Curriculum Overview
The TrIMS Program focuses on understanding immunological disease across five core areas: autoimmunity, transplantation, cancer, infection and immunotherapy. Students begin with foundational coursework in immunology that becomes progressively more advanced each trimester.
This program integrates classroom learning with hands-on laboratory experience. Students study key concepts through didactic instruction while simultaneously applying their knowledge to a laboratory-based research project developed under faculty guidance.
As a hybrid program, some courses will be primarily in person while others may be primarily via videoconference. The laboratory component may also include a mix of in-person and virtual work, depending on the nature of the research project and the expectations of the thesis mentor.
Each student's work culminates in a final thesis defense, showcasing their research findings and demonstrating mastery of immunological principles, experimental approaches and laboratory skills.
Curriculum Information
Course Catalog
Introduction to Immunology - Peter Heeger, MD
Gain an overview of innate vs. adaptive immune responses, antibody structure and function, T-cell activation, and hypersensitivity responses.
Biostatistics - James Mirocha - Marie Lauzon, MS
This course will focus on basic statistical concepts and practical examples to assess scientific rigor in immunological research.
Introduction to Research - Ekaterina Koltsova, PhD
Go through key steps in connecting with a lab and thesis mentor, and learn important information for a career in science.
Translational Immunology 1 - Caroline Jefferies, PhD
The key sections studied include cytokines and cell signaling, immune cells and how the immune system interacts with the microenvironment.
Translational Immunology 2 - Stephen Shiao, MD, PhD
This course will focus on organ‑specific types of immunity and environmental factors that affect the immune system.
Experimental and Computational Immunology 1 - Gislaine Martins, PhD - Andrea Wolf, PhD
This course will provide an overview of common experimental and computational approaches scientists use in the laboratory.
Experimental and Computational Immunology 2 Andrea Wolf, PhD - Gislaine Martins, PhD
This course is structured as two half‑trimester internships where students will spend time with an expert, learning how to apply research techniques.
Clinical Immunology 1 - Nunzio Bottini, MD, PhD
In this course, students will learn more about immune-mediated mechanisms of diseases in rheumatological diseases, allergy, and transplant.
Clinical Immunology 2 - David Gibb, MD, PhD
In this course, students will learn more about immune-mediated mechanisms of disease in organ autoimmunity, IBD, pediatric immunology, and cancer.
Immunology Journal Club - Youn Jung (Chloe) Choi, PhD
Throughout six trimesters, students will attend immunology seminars that will introduce them to emerging concepts and current research in the field.
Thesis Research - Assigned by end of Trimester 1
Throughout five trimesters, students will work with a thesis mentor to develop a research project focused on immune-mediated disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore answers to commonly asked questions to help you navigate the program.
The key courses include a lockstep series of Introduction to Immunology, Translational Immunology, Experimental and Computational Immunology and Clinical Immunology. Students will also participate in a series of research courses and an immunology journal club series.
Yes, the program includes a mandatory thesis that you will develop during your time in the program and you must complete it with a defense in front of a small committee.
Cedars‑Sinai Medical Center is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
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Master of Science in Translational Immunology
Cedars-Sinai Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
8687 Melrose Ave.
SuiteG‑700
West Hollywood, CA 90069