Professional development
Bringing out the best
Our goal is to provide graduate students with a professional and academic environment that enables them to do outstanding work. We accomplish this by creating a collegial, creative learning space with accessible mentoring and practical experience.
Teaching assistantships
There are a limited number of Teaching Assistantships (TA) available for graduate students in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Please contact the department office to determine eligibility and availability.
Teaching assignments depend on undergraduate enrolments and the experience of the graduate students.
Normal TA assignments
- Part-time instructor, lab instructor, assistant or demonstrator
- Marker for laboratory and lecture assessments (lab reports, quizzes, tests and final examinations)
- Tutorial leader
- Invigilator for tests and final examinations
- One-on-one tutor in the Resource Centre
Departmental seminars
Our weekly Microbiology and Immunology Seminar Series (Mondays at 12:30 p.m.) connects you with first-rate scholars from around the world and provides you with opportunities to develop your presentation skills.
- Invited speakers: Speakers from outside AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ are invited to participate within the seminar series. There are often opportunities for students to meet the invited speakers for more in-depth discussion.
- Graduate students: Each MSc student must present one seminar and each PhD student must present two seminars within this series.
The annual Department of Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Student Symposium, features first year graduate students and occurs during the winter term. Students present are given the chance to present the graduate project.
The annual Dr. C. E. van Rooyen Lectureship brings eminent researchers from around the world to present and meet with the students. Speakers are chosen and invited by the graduate students themselves.