Department of Microbiology and Immunology
WILLIAM E. GOLDMAN, Chair
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is one of the basic science departments of the 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.
050 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.
052 First-Year Seminar: The Scientist in Society (3). Seminar participants discuss contemporary scientific issues that affect our daily lives from scientific and ethical viewpoints. Issues for discussion include biological and nuclear warfare, the human genome project, animal husbandry, vaccination, emerging infectious diseases, the Tuskegee experiment, and the scientist’s responsibility to society.
251 [051] Introductory Medical Microbiology (4). Prerequisites, CHEM 101-102 or BIOC 107-108. 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 [055] Elementary Pathogenic Microbiology (4). Prerequisites, CHEM 101–102 or BIOC 107–108. 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 [124] Introduction to Immunology (BIOL 321) (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 202, 205, and permission of the instructor. This course provides a general overview of the evolution, organization, and function of the immune system. Instruction will be inquiry-based with extensive use of informational and instructional technology tools. Three lecture hours a week.
515 [112] 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 [114] Immunobiology (3). Prerequisites, a strong background in molecular biology, eukaryotic genetics, and biochemistry, and permission of the instructor. 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.
615 [115] Special Topics in Microbiology or Immunology (three or more sections offered each semester) (1–21). Permission of the department except for department majors. Designed to introduce the student to research methods. Minor investigative problems are conducted with advice and guidance of the staff. Hours and credit to be arranged, any term. May be repeated for credit two or more semesters.
630 Virology (3). Prerequisites, molecular biology and cell biology. Current concepts of the chemistry, structure, replication, genetics, and natural history of animal viruses and their host cells.
631 [108] Advanced Molecular Biology I (BIOC 631, BIOL 631, GNET 631, PHCO 631) (3). Prerequisites for undergraduates, at least one undergraduate course in both biochemistry and genetics, and permission of the instructor. DNA structure, function, and interactions in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, including chromosome structure, replication, recombination, repair, and genome fluidity. Three lecture hours a week.
632 [109] Advanced Molecular Biology II (BIOC 632, BIOL 632, GNET 632, PHCO 632) (3). Prerequisites for undergraduates, at least one undergraduate course in both biochemistry and genetics, and permission of the instructor. RNA structure, function, and processing in biological systems including transcription, gene regulation, translation, proteins, and RNA transport. Three lecture hours a week.
635 [135] Microbial Pathogenesis I (3). Prerequisites, coursework in molecular biology and genetics and permission of the instructor. Topics include bacterial physiology, genetics, signal transduction, gene regulation, and the localization of proteins in bacteria.
640 [140] Microbial Pathogenesis II (3). Prerequisites, a fundamental understanding of molecular virology and immunology and permission of the instructor. Molecular pathogenesis, with a primary focus on viral pathogens. Additional topics include vaccines and genetics of host-pathogen interactions.
643 [117] Cell Structure, Function, and Growth Control I (BIOC 643, CBIO 643, PHCO 643) (3). Prerequisite, undergraduate cell biology or biochemistry or permission of the instructor. A comprehensive lecture- and discussion-based course covering research on membrane structure, membrane trafficking, the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix, and ion channels. The final block of lectures will apply an understanding of these subjects to various hot topics in cell biology.
644 [118] Cell Structure, Function, and Growth Control II (BIOC 644, CBIO 644, PHCO 644) (3). Prerequisites, undergraduate cell biology or biochemistry, or permission of instructor. Comprehensive introduction to cell structure, function, and transformation.