Students in virology and immunology programs work at finding medication
and vaccines for fatal diseases like AIDS as well as less serious ones like
the common cold.
Dr. Robert Garry is a professor of virology at Tulane University Medical
Center. He says immunology and virology are related but slightly different
fields.
Virology focuses on viruses, which invade living cells in order
to reproduce. Immunology, on the other hand, is the study of the immune
system's response to viruses and other invaders, or to abnormal or damaged
cells.
Most programs are offered at the master's level. But some colleges
and universities do allow undergraduate students to specialize in immunology
or virology, rather than general biology.
If the program is offered at a graduate level, you'll need an undergraduate
degree in biology or microbiology. In most cases, an interview, a medical
examination and letter of recommendation are also required for acceptance.
You can take this as either a science or a medical degree. Most
programs are found in schools of medicine, departments of microbiology or
departments of molecular microbiology and immunology.
Dr. Linda Gooding is a virology professor at Emory University. She says
a good immunology or virology program will include classes in biochemistry,
micro and cellular biology, immunology, virology and infectious disease.
"Students are required to do extensive research and to write a PhD or master's
thesis based on this research," she says.
In the first year of graduate work, students spend a lot of time in class.
Toward the end of the program, they work 50- to 60-hour weeks in a lab doing
research and writing their thesis.
Immunology and virology are not for everyone. This field involves long
hours in the lab.
"In addition to being a good student, one must have worked in a lab on
an undergraduate level," says Gooding. "The reason we do that is because this
is a demanding profession and we want to know going into it that the students
know what they are getting themselves into."
In high school, take all the math and science you can. "Basic biology
and chemistry are the most important areas to focus on," says Garry.
"Science clubs and fairs at the high school and college levels are likely
to involve a lot of students interested in virology and immunology," he adds.
"Volunteering at hospitals, AIDS hospices, cancer centers or treatment facilities
are other opportunities."
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Biological
Scientists
GradSchools.com Biology (Immunology, Microbiology, Virology)
Listing of graduate biomedical science programs worldwide
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Resource for research, education and policy-making news and information