Why study Microbiology & Immunology?
Microbiology includes the study of the large and diverse group of organisms of microscopic size including viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, and parasites. Microbiologists at Queen’s study micro-organisms from many different perspectives including their distribution and role in the environment and their relationship to other living organisms. Immunology focuses on host responses that discriminate between self and non-self, and the elimination of non-self components such as micro-organisms. Immunologists at Queen’s study the mechanisms involved in host responses to viral and parasitic organisms. Unlocking the secrets of infectious agents and the responses illicited in the host to these agents is vital in a world where infectious disease still take the lives of more than 50,000 people a day (WHO 2002). Emerging antibiotic resistance and hyper-virulent bacteria and viruses pose a constant threat to quality of life worldwide. Fundamental research into these agents are of utmost importance gi
