1. MIMM 501/502 D1, D2 Independent Studies in Microbiology and Immunology   Honours Research Project; 12 Credits Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Course Coordinators
Dr. Irah King
Dr. Martin Richer

2. 3 Main Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
To design and execute a hands-on research project in Immunology or in Molecular Microbiology
To write a scientific proposal and manuscript
To present a research seminar at the conclusion of the course.

3. Course Structure & Content Laboratory component
Devote at least 40% of your academic efforts working in a laboratory
With a supervisor you will design a hypothesis-driven research project, complementing the PI’s long-term program
Propose project specific aims and organize experiments through regular discussion and direction from the PI
Acquire scientific background about a selected project by reading and learning
Master skills at the bench, acquiring expertise and techniques in a laboratory setting

4. Course Structure & Content: in-class component
~18 classes throughout the year delivered by coordinators that focus on skills required for scientists
Evolve from competition towards collaboration as colleagues
Learn and practice communication tools (writing and oral presentation)
CV writing tutorial
Scientific citations and referencing workshop
Hone writing skills by creating drafts of research reports
Discuss progress of the project at weekly seminars
Compose a structured 30-page manuscript
Present your scientific achievements at student research day

5. MIMM 501 / 502: Eligibility Requirements
Must be a MIMM student
CGPA > 3.5 by the end of Fall term of U2
All required courses completed at end of U2, winter term
Commitment from a supervisor
Space is limited with class size to be determined
Application receives final approval from coordinators:
Dr. I. King
Dr. M. Richer

6. Application Procedure
Submit the following info to Jennifer DiMassimo on/before Friday, January 25, 2019:
Statement of interest in MIMM 501/502 (1 sentence)
Subject area identified (Micro or Immuno)
Unofficial McGill transcript

7. Match-making Prospective supervisors Match Making
Any McGill Professor performing research related to microbiology and/or immunology
Have replied to course coordinator indicating willingness to accept an honours student
Available resources/funding
List ed to all interested students in the first week of February
Match Making
Student’s responsibility to contact potential supervisor for interview
Meet with at least 3 supervisors, if possible
Consider topics, size, locations of laboratories when choosing
Present, agree, and co-sign Guidelines

8. Student-supervisor commitments
Letter of agreement between supervisor and student
Identification of project: 2 paragraphs…. detailed description using template provided upon application submission
Signed by both parties
Submit agreement to Department by Friday, March 15, 2019
Approved by Drs. King, Richer

9. MIMM 501 / 502 meetings Mondays 14:35 to 17:00h in McIntyre 703
Autumn: ~10 sessions
Winter: ~6 sessions
Ends with Honours research day in late April

10. Student Research Day Invitation: April 29, 2019; 09:00 – 17:00 h
Duff amphitheatre
Presentations from U3 students in MIMM honours this year

11. Do you want to get started early in your honours lab?
Start in the summer (may-august 2017)
Personal agreement with your supervisors
Funding opportunities
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology

12. Final Comments
Communicate with U3 students now in MIMM 501 / 502; research proposals
Submit application: on/before January 25, 2019  find a supervisor
Ask supervisors for reports of previous students
Identify specific projects
Interview with 2-3 professors, if not more