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Microbiological Sciences and Immunology is a degree category that consists of the following common degrees:
- Read more about Immunology
In the broad sense, immunology is the field of biology which studies the immune system, also known as the body’s defense system. In medical terms, immunology is the subspecialty of internal medicine which deals with both the normal and abnormal functioning of the immune system.
Immunologists work with adult and pediatric patients suffering from common diseases such as asthma, food and drug allergies, immune deficiencies, and diseases of the lung. Their responsibilities in laboratory-based work involve conducting original medical research and experiments and developing new treatments, therapies, or vaccines to control infections and illnesses.
Students who wish to become a clinical immunologist earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree and complete a residency in internal medicine or pediatrics as well as a fellowship in immunology. Those who wish to pursue a career in immunological research typically do not attend medical school and instead earn a Ph.D. in the field. Regardless of the educational route they take, aspiring immunologists will play key roles in the fight against diseases from the common cold to the deadliest of cancers.