Courses

All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise specified.

542 Immunology Laboratory
Laboratory procedures in cellular immunology and immunochemistry. Lab procedures explore protein chemistry of antibodies, including antibody isolation using salt precipitation, ion exchange and molecular sieving column chromatography, spectrophotometry, SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), western blotting, immunoprecipitation, Immunodiffusion (Ouchterlony technique) and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and Immunofluorescence staining. Anatomy of the lymphatic system, mouse dissection and isolation of lymphocytes from spleen and thymus; cellular immunology, including histology of leukocytes (mouse and human), normal and diseased lymphoid tissue, and two-color flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations.

552 Pathogenic Bacteriology
Laboratory procedures in clinical and diagnostic bacteriology including: i) cultural and physiological characteristics of the pathogenic bacteria; ii) recommended procedures for the cultivation of both the common and rare pathogens isolated from clinical material; iii) conventional and rapid biochemical methods for detection and identification of medically important bacteria; iv) serological procedures on microorganisms of prime medical concern; and v) prescribed tests for the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics and antimetabolites.

557 Advanced Topics in Biotechnology
This course covers a detailed analysis of the molecular mechanisms that control the maintenance, expression, and evolution of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. The topics covered in lectures and readings of relevant literature include DNA replication, transcription, gene regulation, genetic recombination, and translation. Class format will include lectures, journal clubs, presentations and group discussions.

558 Advanced topics in Biotechnology
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.

562 Environmental Biotechnology
Traditional and molecular methods strategically applied to problems related to microbial biotechnology and environmental microbiology. Ranges from the diversity of microbial life to biodegradation. Seven general areas emphasized: (1) Statistical sampling and site characterization, (2) biomass determination, (3) enrichment techniques, (4) microbial activity measurements, (5) single cell detection in situ, (6) sequence and phylogenetic analysis followed by probe design, and 7) other modern techniques of environmental microbiology.

565 Laboratory in Molecular Genetics
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. Gene expression in insect tissue culture cells using the baculovirus gene expression system. Designed to help students learn techniques and analyze results. Credit,  4

567 Bioinformatics Lab
This course is a computer laboratory course intended to give students technical and practical experience in analyzing sequencing data. We will focus on bacterial genomes from recently isolated bacteria, so there is a possibility of discovery of new microbial diversity. Collaborative learning will be encouraged, but students will work individually to assemble, annotate and analyze one de novo bacterial genome. This course fulfils the Microbiology Major requirement as a Major Laboratory Elective.

570 Virology
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.

577 Medical Zoology Journal Club
This journal club explores recently published primary research articles that investigate recent findings in zoonotic diseases with a multidisciplinary approach, or "medical zoology."  Zoonotic diseases are those originating and/or being maintained in natural animal populations, but which occasionally spill over into human populations. These will likely involve infectious organisms that have a transmission cycle involving another animal species.  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.

582 Parasitology and Neglected Tropical Diseases
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.

597B Archaea Journal Club
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. Credit, 1

597E Environmental Microbiology
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.

677 Molecular Genetics Journal Club
This journal club explores recently published primary research articles that investigate molecular genetics. This journal club will mostly focus on the focus molecular genetics of parasites.  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. Credit, 1

680 Microbial Physiology
The main aspects of bacterial growth, including energy metabolism, biosynthesis of macromolecular precursor materials and their assembly into macromolecules, and the integration of these processes by various regulatory mechanisms. Emphasis on the isolation of mutant bacteria blocked in key cellular functions and on global control systems governing the adaptation of bacteria to different environmental conditions. Prerequisite: general background in microbiology and biochemistry.

681S/681F Applied Molecular Biotechnology Lab
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. Credit, 5

682 Parasitology and Neglected Tropical Diseases
This is a graduate lecture course designed to provide graduate 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.

685 Concepts in Molecular Genetics
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.

696 Independent Study
Research under direction of a faculty member. Credit, 1-8

699 Master’s Thesis
Credit, 1-9

777 Molecular Mechanisms in Pathogenesis Journal Club
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. Credit, 1

791A Departmental Seminar
Reports and discussion of pertinent literature and research. Required of all microbiology graduate majors each semester in residence. Credit, 1

796 Independent Study
Research under direction of a faculty member. Credit, 1-8

797E Microbial Ecology Journal Club
Presentations an discussions of important microbial ecology research papers from the current literature. Fundamental questions in microbial ecology include: what are the drivers of community assembly? How do microbial functions scale? How does mass flow between species, and what factors regulate this? How can we predict or engineer community function? We will discuss microbial communities from a variety of natural and manufactured environments, with emphasis on new strategies to test hypothesis-driven microbial ecology research. Credit, 1

797J Immunology Journal Club
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. Each student presents a paper, having made their own selection from top-ranking journals in Immunology. In most semesters, papers are presented from any area of immunology. In some semesters, the faculty restricts the papers presented to a specific topic. During recent years, such topics were programmed cell death, virus immunology, and receptor-mediated signaling. Credit, 1

899 Doctoral Dissertation
Credit, 18