Introduction
The goal of the ScM program in MMI is to provide a solid foundation in the biomedical sciences for a select group of students interested in addressing outstanding issues underlying infectious and immunologic diseases of public health importance. It aims to equip students with a diversity of disciplinary concepts and methodological tools to solve specific disease-related problems. This holistic approach requires a common core of knowledge of the population, clinical, cellular and molecular aspects of disease. ScM training is provided through coursework, laboratory research, and participation in other Department activities. Successful completion of a Departmental Comprehensive Examination is required of all ScM students.
The ScM in MMI
The Department offers the Master of Science (ScM) program for students who wish to obtain, in addition to coursework, rigorous training in laboratory research. The ScM program includes most elements of the MHS program combined with an additional laboratory component. Successful completion of a Departmental Comprehensive Exam is required of all ScM students.
Educational Objectives: Key educational objectives for ScM students include: 1) develop knowledge through coursework in the areas of immunology and microbiology; 2) develop skills for the critical evaluation of scientific literature; 3) develop literature-based analytical and research skills; and 4) develop the ability to communicate scientific information orally and in writing. Additional educational objectives for ScM students include development of laboratory and analytical skills required to effectively conduct laboratory research.
Academic Adviser
Each new student is assigned an MMI faculty member as their academic adviser. The academic adviser will assist the student in the selection of appropriate courses for the first year, act as the student's source of information concerning school and departmental policies and procedures, and help the student with problems they may encounter. A student who wishes to change their assigned academic adviser should contact the Senior Academic Coordinator and the ScM Program Director.
ScM Thesis Mentors
Selection of a thesis adviser/mentor takes place after completion of the required laboratory rotation (see below). After consultation with the prospective thesis adviser, the student should submit a completed Thesis Adviser Form (available on the ScM Portfolios site or from the Academic Coordinator), signed by the prospective adviser, to the departmental Academic Coordinator for approval by the Department Chair. Requests for extra time to identify a thesis adviser must be submitted to the ScM Program Director and Academic Coordinators. When appointed, a thesis adviser becomes the student’s Primary Adviser. For advisers outside of MMI, the MMI co-adviser will serve as the Primary Adviser.
With the specific approval of the ScM Program Director, ScM students may conduct thesis research in laboratories outside of MMI (for example, in BSPH departments other than MMI or in the School of Medicine). For faculty outside MMI who have never taken an MMI ScM student, this requires a meeting between the prospective thesis advisor and the ScM Program Director prior to the rotation period. Field work conducted off-campus under an MMI faculty member's direction does not need approval by the Program Director. Requests to conduct thesis research outside the department will be noted on a Thesis Adviser Form that includes acknowledgement from the proposed extra-departmental thesis adviser that MMI will provide no financial support for the student, and an agreement by a faculty member with a primary appointment in MMI to act as co-adviser. Students with an advisor outside of MMI must hold two committee meetings during the degree program. The committee will consist of the student’s thesis advisor and MMI co-advisor. During the first meeting, which will be held during the summer of the first year after completion of the comprehensive exam, the student will present a plan for completion of the thesis. In the second meeting, held between November and January of the second year, the student will present plans for wrapping up thesis work and writing the thesis.
Every effort will be made to accommodate a student’s request to work with a specific faculty member for their thesis research. However, the MMI department cannot guarantee that a student will be able to work in the laboratory they select as a first choice. If a student’s first choice cannot be met, the ScM Program Director will work with the student to identify alternatives for an additional rotation.
Coursework
Master's students must register for a minimum of 16 credits each term. (The maximum a student can register for is 22 credits per term, but this is not recommended.) These credits include didactic courses, special studies, seminars, etc. A minimum of 64 credits are required by BSPH for conferral of a master's degree. Course requirements and suggestions are summarized in the “ScM Curriculum” section. International students have additional requirements dictating how many courses can be taken online vs in-person and should contact OIS to confirm they meet current Visa requirements.
In core courses, Master’s students must receive a ‘C’ or higher. A student who earns a grade below that threshold in a course listed as a core requirement must, at the next opportunity, make a second attempt to complete the core course by repeating the same course or by completing another course that has been approved by the GPC Chair. A grade below the threshold on the second attempt may be grounds for dismissal and must be reported to the School’s Committee on Academic Standards. To remain in good academic standing, Master's students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.75. If a student’s GPA falls below the requirement, the student will be placed on academic probation. School policy states that a Master’s student cannot graduate with a GPA lower than 2.75.
Program Requirements
Degree Requirements
There are several requirements for the completion of degree programs: those set by the school, those set by the department, and those set by the thesis advisor (for ScM students). The degree requirements for all programs, established by the School are contained in Policy and Procedure Memoranda available here.
Students will need to log in with their BSPH email username and password to have access to these pages.
The Departmental requirements for Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (MMI) are explained below. A student's thesis advisor generally will set requirements regarding the preparation for, and completion of, the thesis or dissertation project. A brief summary with an approximate timetable of the requirements of the school and of the department is included at the end of this section.
Residency: Minimum duration of two academic years in full-time residence (including the Summer Term between the first and second years). Completion, including the requirement of an Advisor-approved written thesis, is required within four calendar years of matriculation. Most students complete their degrees in two years.
Minimum Credit and Grade Requirements
Master's students must register for a minimum of 16 credits each term. (The maximum a student can register for is 22 credits per term, but this is not recommended.) These credits include didactic courses, special studies, seminars, etc. A minimum of 64 credits are required by the School for a Master's degree. Course requirements and suggestions are summarized in the “ScM Curriculum” section. International students have additional requirements dictating how many courses can be taken online vs in-person, and they should contact OIS to confirm they meet current Visa requirements.
In core courses, Master’s students must receive a ‘C’ or higher. A student who earns a grade below that threshold in a course listed as a core requirement must, at the next opportunity, make a second attempt to complete the core course by repeating the same course or by completing another course that has been approved by the Graduate Program Committee (GPC) Chair as a replacement. A grade below the threshold on the second attempt may be grounds for dismissal and must be reported to the School’s Committee on Academic Standards. To remain in good academic standing, Master’s students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.75. If a student’s GPA falls below the requirement, the student will be placed on academic probation. School policy states that a Master’s student cannot graduate with a GPA lower than 2.75.
Course location and modality is found on the BSPH website.
ScM Curriculum
Listed below are courses required of all ScM students, as well as a selection of elective courses that ScM students have found useful.
| First Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||
| Introduction to Online Learning (noncredit) | 0 | |
| Required | ||
| PH.260.623 | Fundamental Virology 2 | 4 |
| PH.260.653 | Molecular Biology Literature 3 | 3 |
| PH.552.6XX | Cells-to-Society | Varies |
| PH.260.701 | Anatomy of Scientific Error,Anatomy of Scientific Error - Meta-Science in Research Practice | 3 |
| PH.260.822 | Seminars in Research in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology | 1 |
| PH.260.821 | Research Forum in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology | 1 |
| PH.550.860 | Academic & Research Ethics at JHSPH (non-credit) 5 | 0 |
| Suggested Electives | ||
| How Do We Know? - Theory, History, and Practice of Science (R3) | ||
| Evidence-Based Teaching in the Biomedical and Health Sciences: Foundations (R3) | ||
| Statistical Reasoning in Public Health I | ||
| Principles of Environmental Health | ||
| Public Health Biology | ||
| Foundations of International Health | ||
| Biochemistry I: Protein Structure and Enzyme Catalysis 4 | ||
| Concepts of Molecular Biology 4 | ||
| Evolution of Infectious Disease | ||
| Credits | 12 | |
| Second Term | ||
| Required | ||
| PH.260.611 | Principles of Immunology I 1 | 4 |
| PH.260.635 | Biology of Parasitism 2 | 5 |
| PH.260.654 | Current Literature in Microbial Immunity 3 | 1 |
| PH.552.6XX | Cells-to-Society | Varies |
| PH.260.822 | Seminars in Research in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology | 1 |
| PH.260.821 | Research Forum in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology | 1 |
| Suggested Electives | ||
| PH.260.709 | Evidence-Based Mentoring | 3 |
| Communication Practice for Health Science Professionals (R3) | ||
| Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases | ||
| Vaccine Development and Application | ||
| Fundamentals of Human Physiology | ||
| Statistical Reasoning in Public Health II | ||
| Biochemistry II: Major Metabolic Pathways | ||
| Applied Environmental Health Practice | ||
| Child Health and Development | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Term | ||
| Required | ||
| PH.260.627 | Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infections 2 | 4 |
| PH.260.650 | Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Diseases 2 | 3 |
| PH.260.855 | Pandemics of the 20Th Century 3 | 1 |
| PH.552.6XX | Cells-to-Society | Varies |
| PH.260.822 | Seminars in Research in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology | 1 |
| PH.260.821 | Research Forum in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology | 1 |
| Suggested Electives | ||
| How Do We Know? - Theory, History, and Practice of Science (R3) | ||
| Critical Dissection of the Scientific Literature: Taking the Scalpel to Journal Articles (R3) | ||
| Advanced Virology | ||
| Molecular Epidemiology and Biomarkers in Public Health | ||
| Malariology | ||
| How Do We Know? - Theory, History, and Practice of Science (R3) | ||
| Epidemiologic Basis for Tuberculosis Control | ||
| Epidemiology and Natural History of Human Viral Infections | ||
| Statistics for Laboratory Scientists I | ||
| Credits | 10 | |
| Fourth Term | ||
| Required | ||
| PH.260.657 | Vector Biology and Disease Ecology Literature 3 | 1 |
| PH.260.822 | Seminars in Research in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology | 1 |
| PH.260.821 | Research Forum in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology | 1 |
| Suggested Electives | ||
| Vector-Borne Disease Control | ||
| Anatomy of Scientific Error,Anatomy of Scientific Error - Meta-Science in Research Practice (R3) | ||
| Communication Practice for Health Science Professionals (R3) | ||
| Graduate Immunology: the Immune Response | ||
| Malariology | ||
| Fundamentals of Human Physiology | ||
| Epidemiology: the Basics | ||
| Emerging Infections | ||
| Epidemiologic Inference in Outbreak Investigations | ||
| Statistics for Laboratory Scientists II | ||
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
The required Immunology course for ScM students is Immunology, Infection, and Disease (PH.260.631 Immunology, Infection and Disease) offered in the 2nd term. While PH.260.611 Principles of Immunology I & PH.260.612 Principles of Immunology II are not recommended for ScM students, those who wish to substitute this two-term series for IID are required to gain permission from the course director Dr. Scott. Topics in Immunology I & II are only available to doctoral students.
- 2
ScM students are required to take at least two of the following four core courses in the area of microbial pathogenesis:
- PH.260.623 Fundamental Virology
- PH.260.627 Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infections
- PH.260.650 Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Diseases
- PH.260.635 Biology of Parasitism
- 3
At least one literature course is required. Selection made in consultation with the academic advisor.
- 4
Students with little or no Molecular Biology or Biochemistry background are strongly encouraged to take at least one or both of these courses, offered by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
- 5
As a School-wide requirement, all students must take Academic and Research Ethics in the first term of their enrollment (PH.550.860 Academic & Research Ethics at JHSPH).
Cells-to-Society Requirements for All Degree Programs
The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) requires didactic coursework covering and assessing 12 CEPH-defined Introductory Public Health Knowledge Learning Objectives. It is important to emphasize that this is a School-level requirement of all degree programs.
The School’s Committee on Academic Standards approved 12 online, 0.5 credit, mini-courses, graded S/U (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) that will cover each of the 12 Learning Objectives (see table below). Each of the mini-courses consists of 3-5, 30-40 minute presentations with an accompanying assessment. Note: Certain learning objectives can be fulfilled by taking an MMI course that covers this material instead of the mini-course. See notes in the table below.
Each of the C2S mini-courses will be offered multiple times starting in the summer term and extending through terms 1, 2, and 3. NOTE: In the 4th term, only C2S LO #12 will be offered. The 2024-2025 schedule is available here.
Please note that for the presentation of these mini-courses, each term has been split into an A section covering the first 4 weeks of the term and a B section that covers the second 4 weeks of the term.
These 12 mini-courses must be completed by the end of the first academic year.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PH.552.601 | Foundational Principles of Public Health | 0.5 |
| PH.552.602 | The Role of Quantitative Methods in Public Health (or take any of the following courses: 140.611-12 (term 1 and 2) or 140.615-16 (term 3 and 4) or 260.705 (term 3 or term 4)) | 0.5 |
| PH.552.603 | The Role of Qualitative Methods and Science in Describing and Assessing a Population's Health (or take 260.700 (term 1 or term 3)) | 0.5 |
| PH.552.604 | Causes and Trends in Morbidity and Mortality ( or take 260.600 (summer, credit in term 1) or 260.844 (term 2 or term 4)) | 0.5 |
| PH.552.605 | The Science of Primary Secondary and Tertiary Prevention in Population Health | 0.5 |
| PH.552.606 | The Critical Importance of Evidence in Advancing Public Health Knowledge (or take 260.700 (term 1 or term 3)) | 0.5 |
| PH.552.607 | Essentials of Environmental Health | 0.5 |
| PH.552.608 | Biologic, Genetic and Infectious Bases of Human Disease (or take 260.600 in summer (credit in term 1)) | 0.5 |
| PH.552.609 | Psychological and Behavioral Factors That Affect A Population's Health | 0.5 |
| PH.552.610 | The Social Determinants of Health (or take 260.844 (term 2 or term 4)) | 0.5 |
| PH.552.611 | Globalization and Population Health | 0.5 |
| PH.552.612 | Essentials of One Health | 0.5 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Additional Course Requirements for ScM Students
The School requires ScM students to complete 12 credits in formal courses outside of their own department, at least 6 of which are within the Bloomberg School of Public Health. These courses must be taken during the first year. All 12 credits must be taken for a grade (Pass/Fail is not acceptable).
Required courses for all MMI graduate students are listed below.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PH.260.822 | Seminars in Research in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (all terms 2nd year) | 1 |
| PH.260.821 | Research Forum in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (all terms 2nd year) | 1 |
| PH.552.6XX | Cells-to-Society |
Additional Course Information
Many university-wide courses can be used to fulfill specific requirements. Consult the catalogues of the various university divisions available for viewing online:
- Bloomberg School of Public Health catalogue—see interdepartmental programs.
- School of Medicine catalogue.
- School of Arts and Sciences (Homewood Campus) catalogue.
Winter and Summer Institute Courses
Tuition for these courses is charged separately by the registrar and is not covered by tuition paid during the academic year. An exception to this rule is taking Cells-to-Society courses or 550.630 Public Health Biology during the summer just prior to matriculation. In this case, these courses count toward Term 1 courses and credits and are covered by Term 1 tuition.
Certificate Programs
There are several certificate programs offered by the School in specific areas of public health that have fewer course requirements than formal degree programs. Certificate programs are focused academic training programs designed to appeal to students seeking targeted education in a specific area of public health. Educational objectives, admission requirements, courses of study, and other information are provided for each certificate program and can be found here.
R3 CERTIFICATE
The MMI-based R3 Center for Innovation in Science Education (R3ISE) is unique to the BSPH and aims to help students develop outstanding scientific thinking, analysis, and ethical decision-making, as well as professional skills for being role models in a wide range of science-based careers. R3 stands for Rigor, Reproducibility, and Responsibility, which are the cornerstones of good scientific inquiry. The MMI department offers the R3 Certificate the required and elective courses that center around the philosophical underpinnings of how science works from bench research to public health. Suggested R3 courses counting towards the certificate are indicated in the sample curriculum list above. The full R3 certificate completion requirements can be found here.
Tropical Medicine CERTIFICATE
This MMI-based certificate program is designed to provide training in tropical medicine and related public health issues through a multidisciplinary approach. It is also designed to prepare participants for working with current and emerging health problems in developing countries and health problems of travelers. This program focuses broadly on issues of tropical health and on clinical tropical medicine. Toward the program’s conclusion, students will have acquired a strong scientific basis for preventing, diagnosing, treating, and controlling tropical health problems. The full Tropical Medicine Certificate completion requirements can be found here.
Departmental Seminars
Departmental Seminar is held at 12:00 pm on Thursdays during the academic year, and all students are required to attend.
Research Forum is held at 12:00 pm on Mondays, and all students are required to attend.
Laboratory Rotations
Laboratory rotations broaden a student's knowledge of laboratory techniques and skills and help them select a laboratory for thesis research. During a laboratory rotation, a student is given a specific research problem of limited scope as their rotation exercise. It is not expected that a student necessarily complete the assigned project. At the end of the laboratory rotation term, the student will give a short oral presentation of his/her research project at the Research Forum in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (see below). The rotation supervisor will submit a written evaluation of the student's performance to the Student Coordinator and will assign a grade of Pass or Fail. The form is available here. Failing grades will be given for not having spent sufficient time in the lab or for an unsatisfactory performance in the lab.
All ScM students must conduct at least one laboratory rotation before formal selection of a Thesis Adviser. The required rotation should be performed in the first rotation period and students should register for 260.851, Laboratory Rotation, in the second term. If desired, a second rotation may be performed; register again for 260.851 in the third term. See the table below for rotation period dates.
The selection of laboratory or laboratories for rotation(s) is the responsibility of the student. Students (with the assistance of their academic adviser) should identify potential laboratories for their rotations and consult with the faculty members in charge of these laboratories to arrange a rotation for a particular period. To assist students in identifying the research interests of the faculty, each faculty member has prepared a short summary of their ongoing projects, which can be found here.
2023-2024 MMI Laboratory Rotation Schedule
| Rotation Period | Dates | Register in Term |
|---|---|---|
| First | 11/7/24 - 1/17/25 | 2 |
| Second | 1/20/25 – 3/14/25 | 3 |
ScM students must present reports after each laboratory rotation during weekly Departmental Research Forum. Presentation dates are assigned by the Course Director; rotation reports generally will be scheduled 1 to 3 weeks after the completion of the rotation. In preparing a rotation report, students should keep in mind that it is most important to provide sufficient background and a sufficiently good explanation of the experimental rationale to make the rotation project and its objectives understandable to a diverse audience. As noted above, it is not required that students successfully complete their assigned rotation project, and many rotation reports cannot include firm conclusions. This is not a shortcoming if the presentation is clear, intelligible, and presents good analyses of any difficulties encountered. Once a lab is chosen, ScM students should register for thesis research credits in subsequent terms.
ScM Comprehensive Examination
The ScM Comprehensive Examination constitutes a comprehensive inquiry into the student's grasp of the subject matter underlying MMI’s five core academic areas. The exam tests the student's understanding of scientific principles and methods and their knowledge of major subjects and related areas. At approximately mid-year, first year ScM students are furnished with a list of fifty questions from which the comprehensive exam will be drawn. The questions cover the five main areas of research in MMI – virology, bacteriology, parasitology, vector biology, and immunology. Students are encouraged to consider essay format responses to these questions that demonstrate a firm grasp of the principles and relevant details addressed by the question. The exam will be administered on Thursday, May 29, 2025, and will consist of two questions each from the five different MMI subject areas (Virology, Bacteriology, Vector Biology, Parasitology, and Immunology). Students are required to select one of the immunology questions and two other questions from two of the remaining topic areas (for a total of 3 questions). The exam is closed book and 3 hours in length. Student responses to the three exam questions are de-identified and graded independently by at least two faculty members.
Students who fail only one exam question must retake both questions from the original exam in that topic area and pass both questions, submitting written answers within two weeks for reassessment. Failing marks on two or more of the questions from the original exam results in retaking the whole exam with a new series of questions within a month. Students must pass the ScM comps exam prior to being awarded the graduate tuition scholarship in the second year.
Students who fail any part of the exam twice may be dismissed from the ScM program. Students who are dismissed from the ScM program may choose to transfer to the MHS program where they can graduate with an MHS degree by completing any unfinished academic requirements, writing an MHS thesis, and presenting their thesis work.
ScM Thesis
The ScM thesis is the culminating product of a student’s ScM studies and provides a permanent record of a student’s intellectual contribution to the field. Unlike published papers that might result from the same work, the thesis requires and provides the opportunity for the student to creatively place their work in the broadest possible context, explore implications, and speculate on where the future of the field lies. Preparation of a thesis requires the greatest care both in thought and execution.
The structure of the ScM thesis must contain the elements, order, and formatting guidelines dictated by the university (Library Formatting Requirements). Generally, in the “main text” section of an ScM thesis there is flexibility for the student and faculty member to best incorporate the following sections/information: introduction/background, thesis statement and project aims, methods, results, conclusions, and discussion/future directions. Examples of past ScM theses are available for reference in the MMI library (E5133).
Besides their primary laboratory advisor, ScM students have a second faculty member who serves as the secondary reader on their thesis. Students must choose a secondary reader prior to the submission deadline for the Thesis Readers Form (typically in mid-March of year 2). This person must have an appointment in MMI, and it cannot be someone from the same laboratory group as the primary advisor. If a student’s primary laboratory advisor is from outside MMI, their MMI co-advisor serves in the role of a reader (although they are listed on the Thesis Readers Form as the primary reader and the laboratory mentor is listed as the secondary).
- https://my.jhsph.edu/Offices/StudentAffairs/RecordsRegistration/MastersCandidateInformation/Pages/default.aspx
- https://my.jhsph.edu/Resources/PoliciesProcedures/ppm/PolicyProcedureMemoranda/Acade mic_Programs_10_Master_of_Science_Degree_071417.pdf
- https://www.library.jhu.edu/library-services/electronic-theses-dissertations/
Thesis Advisers
Faculty from outside MMI are eligible to supervise ScM students, but the research project must be within the scope of MMI’s core research areas (immunology, bacteriology/microbiome, parasitology, virology, mycology, and/or vector biology). If a student chooses to join a lab outside of MMI, a co-adviser with a primary appointment in MMI is required. A student's thesis adviser generally will set requirements regarding the preparation for, and completion of, the thesis or dissertation project.
Thesis Presentation
As part of the requirements of the ScM degree, each student must defend their completed thesis orally, late in the fourth term. The ScM thesis presentations for second year students will be held during May of 2025.
ScM Thesis Submission Deadlines
Most students find that writing a thesis requires much more time and effort than expected. For that reason, students are encouraged to write as they go, rather than wait for the final few weeks of their graduate careers. Students are also encouraged to work closely with their advisers on thesis organization, scope, and content. To facilitate these recommendations, the Department requires that a student adhere to the following timetable. Note that these dates are relevant to the 2023-25 cohort and dates for the 2024-26 cohort will be published in next year’s handbook.\
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2/7/2025 (or earlier) | Students should meet with the student coordinator to go over transcripts and make sure all other degree requirements have been met. |
| 3/07/2025 | 1st draft of thesis is due to thesis advisor. |
| 3/14/2025 (or earlier) | Deadline for submitting the Thesis Readers and Final Examination form to the registrar |
| 3/28/2025 | Final draft of thesis is due to the secondary reader. |
| 4/07/25 | Secondary reader returns comments |
| 4/18/25 | Final draft to both readers for evaluation |
| 5/02/2025 (or earlier) | Final deadline for submitting final copies of ScM thesis and all readers’ letters. Note: the thesis and letters should be submitted several days ahead of the final deadline to ensure their receipt and allow for processing. |
*If you need to alter the thesis writing step timelines, coordinate that with your thesis readers. The March 14 and May 2 dates are hard deadlines imposed by the university/school. Anyone not meeting those deadlines will not graduate in May 2025.
For a full list of program policies, please visit the ScM in MMI page where students can find our handbook.
Academic Performance
Academic Performance and Academic Probation
Master’s students are required to maintain a 2.75 grade point average or better. Students who do not satisfy this and other academic requirements will be placed on Academic Probation by the Graduate Program Committee. Formal notification of Academic Probation generally will be accompanied by conditions that the student must fulfill in order to be returned to good academic standing. Students who fail to meet those conditions may be dismissed from the program. Students cannot graduate with a GPA lower than 2.75
Criteria for Dismissal from the ScM Program
Students may be dismissed from the MMI ScM program for reasons that include (but are not limited to) failure to satisfy conditions specified for removal from academic probation, failure to maintain an adequate GPA, failure of the Departmental Comprehensive Examination, failure to make satisfactory progress in thesis research, violations of academic or professional ethics, and failure to adhere to School and Departmental time limitations.
Academic Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research
MMI requires students to adhere rigorously to the School's standards for Academic Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research in all activities. Violations of these standards are ground for dismissal from the program. Policies are detailed in Policy and Procedures Memoranda (PPMs) "Students 01 Academic Ethics" and (for research, including student research) "Faculty 07 Scientific Misconduct." A lecture introducing students to these topics will be presented during the first term. The time and location will be announced by the Student Coordinator. Attendance is required. Each student is also required to complete the online module on Academic and Research Ethics in their first term of enrollment (PH.550.860 Academic & Research Ethics at JHSPH ).
Student Conduct Code
The fundamental purpose of the JHU’s regulation of student conduct is to promote and protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community, as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities that support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically and professionally. The JHU Student Conduct Code is outlined here.
Vacation/Holiday Policy
Graduate student holiday and vacation schedules traditionally have been flexible to accommodate the varied demands of individual research projects. Guidelines that reflect the Department’s expectations are outlined below. These guidelines are not intended to eliminate flexibility in the scheduling of holidays and vacations and do not replace any conditions that might be imposed by fellowships/funding agencies. These guidelines also do not restrict legitimate academic or research activities conducted off-campus, such as attendance at scientific meetings and fieldwork. Students are generally entitled to the following holidays and vacation time:
- University holidays
- Spring break
- The period between the last day of 2nd term and the first day of winter intersession
- A fortnight vacation in the second and subsequent years as scheduled by arrangement with the adviser.
Graduate students are expected to be present during winter intersession and summer term or as required by their experimental protocols.
Leave of Absence
A leave of absence (LOA) is for students who decide to take a temporary break from their programs of study due to reasons beyond their control such as illness, military service, financial exigency, or pressing personal reasons justifying an interruption of their graduate studies. A leave of absence is an officially recognized inactive student status entered on a student's academic record. LOA cannot be used by a student working on a thesis who has completed all other degree requirements. LOA is limited to one academic year except for military service. Application for LOA must be made on a form available from the Academic Coordinator. Please discuss any potential LOA with the Program Director and the Academic Coordinator.
Please review the BSPH Schoolwide Policy.
Employment as a Full-Time ScM Student
Full-time ScM students can be employed by faculty, including by their PI, to conduct part-time work not directly related to their thesis. Hours worked per week from all sources at JHU must not exceed 20 hours.
Learning Outcomes
According to the requirements of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), all BSPH degree students must be grounded in foundational public health knowledge. Please view the list of specific CEPH requirements by degree type.
Key educational objectives for ScM students include:
- Graduates will be able to address current and future issues in public health related to the biology, ecology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics of infectious diseases and their vectors.
- Graduates will be able to address current and future issues in public health related to immunology, immunization, and pathogenesis of infectious diseases.
- Graduates will be able to design and conduct experiments to acquire new knowledge of host-pathogen interactions.
- Graduates will be able to format and organize scientific rationales, experimental data, and conclusions for presentation in written form and orally at venues such as scientific meetings, seminars, and journal clubs.
- Graduates will be able to evaluate the ethical implications of scientific research and conduct scientific activities in an ethical and responsible manner.