Microbiology Course Catalog
A small group tutorial discussion: the role science in society combined with discussions of contemporary societal issues involving microbiology such as emerging infectious diseases and microbial biotechnology.
Not for credit toward major. How cancer and AIDS begin and progress. The roles of individual cells, the immune system, mutations and viruses. How various physical and subtle factors influence one's chances of getting cancer. How to not get AIDS. The principles of vaccine development and why AIDS presents special difficulties. Established and new medical treatments for cancer and AIDS. What cancer and AIDS can teach us about health, healing, disease, living, and dying. (Gen.Ed. BS). (Fall and Spring).
Independent Studies are general research projects arranged individually between students and faculty members. Undergraduates interested in joining a laboratory and participating in the research process should contact individual faculty members to apply to work in the faculty member’s laboratory. Generally, students earn three credits for a semester of work. Requirements for Independent Study vary and undergraduates should be sure that they understand the expectations and requirements for the credits they will earn. A Microbiology Course Override Form is required for registration in Microbiology 196 – Independent Study. This form is available in the Main Microbiology Office.
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For undergraduate nursing majors only. With lab. Basic concepts of microbiology with emphasis on microbial pathogenesis and immunity. Medically important microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses and the diseases they cause. Laboratory exercises teach fundamental skills in aseptic technique, microscopy, pure culture study, and the isolation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms. (Gen.Ed. BS).
Independent Studies are general research projects arranged individually between students and faculty members. Undergraduates interested in joining a laboratory and participating in the research process should contact individual faculty members to apply to work in the faculty member’s laboratory. Generally, students earn three credits for a semester of work. Requirements for Independent Study vary and undergraduates should be sure that they understand the expectations and requirements for the credits they will earn. A Microbiology Course Override Form is required for registration in Microbiology 296 – Independent Study. This form is available in the Main Microbiology Office.
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Overview of the microbial world including a survey of the structure, functioning, and diversity of microorganisms. Introduction to the fundamental concepts of microbial physiology, ecology, genetics, and pathogenesis.
Microbiological laboratory procedures including sterile technique, microscopy, enrichment and isolation, and preservation. Extensive experience in the cultivation of microorganisms. Covers a variety of topics including bacterial pathogenesis, quorum sensing, antibiotics, biofilms, bacteriophage and fungi. Prerequisite: MICROBIO 310, either previously or concurrently. Section 1 of this course is for Microbiology majors only. Section 2 is for Human Nutrition and Pre-Veterinary majors only. Other majors will be considered by application only. Application must be submitted to the Microbiology Office, 203 Morrill Science Center IVN.
This is a sophomore/junior level lecture course designed to provide microbiology and biology majors with a basic understanding of the mechanisms by which microorganisms, including bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses cause disease, and the mechanisms of host defense against infectious microbes. Emerging and reemerging infectious diseases and development of resistance to antimicrobial agents are also discussed. Specifically, students study the innate and adaptive immune responses, cells and organs of the immune system, MHC and HLA systems, the mechanisms of antigen processing and presentation, immune dysfunction, hypersensitivities, autoimmune disorders, principles of vaccine development, HIV/AIDS and the immune system as well as the role of the immune system in cancer development. Students also learn the mechanisms used by various pathogens to evade the immune response.
Basic concepts of microbial genetics, and genomics. Both classic and modern experimental approaches to studies of fundamental genetic processes.
Satisfies the Junior Year Writing requirement. Students develop their writing skills while completing a series of short assignments. Each participant will identify a biological topic of their choice to research and write about during the semester.
The methodology fundamental to the practice of modern biotechnology is presented. Techniques covered include establishment and manipulation of cell cultures, preparation and analysis of DNA and RNA, production of recombinant protein expression vectors, isolation, purification and characterization of proteins. Major emphasis on the student's performance of laboratory exercises which provide direct experience with each of the techniques mentioned.
This lab course wil cover basic concepts of microbiology with an emphasis on sterile technique, microscopy, isolation and cultivation of microorganisms. Identification of pathogenic organisms, antibiotic susceptibility testing, epidemiology and the detection of microbes in food will be covered. This is a 1 credit course for non-majors. It is geared towards students applying to post-graduate health care programs (physician assistant, nurse practitioner, pharmacy, etc.). This course can only be taken with consent of instructor. Application must be completed and submitted to the Microbiology Office, 203 Morrill Science Center IVN.
Independent Studies are general research projects arranged individually between students and faculty members. Undergraduates interested in joining a laboratory and participating in the research process should contact individual faculty members to apply to work in the faculty member’s laboratory. Generally, students earn three credits for a semester of work. Requirements for Independent Study vary and undergraduates should be sure that they understand the expectations and requirements for the credits they will earn. A Microbiology Course Override Form is required for registration in Microbiology 396 – Independent Study. This form is available in the Main Microbiology Office.
Program participants will undertake an honors section of independent study (research) under the direction of their research sponsor. Beyond the normal expectations for independent study students in the department, the honors section may include preparation of a review of the scientific literature in the field of the research project. (File an Honors Independent Study Contract with Commonwealth College ; form may be found on the ComCol website.)
Practicum credits may be earned by undergraduates participating as undergraduate teaching assistants in laboratory and lecture courses. Students interested in being an undergraduate TA should contact the individual instructor for the course. Applications for laboratory TA’s are available at registration time in the Main Microbiology Office. A Microbiology Course Override Form is required for registration in Microbiology 398 – Practicum. This form is available in the Main Microbiology Office.
Essential aspects of bacterial growth, including energy metabolism, macromolecular assemblages and functions, and the integration of metabolic processes by various regulatory mechanisms. Also the diversity of microorganisms, including origins of diversity, ecological and environmental pressures that create diversity, and how to measure diversity with examples from specific environments and microbial assemblages.
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The honors project consists of completing and presenting the original research undertaken. The presentation will include but not be limited to an abstract suitable for publication and a research summary in the form of a poster appropriate for presentation at a scientific meeting. A Departmental Poster Presentation Session will be held at the end of the semester. Honors students are also encouraged to present their results at local or national scientific meetings. Students must also complete the Capstone Manuscript requirement of Commonwealth College. File an Independent Capstone Contract with Commonwealth College.
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Original microbiological research carried out under the direction of the research sponsor. The honors student will take an active role in the experimental design of the research project. While it is not expected that undergraduate honors student will be fully capable of initiating original research on their own it is hoped that participation in the design and implementation of a research project will help the student acquire the necessary skills to carry out independent research. Independent Capstone Contract and Research Proposal with Commonwealth College ; form and proposal information may be found on the ComCol website.
This laboratory course is designed to help students become familiar with and proficient in the performance of principles and protocols in cellular immunology, immunochemistry and clinical serology. This will be accomplished over the course of the semester by exploring the protein chemistry of antibodies, including antibody isolation using salt precipitation, ion exchange, and molecular sieving column chromatographhy, spectrophotometry, SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), western blotting, immunoprecipitation, enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), and immunofluorescence staining. The student will also perform classic serological assays including the complement fixation test, passive hemagglutination and immunodiffusion (Ouchterlony technique). Anatomy of the lymphatic system will be explored using a mouse model. Specifically, the student will perform mouse dissection, lymph node examination, and isolation of lymphocytes from the mouse spleen and thymus. Finally, the student will be exposed to cellular immunology, including mammalian histology, identification and enumeration of mouse and human leukocytes, normal and diseased lymphoid tissue, and two-color flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations. Students also get ample experience in scientific writing as well as peer review.
Laboratory procedures in clinical and diagnostic bacteriology including: i) culture and characteristics of most commonly encountered pathogenic bacteria; ii) recommended procedures for their cultivation and isolation from clinical material; iii) conventional and rapid methods for detection and identification; iv) prescribed tests for the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics.
Microbial Biotechnology is a laboratory course supported by lectures and demonstrations. This advanced course is designed to introduce graduate level students to traditional and molecular methods strategically applied to problems related to microbial biotechnology and environmental microbiology. Course topics cover a wide range of subjects from the diversity of microbial life to biodegradation. Seven general areas are emphasized: (1) Statistical sampling and chemical and physical site characterization, (2) biomass determination and cell counts, (3) enrichment techniques, (4) microbial activity measurements, (5) single cell detection in situ, (6) sequence analysis and phylogenetic analysis followed by probe design, and (7) other modern techniques of environmental microbiology.
Methodology and principles of modern molecular genetics. Microbial genetics combining classical techniques with bacteriophages and bacteria with modern PCR and recombinant DNA experiments. Introduction to genomic and structural analysis using computer methods. Designed to help students learn techniques and analyze results.
Molecular biology of animal viruses and viral genetic systems; viral disease processes. Emphasis on polio virus, influenza, herpes viruses, the DNA tumor viruses, retroviruses (including HIV), and hepadna viruses. Prerequisite: MICROBIO 310; background in cell biology, genetics, or biochemistry recommended.
Fundamental and advanced topics in the molecular genetics of micro-organisms covered through lecture and discussion of the literature. Topics vary depending on the instructor. Prerequisites: basic coursework in biochemistry and genetics. Credit, 3
Interdisciplinary discovery-based laboratory in which students perform individualized experiments. Students use the genetic tool RNA interference to validate potential new drug targets in the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma brucei. specific techniques include: database searching, primer design and PCR analyses, DNA andRNA isolation, culturing and transfection of eukaryotic cells, inducible RNA interference, epifluorescence analyses, and drug inhibitor studies.
Classical and modern parasitology concentrating on protozoan and worm parasites of major medical/veterinary importance. Topics include basic principles of parasitology, life cycles, epidemiology, host-parasite interactions, drug treatments and vector control programs, along with information on the basic biology, biochemistry, and genetics of selected parasites.
Research project under direction of a faculty member. By arrangement.
How Microorganisms interact with each other and with their environment. Microbial distribution and activities in natural systems, and their importance to ecosystem function and environmental quality. Extreme habitats; habitat-specific forces; microbial activity; microbial transformations and their impact on different environments; species diversity, detection, and control of microorganisms; and associations with higher organisms. Each basic principle followed by applied and environmental case studies. Modern techniques of environmental microbiology graduate students write an independent research proposal.
Main aspects of microbial growth, energy and biosynthesis pathways, metabolic regulation and integration of pathways into a coherent system. Emphasis on physiological diversity, global control systems governing the adaptation of microorganisms to different environmental conditions, and emerging methodologies.
Research project under direction of a faculty member. By arrangement.
Systems Biology has been heralded as the Biology of the 21st Century. Come discover why. This primary literature-based course will cover seminal and exciting new papers that combine theoretical, computational and experimental results into explanatory and predictive models of biological systems.
Reports and discussion of pertinent literature and research. Required of all microbiology graduate majors each semester in residence. More information.
Research project under direction of a faculty member. By arrangement.
Studies the active subsurface iosphere in sedimentary basins, to advance understanding of: 1) the forms of metabolic processes employed by such populations, and limits on the activity of subsurface microbial communities; 2) the origin, survival, and dormancy of slowly-growing subsurface microorganisms far removed from earth surface influences; 3) the geochemical, mineralogical and molecular signatures that subsurface organisms may imprint on rocks and sediments; and 4) the impact that active modern populations may have on overprinting of paleoenvironmental signatures preserved in ancient sediments and rocks.
Presentations and discussions of important research papers from the current literature. Emphasis on either new strategies to address fundamental issues in microbial ecology or on hypothesis-based microbial ecology research. All participants should expect to lead a discussion. Presentations start with postdoctoral and senior graduate students.
Critical review of the scientific literature is an integral part of scientific research, and both students and faculty benefit greatly from the discussions originating from these reviews. This well organized journal club entails critical review of the scientific literature deemed beneficial and relevant to both students and immunology faculty. Students make one presentation of a journal article from a reputable immunology-related journal with the advice and final approval from an immunology faculty member. Topics may include, but are not limited to molecular immunology, programmed cell death, virus immunology, infection and defense, cellular immunology and receptor-mediated signaling.
Explores through current primary literature some of the complex processes used by microbial pathogens to establish themselves in a host and to gain nutrients, subsequently causing host cell damage and disease, and to evade the host's defense. Includes discussion of the modern molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry tools to study these processes.