Department of Microbiology and Immunology
WILLIAM E. GOLDMAN, Chair
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is one of the basic science departments of the UNC School of Medicine. Although the department participates actively in the undergraduate curriculum in biology and several of its courses are open to undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences, the department does not offer an undergraduate major in microbiology. MCRO 251 and 255 are undergraduate courses that are specifically designed to serve as the required prerequisites for students applying to pharmacy or nursing programs, although other students with the required science background may take one (but not both) of these courses. Most of the other courses offered by the department are available to highly motivated undergraduate students with the necessary preparation, although it is important for such students to consult the course instructor before registering.
MCRO
50 First-Year Seminar: Infectious Disease in Society (3). Selected aspects of microorganisms that cause infectious diseases, how new infectious diseases emerge, what bioterrorism is and how we are trying to counteract it in the United States, and how changes in the food supply have presented new infectious disease challenges.
251 Introductory Medical Microbiology (4). Prerequisites, BIOC 107 and 108, or CHEM 101 and 102. An introductory course in microbiology that focuses on the structure, biology, and genetics of microbes in relation to human disease and the immune system. This course is oriented toward those planning careers in pharmacy, nursing, dental hygiene, and related fields. A laboratory is required. Students cannot receive credit for both MCRO 251 and 255.
255 Elementary Pathogenic Microbiology (4). Prerequisites, BIOC 107 and 108, or CHEM 101 and 102. An introductory course in microbiology that focuses on the structure, biology, and genetics of microbes in relation to human disease and the immune system. This course is oriented toward those planning careers in pharmacy, nursing, dental hygiene, and related fields. A laboratory is required. Students cannot receive credit for both MCRO 251 and 255.
321 Introduction to Immunology (BIOL 321) (3). See BIOL 321 for description.
515 Introduction to Microbiology (4). Open only to dental students. A course covering basic aspects of microbiology and immunology including sterilization, action of antimicrobial chemotherapeutic agents, concepts of infection and immunity, and the study of certain selected infectious agents.
614 Immunobiology (3). A strong background in molecular biology, eukaryotic genetics, and biochemistry is required. Advanced survey course with topics that include molecular recognition, genetic mechanisms of host resistance, development of cells and cell interactions; hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, and resistance to infection. Course material from textbook and primary literature.
630 Virology (3). Required preparation, coursework in molecular biology and cell biology. Current concepts of the chemistry, structure, replication, genetics, and the natural history of animal viruses and their host cells.
631 Advanced Molecular Biology I (BIOC 631, BIOL 631, GNET 631, PHCO 631) (3). See GNET 631 for description.
632 Advanced Molecular Biology II (BIOC 632, BIOL 632, GNET 632, PHCO 632) (3). See GNET 632 for description.
635 Microbial Pathogenesis I (3). Permission of the instructor. Required preparation, coursework in molecular biology and genetics. Topics will include aspects of basic bacteriology as well as bacterial and fungal pathogens and mechanisms of disease.
640 Microbial Pathogenesis II (3). Permission of the instructor or a fundamental understanding of molecular virology and immunology. Molecular pathogenesis, with a primary focus on viral pathogens. Additional topics include vaccines and genetics of host-pathogen interactions.
643 Cell Structure, Function, and Growth Control I (BIOC 643, CBIO 643, PHCO 643) (3). See CBIO 643 for description.
644 Cell Structure, Function, and Growth Control II (BIOC 644, CBIO 644, PHCO 644) (3). See CBIO 644 for description.