs in any area of the biomedical sciences. The direct relevance of the coursework to human health strongly attracts students interested in medicine and related fields.
Thanks to the extra specialization students can obtain in immunology and epidemiology, there are plentiful employment opportunities for graduates after four years. Some of these opportunities include research positions in biotechnology or pharmaceutical firms, in government or international health agencies, and academic research laboratories.
Students should recognize, however, that professional advancement in research-oriented careers is less realistic without an advanced degree. Many students choose to get experience for a few years in entry-level positions, and then return to master's and/or doctoral studies.
Course Scheduling Tips
Please note that the program includes rigorous entrance-to-major requirements as well as a number of courses in which students must earn a C or better to graduate.
While undergraduate research experience is not a formal requirement of the program, the importance of such experience for success in any of the research-oriented careers cannot be overstated. In particular, research experience is an unwritten requirement for admissions to master's and doctoral programs in the biomedical sciences. It is never too early to begin an independent study project. Talk to the program coordinator about opportunities.
Many required courses in IID can count for requirements in related majors and minors at Penn State. Careful selection of electives and supporting courses can allow motivated students finish the program in four years with combined majors or minors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or other offered programs.
Toxicology double major: Students who fulfill requirements for the Immunology and Infectious Disease major need only take four more courses in order to complete the requirements for the Toxicology major as well:
- BIOL 472 (3) Mammalian Physiology (or AN SC 423 (3))
- VB SC 430 (3) Principles of Toxicology*
- VB SC 433 (3) Molecular and Cellular Toxicology*
- E R M 431 (3) Environmental Toxicology*
* requires a grade of C or better
Since 9 of these 12 credits will count towards the supporting courses requirement for IID, the Toxicology double major only requires 3 credits more than the IID major alone.
Supporting Courses
The following is a list of courses that are approved to fulfill the 9 credit supporting courses requirement. Please note that other 400-level (or higher) courses may be approved by the program coordinator; please consult in advance.
AN SC 413 (3) Transgenic Biology
B BH 440 (3) Principles of Epidemiology
BIOL 411 (3) Medical Embryology
BIOL 412 (3) Ecology of Infectious Diseases
BIOL 416 (3) Biology of Cancer
BIOL 430 (3) Developmental Biology
BIOL 437 (4) Histology
BIOL 460 (3) Human Genetics
BIOL 472 (3) Mammalian Physiology (or AN SC 423)
B M B 400 (3) Molecular Biology of the Gene
B M B 450 (2) Microbial/Molecular Genetics
B M B 460 (2) Cell Growth and Differentiation
B M B 464 (3) Molecular Medicine
B M B 480 (3) Tumor Viruses and Oncogenes
MICRB 401(3) Microbial Physiology and Structure
MICRB 412 (3) Medical Microbiology
MICRB 415 (3) General Virology: Bacterial & Animal Viruses
MICRB 422 (2) Medical Microbiology Laboratory
MICRB 447 (1) Laboratory in Molecular Immunology
VB SC 402 (3) Biology of Animal Parasites
VB SC 405 (3) Laboratory Animal Science
VB SC 420 (3) General Animal Pathology
VB SC 425 (3) Principles of Avian Diseases
VB SC 489 (3) Animal Cell Culture Methods
Recommended Academic Plan
Immunology and Infectious Disease (PDF)