An exacting program of research with broad academic training in the biological sciences is offered. In addition to courses required by the Sackler Institute, students must complete a course in Parasitic Diseases. Enrollment in advanced courses such as Signal Transduction, Molecular Evolution, Immunoparasitology or other special reading courses depends on the graduate student's particular interests.

Beginning with the second year, students present an annual progress report to the Department and members of their thesis committee. At the end of the second year, students must pass a qualifying examination covering the general areas of immunology, parasitology, molecular biology, biochemistry and their proposed thesis research. The remaining time in the program, students conduct their dissertation research and take specialized course work and seminars.