Q. Which undergraduate programs are offered by the MIMM Department?

A. The Microbiology & Immunology Department offers four programs:

1. Liberal Program: this is the broadest of the four MIMM programs. Students study a Core Science Component (CSC) in Microbiology & Immunology (50 credits), plus a Breadth Component (at least 18 credits) in another area of study. For the Breadth Component, students must complete one of the following:

• Minor Program (18-24 credits)
• Arts Minor or Major Concentration (18 or 36 credits)
• A second CSC (45-50 credits); at least 24 credits must be distinct from those used to satisfy the primary CSC.

2. Major Program: This 66-credit program is designed for students who want to acquire a substantial background in microbiology and immunology, and in related disciplines (chemistry, biology, biochemistry). This will prepare them for professional schools, graduate education, or for entry in industry or in research institutes.

3. Honours Program: The Honours program in Microbiology and Immunology combines the substantial background given by the Major program with a challenging opportunity to carry out a laboratory research project in the U-3 year. The required courses that are part of the Honours program offer broad exposure to different areas important to the biomedical sciences, as well as a high degree of specialization in these disciplines. These courses prepare students for a significant research experience under the direct supervision of a professor in the Department.

4. Interdepartmental Honours Program: IHI is a 75-credit program involving the Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, and Physiology, and it incorporates elements from each of these disciplines. Since immunology is a key area of biomedical research and is critical to our understanding of the patho-physiology of many immune-mediated diseases, the program provides an excellent foundation for students interested in pursuing a career in biomedical research and/or medicine.

Q. I’m in my U2 year and I meet the requirements for the Honours program. How do I obtain permission to switch my Major program to Honours?

A. Students intending to apply to the Honours program follow the same courses as the Major program in U-1 and U-2. A CGPA of at least 3.5 must be obtained by the end of the U-2 year in order to enter the Honours in U-3. For graduation from the Honours program, a student must pass all required courses at a level of C or better, and must achieve a sessional CGPA of at least 3.5 in U-3.

Students who wish to apply to the Honours program must communicate in writing with Student Affairs Officer at undergrad.microimm [at] mcgill.ca by January 30th of their U-2 year. Since there are a limited number of places available in MIMM501/MIMM502, registration requires approval of the Department.

Q. I’ve looked at the credit requirements for my program, but I’m still not really sure what to register for. Is there someone I can talk to?

A. Of course! If you are unsure what to register for, you can contact Christine DeSantis, Student Affairs Officer by email at undergrad.microimm [at] mcgill.ca or book an advising appointment . Please remember to include your McGill Student ID and to use your firstname.lastname [at] mail.mcgill.ca email in all correspondences with anyone in the Department.

Q. What is a ‘normal’ course load?

A. Please see the following link for information on course load: /science/undergraduate/handbook

Q. I can’t register for a course that is required for my program. What should I do?

A. If the course you’re trying to register for is a MIMM course, contact Christine DeSantis, Student Affairs Officer at undergrad.microimm [at] mcgill.ca. Include your McGill ID and the course you need to register for.

For any other courses, contact the department that offers the course:

BIOC= Biochemistry, BIOL = Biology; CHEM = Chemistry; ANAT = Anatomy; PHGY = Physiology; MATH = Mathematics; MIMM = Microbiology; COMP = Computer Science; PSYT = Psychiatry; EXMD = Experimental Medicine; PHAR = Pharmacology

Q. I’ve failed a course. What should I do?

A. If you have failed a course, speak to the MIMM Student Affairs Officer about the different options available to you. I will help you determine which option is best suited for you.

Options:

If you have received a grade of D or F in a required course, you have two options:

1. Take the supplemental exam for the course. See this site for more information: /exams/dates/supdefer. For most (but not all) courses, the supplemental exam counts for 100% of your grade and covers material from the entire course.

2. Retake the course.

If you have received a grade of D or F in a complementary course, you have three options:

1. Take the supplemental exam for the course. See this site for more information: /exams/dates/supdefer. For most (but not all) courses, the supplemental exam counts for 100% of your grade and covers material from the entire course.

2. Retake the course.

3. If you received a grade of D (not F) in a complementary course, that course can be counted as an elective. If you count the course as an elective, you must then replace the complementary course with another course from the same complementary course list.

A grade of D is considered a pass for an elective course. If you have received an F in an elective course, you have three options:

1. Take the supplemental exam for the course. See this site for more information: /exams/dates/supdefer. For most (but not all) courses, the supplemental exam counts for 100% of your grade and covers material from the entire course.

2. Retake the course.

3. Choose another elective course to replace the one you failed.

Q. I’ve taken courses at another university that seems equivalent to courses at McGill. Can those courses count toward my degree? If so, how can I get credit for those courses?

A. If courses you have taken at an accredited university are deemed equivalent to courses at McGill, you are eligible to receive credit for them.

If the course you’d like to receive credit for is a Biochemistry course, please make sure to use the course equivalency system.

Please see the following link for more information on transfer credits and study away: /science/undergraduate/handbook

ADVISING

Q. Who are my advisors?

A. There are many advisors you can contact if you encounter issues during your undergrad:

Departmental Advisor: For questions concerning course selection, course equivalencies, or other questions with regards to your program, contact undergrad.microimm [at] mcgill.cacarmen.paezmendoza [at] mcgill.ca (.)

Faculty Advisor: for information on rules, regulations, requirements and upcoming deadlines governing your 120-credit Bachelor degree program, as well as help with your programs of study, planning your degree, credit load and study away, contact your Faculty Advisor. Your Faculty Advisor’s name can be found at the top of your online transcript.

Q. I’m interested in going to Medical School once I complete my B.Sc. degree. How should I prepare for Med School?

A. Have a look at this link for more information on preparing for Med School:

Information for students thinking about applying to medical school after their BSc degree.