Microbiology Course Catalog

Hans Zinnser said, “... infectious disease is merely a disagreeable instance of a widely prevalent tendency of all living creatures to save themselves the bother of building the things they require. The plant does the work with its roots and green leaves. The cow eats the plant. Man eats both of them; and bacteria eat the man....” In the process, these interactions have fundamentally shaped our planet and ourselves. Plagues, outbreaks of diseases, have been a part of the human condition since recorded history and undoubtedly long before. In fact, disease is a part of all life for all organisms. At the same time, human activity, from agriculture to jet travel, interact with microbes and the environment to bring about plagues. Often we think of infectious diseases as the microbes that cause disease. A cold, and the virus that cause it, are thought of as the same thing. But infectious disease really describes an ecological interaction between microscopic organisms and other organisms that they use as a source of energy and nutrients, a pathogen and its host. The honors colloquium is an addendum to Microbiol 140P to further explore diseases and how they have shaped our world, how we attempt to manage them, and how we often inadvertently aid and abet them. Microbiol H140 is a 1 credit weekly discussion of readings taken from recent popular literature and press. Students will be asked to summarize the context of these articles, write a critical synopsis and participate in evaluating these synopses for publication in blog-like reader online.

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 lab course will cover basic concepts of microbiology with an emphasis on sterile technique, microscopy, isolation and cultivation of microorganisms.  Identification of pathogenic organisms, antibiotic susceptibility testing, how pathogens are spread and the detection of microbes in food will be covered. This is a 2 credit course for NON-MAJORS. It is geared for students applying to post-graduate health care programs (physician assistant, nurse practitioner, pharmacy, etc.). Enrollment is by application only.

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.

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. Students are strongly encouraged to have previously taken Biology 151 as well as Chemistry 112 (or 250).

This class is an introduction to microorganisms, concentrating on laboratory methods used to study a wide variety of microbes. You will learn basic microbiological methods, including sterile technique, enrichment and isolation, microscopy and preservation of cultures. Once these techniques are learned, you will use them to investigate a variety of different topics, including bacterial motility, endospore formation, oxygen requirements, microbial growth, quorum sensing, antibiotic production, biofilms, and bacteria important in human and veterinary health care. You will explore the diversity of microorganisms by studying fungi and viruses, as well as by isolation organisms from a wide variety of environmental sources. You will use a lab notebook and written discussions and summaries to communicate your experimental results and to link them to fundamental concepts in microbiology. This course will complement and reinforce topics taught in MICROBIO 311.

The main objective of this course is to introduce students to basic concepts of microbial genetics. The course is intended to provide students with a broad exposure to several fundamental aspects of genetics through lectures, in-class discussion, assigned textbook readings, and study groups. Topics covered in this course will include DNA replication and repair, cellular structure and function, transcription, translation, protein secretion and degradation, gene regulation, genetic manipulation and analysis, the transfer of genetic material, and the use of mutations to dissect regulatory networks. This course will provide students with a solid foundation to continue studies in microbiology and related disciplines.

This course teaches the fundamental methodology relevant to the practice of modern biotechnology. Techniques include the amplification, manipulation, isolation, and analysis of DNA, the production of recombinant DNA (vectors) for cloning and protein expression, as well as the establishment of genetically modified cell lines via different selection and screening methods. Further principles taught are isolation and characterization of proteins, and use of immunoassays. Overall, a major emphasis is laid on the student's individual performance of laboratory exercises, which provides direct, active laboratory experience.

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.

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.

Bioconversion of materials is part of the natural cycle for all bio-based materials as well as a key factor in bioenergy production. Biodegradation processes including those employed by fungal, bacterial, insect and marine organisms relative to carbon and nutrient cycling and the production of feedstocks for bioenergy and biomaterials are important to maintaining the ecological balance on earth, and for the development of a sustainable society with renewable and bio-based materials. The course examines aspects of natural degradative systems, and how biomimicry of these systems can be harnessed for sustainable energy and product production. Deterioration and protection of biomaterials including wood, bamboo, and historic materials is also included.

Description of the structure and function of key aspects of microorganisms and approaches to their study.  Topics include cell structure, bacterial growth, energy generation, biosynthesis of macromolecules, and the integration of these processes in an environmental context.  Emphasis is on modern approaches to these topics using biochemistry and genomic tools.

HIV rates in U.S. poverty areas rival those found in Haiti, Burundi, Ethiopia, and Angola. HIV prevalence in high-poverty neighborhoods is more than double that of the nation overall. Within high-poverty neighborhoods, prevalence among people living below the poverty line was double that of those living above it. Blacks disproportionately bear the brunt of the HIV epidemic in the US accounting for over 48% of all new cases of the disease while representing only 12% of the population. The HIV epidemic that was once thought to be a declining problem is now threatening to destroy not only the progress previously made, but also the health, well-being and potential of men and women of all races in poverty areas across the United States. Some important questions therefore need to be answered: Is race, poverty or both the driver of HIV in these communities? What should be done to stem the tide of new HIV infections in these areas of our society?  This course satisfies one of the three modules required for the Integrative Experience for BA-MicBio and BS-MicBio majors.

In this class, we will discuss current events in the world related to viral outbreaks. We will discuss typical practices used by the media to cover viral-induced epidemics and reflect on how societal and political factors are influencing our own comprehension and perspective on potential pandemics.

Students will engage in meaningful literature research and dialogue about whether organic standards are meeting the needs of both environmental and community sustainability. We will also consider the benefits of sustainable agriculture, both in the sense of conservation of land and soil as limiting natural resources, as well as the sense of community with the farm and food production as the center of family and local community life. In exploring these wide-ranging issues, students will have the opportunity to reflect on and integrate their Gen Ed learning experience from various courses as well as practice Gen Ed learning objectives at a more advanced level as they seek meaningful solutions to complex and ever evolving societal problems.  Students will work in small groups to explore these solutions allowing them to participate in shared learning experiences as they apply prior knowledge from various Gen Ed courses and social experiences to solve challenging real-world problems.  Satisfies one of three required modules of the Integrative Experience requirement for BA-MicBio or BS-MicBio majors.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a set of infectious diseases arising from a diverse group of parasitic worms, bacteria, and vector-borne protozoa that affect an estimated 1.4 billion people worldwide. These diseases affect the world’s most vulnerable populations, almost exclusively poor and powerless people living in rural areas and urban slums of low-income countries. NTDs coexist with poverty because they thrive where access to clean water and sanitation are limited and people live without protection from insects that transmit disease. They also contribute to poverty since they can impair intellectual development in children, reduce school enrollment, and hinder economic productivity by limiting the ability of infected individuals to work. Current control efforts focus primarily on mass drug administration (MDA) to treat the seven most common NTDs and has become one of the most cost effective global health programs to treat multiple diseases at once, in large part because major pharmaceutical companies are donating the needed medicines for free. End 7 is a global campaign to deworm the world and bring an end to 7 of the NTDs. Important questions exist related to this global health strategy: what might be the long-term benefits (and possible detriments) to a sustained global deworming effort? What other measures should be implemented in combination with MDA for sustained control? Satisfies one of the three required modules for the Integrative Experience requirement for BA-MicBio or BS-MicBio majors.

Students must apply through CHC PATHS to add this course

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.  Students must apply through CHC PATHS to add this course.

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. Students must apply through CHC PATHS to add this course.

This class concentrates on bacteria that are known to cause disease in humans and animals. We will begin by exploring the concept of virulence factors and how they allow organisms to be more effective pathogens. Pathogenesis mechanisms of immune evasion, attachment and invasion of bacteria to host cells, and the production of toxins will be explored through a variety of molecular, protein, and whole cells assays. After covering virulence factor mechanisms, we explore many of the major disease-causing groups of bacteria. How these organisms initiate disease will be covered, as well as clinical lab identification strategies, and how clinical specimens are processed. The course ends with students using identification tests learned in lab to identify unknown bacteria.

This course will focus on applied aspects of biochemistry with emphasis on techniques used in protein chemistry and biotechnology.  The class will specifically review and discuss experiments and methods used to establish selected biochemical concepts and theories in relation to human health.  As a required course for the Masters in Applied Molecular Biotechnology program, this course will expose students to techniques and reagents found in a modern biotech/molecular biology laboratory setting. Emphasis will be placed on the technical details of procedures and experimental design.

Students will get extensive practice in methodology and principles of modern molecular genetics: manipulation of DNA and working with recombinant DNA, designing and making media for suitable selection and screening experiments with GMOs, analyzing sequence data, researching public databases. Designed to help students learn techniques, plan and conduct experiments, analyze and troubleshoot results.

Molecular biology of animal viruses and viral genetic systems; viral disease processes. Emphasis on polio virus, influenza, herpes viruses, the DNA tumor viruses. Prerequisite: background in cell biology, genetics, or biochemistry. Biochem 420 recommended.

This is an advanced elective course for junior/senior students and is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of modern parasitology. Parasites are still an important threat to our global health and economy, and represent an important branch of infectious diseases. It has been stated that there are more kinds of parasites than free-living animals and plants, providing a wealth of biological diversity to study. Once thought of as strange and bizarre, parasites now serve as model organisms in which to study basic biological principles. The course covers a plethora of organisms and a multitude of disciplines. Our discussions will focus primarily on protozoan and metazoan parasites of major medical/veterinary consequence. Topics covered will include basic principles of parasitology, life cycles, host-parasite interactions, epidemiology, and medical treatments. The basic biology, biochemistry and genetics of selected parasites will also be discussed.

Examination of all aspects related to the third Domain of life, the Archaea.  New and recent papers on the physiology, ecology, biotechnological applications and evolution of archaea are discussed, as well as papers on the application of this information to biogeochemistry, early Earth history, and the search for life beyond Earth.  A basic understanding of microbiology is recommended.

This journal club explores recently published primary research articles that investigate molecular genetics. NOTE, this journal club will mostly focus on the focus molecular genetics of parasites, my expertise. However, we can, as a group, choose to explore any exciting new research in the molecular genetics of microbiology. Course content consists of asynchronous reading of primary literature and coming together as a group to discuss synchronously. Each week, a student volunteer will choose an article, introduce the background of the study, and lead discussion.

The Applied Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory (AMBL) is a requisite course for the MS concentration in Applied Molecular Biology. AMBL combines state-of-the-art laboratory training with independent research experience to train students in the latest techniques and concepts of molecular biology and biochemistry. Recombinant DNA technology is the primary focus of the first semester. Topics covered include nucleic acid isolation, genomics, quantitative PCR and RT-PCR, southern and northern blot analysis, and computational biological analyses. Protein expression, purification, and detection are the focus of the second semester. Topics covered include prokaryotic and eukaryotic protein expression systems, column chromatography, proteomics, western blot analysis, enzymatic assay, and microscopic analysis. Throughout the year-long course, students will develop critical thinking skills and gain valuable research experience, all while working on real world problems and preparing for careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
Prerequisites: A bachelor's degree from an accredited four year college or university. Candidates must have demonstrated success in several of the following areas during their undergraduate studies including: genetics, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, calculus, organic chemistry, physics, and statistics.

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.

A 10 week laboratory work participation. It will occur after the second semester of campus classes (summer). Students are required to actively work in a research or a production laboratory to gain hands on work experience. All work should include some responsibility. It is preferred that students work on a research projects. This can be fulfilled by a traditional internship at a company (paid), at an academic institution (unpaid) or by a full time career based job. Acceptable performance is evaluated by the supervising scientist. A final grade will be assigned by the program director. 

This journal club explores recently published primary research articles that investigate the molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis. We cover all microbial pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoan parasites, and helminths. We also cover pathogens that infect any hosts, including human, animals, and plants. Course content consists of asynchronous reading of primary literature and coming together as a group to discuss synchronously. Each week, a student volunteer will choose an article, introduce the background of the study, and lead discussion.

Research project under direction of a faculty member. By arrangement. A Microbiology Course Override Form is required for registration in Microbiology 796 – Independent Study.

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.