Molecular Microbiology Courses

All Division of Basic Science (DBS) students take the Core Course beginning in the Fall of the first year of graduate study.  Upon officially joining the Molecular Microbiology Graduate Program, the student will take the required courses and will be required to attend the Microbiology Seminar course (which includes the student works-in-progress series and the Microbiology Departmental Seminar Series) and the Journal Club (Contemporary Topics in Microbiology).  Preparation for and completion of the Qualifying Examination should be done during the Spring semester of the second year.  For electives, students may select from those offered by Molecular Microbiology or those of another DBS program.

Required Courses

        

                     

                                    

*Once selecting the Molecular Microbiology Graduate Program, the student is expected to take or have taken Fundamentals of Immunology.  If, for some extenuating circumstance, the students were unable to take Fundamentals of Immunology in the spring of the first year, they should enroll in the Immunology Module of the Medical Microbiology Course  (MM 5084-01, 1.5 credit hours).

Course Descriptions

Contemporary Topics in Microbiology - Significant new research in microbiology is presented and discussed in a journal club format.  The fundamental aspects of diverse microbes are emphasized, particularly those that are not covered elsewhere in coursework. May be repeated for credit.  (1 semester hour)

Core Concepts in Molecular Microbiology - Addresses core concepts essential for research in modern Molecular Microbiology.  Three modules will focus on 1) microbial genetics, bacterial and viral genetics; 2) bacterial pathogenesis, virulence mechanisms of bacterial pathogens; and 3) viral pathogenesis, viral infections and the host antiviral response. Emphasis will be placed on original experimentation and literature. (4.5 semester hours)

Fundamentals of Immunology - This first year course consists of an integrated series of lectures designed to familiarize students with cellular, molecular and biochemical aspects of the development of the immune system and the immune response.  The course focuses on the development of the immune system, and the function of its major components. (1.5 semester hours)

Immunobiology of Infectious Diseases - Examines the host/parasite relationship from both the standpoint of the pathogenic organism and the human host.  Emphasis is placed on molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to and provide resistance to disease.  In general, this course surveys a broad range of pathogenic organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, nematodes, and unicellular eukaryotic parasites. (1.5 semester hours)

Molecular Mechanisms of Infectious Diseases - First year course presents principles of microbial interactions with humans that result in infection and disease. Paradigms of host-pathogen interactions will be illustrated by studying, at the molecular and cellular levels, specific viral and bacterial pathogens that cause human disease. (1.5 semester hours)
     Students are strongly encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Immunology course concurrently.

Qualifying Exam (written and oral) - Students prepare a grant proposal on a chosen topic and defend their proposed studies in an oral format.  (March-May of second year)

Seminar in Microbiology - Students present seminars as a works-in-progress describing their ongoing research.  The interpretation and analysis of experimental data are emphasized. This is a required course for enrolled graduate students.  May be repeated for credit.  (1 semester hour)

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Molecular Microbiology Elective Course Descriptions

Fundamentals of Medical Microbiology: Immunology - 3-week integrated series of lectures designed to familiarize students with cellular, molecular and  biochemical aspects of the development of the immune system and  the immune response.  The course focuses on the development of the immune system, and the function of its major components. (1 semester hour)  -- Taken only if student was unable to take Fundamentals of Immunology in the spring of the first year.

Genetic Manipulation of the Immune System - Focuses on the use of inbred mice and modern genetic technologies to dissect and characterize the in vivo properties of the immune system. The curriculum will consist of reading of the primary literature and group discussions, coupled with integrated faculty lectures. Areas to be covered will include: the use of transgenic receptor systems to elucidate fundamental concepts of the immune system; in vivo dissection of cell lineages via targeted gene disruptions, and spontaneous and synthetic models of immunologic diseases. (1.5 semester hours)

Viruses in Human Cancer - Offers an introduction to viruses associated with human cancer.  Cellular and molecular mechanisms of tumor induction and malignant progression are discussed, including the role of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in viral carcinogenesis. Current literature is reviewed in student-led discussions.  (3 semester hours)

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