Microbiology & Immunology Curriculum

This course is designed to present a thorough background of structural biochemistry, molecular biology and metabolism. Topics introduced include, not limited to, foundational principles of biochemistry, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and nucleotide structure, enzyme kinetics, membranes and signaling, DNA repair and gene expression, carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and purine/pyrimidine metabolism, and the diverse biochemical functions of vitamins.

This 2-semester course provides the student with an introduction to how organ systems, composed of cells and tissues, function in the body. The objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of basic mammalian and human physiology. This course will cover the functions of mammalian organisms on several levels including organ systems, organs, cellular and subcellular levels. Organ systems covered in this 2-semester course include cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, neural and gastrointestinal. Overall, students will gain a better understanding of body function. In addition, students will comprehend how certain basic and common pathological conditions alter human health and affect physiological function. This is a two-semester course, with part 1 running in the fall semester from August through December, and part 2 running from January through May.

This course focuses primarily on eukaryotic cells. Lectures are devoted to structural details and the molecular functions of the different parts of the cell. Lectures will introduce topics such as endocytosis, intra-membrane transport, protein targeting, organelle biosynthesis, protein sorting, exocytosis, cell shape, motility, and cell-to-cell interaction. Lectures also deal with signal transduction processes and cellular functions that are required for cell growth and programmed cell death. By its completion, students should have a comprehensive understanding of the architecture and function of living cells. In addition, emphasis is placed on experimental approaches taken to elucidate certain biology principles, including “paper sessions” with active participation by students.

Part I explores the biology of microorganisms with a detailed discussion of microbial structure, physiology and growth with special emphasis on bacterial metabolism. The fundamental biological properties of microorganisms will be related to their role in nature and the means by which they are manipulated in the laboratory with a detailed discussion of viruses, their structure and function and mechanism of infection. Part II continues with molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and the role of virulence factors in diseases caused by infectious agents will also be discussed.

Part I explores the biology of microorganisms with a detailed discussion of microbial structure, physiology and growth with special emphasis on bacterial metabolism. The fundamental biological properties of microorganisms will be related to their role in nature and the means by which they are manipulated in the laboratory with a detailed discussion of viruses, their structure and function and mechanism of infection. Part II continues with molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and the role of virulence factors in diseases caused by infectious agents will also be discussed.

A comprehensive course devoted to the field of virology with special emphasis on the architecture and characteristics of viruses, the infectious cycle, and the replication of viral nucleic acids. Examples of representative viruses will be used to discuss the several classes of nucleic acid in the virion.

An introductory text-based course designed to enable students to comprehend the basic concepts of immune function and regulation.

This course is designed to present a thorough background of structural biochemistry, molecular biology and metabolism. Topics introduced include, not limited to, foundational principles of biochemistry, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and nucleotide structure, enzyme kinetics, membranes and signaling, DNA repair and gene expression, carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and purine/pyrimidine metabolism, and the diverse biochemical functions of vitamins.

In vitro and in vivo aspects of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis are covered in depth by instructors actively doing research in each of these areas. Special emphasis is placed on methods and techniques used to address key questions in the macromolecular processes of DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription and processing, protein synthesis, and post-translational modifications. Students are introduced to principles and applications of molecular techniques and new discoveries in the molecular biology of eukaryotes. Students are provided with a comprehensive reading list.

This course will describe antigenic and biochemical properties of tumor cells, development of host immune responses, and use of monoclonal antibodies in identification and characterization of tumor-associated antigens. The application of hybridoma technology, molecular biology, and immunology research to the treatment and diagnosis of human malignant disease processes will be emphasized.

This course covers advanced topics in immunology and deals with both innate and adaptive immune responses. Discussions of special topics are based on published reviews and research articles. The course also examines clinical aberrations of the immune system and a detailed analysis of the involvement of the immune parameters in either augmenting or initiating a disease. Emerging clinical applications of immunological research are also discussed.

Being able to interpret primary literature and being effective communicators are necessary skills for individuals who participate in all aspects of scientific and health professions. The 7100 series courses will allow students to gain skills in reading scientific articles and to practice the art of communication (both oral and written) with their peers. Each 7100 series course will involve students to make a group presentation as well as write several short synopses of assigned research papers. Two 7100 series courses are required for students enrolled in the evening Master’s programs. Open to other MS and PhD students. Enrollment for each 7100 series course is limited to 18 students. The specific focus of this course is the epidemiology and biology of newly emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. Review articles and primary research papers that utilize epidemiological and evolutionary approaches to the study of new diseases and disease outbreaks will be stressed.

This course is entered on the student’s transcript when the M.S. Literature Review is approved by the faculty review committee and submitted in final form to the Graduate School. Independent study.

Credits: 1-2

Elective courses vary depending on your program. Students should consult with their graduate program director for available elective options.

Part I explores the biology of microorganisms with a detailed discussion of microbial structure, physiology and growth with special emphasis on bacterial metabolism. The fundamental biological properties of microorganisms will be related to their role in nature and the means by which they are manipulated in the laboratory with a detailed discussion of viruses, their structure and function and mechanism of infection. Part II continues with molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and the role of virulence factors in diseases caused by infectious agents will also be discussed.

Part I explores the biology of microorganisms with a detailed discussion of microbial structure, physiology and growth with special emphasis on bacterial metabolism. The fundamental biological properties of microorganisms will be related to their role in nature and the means by which they are manipulated in the laboratory with a detailed discussion of viruses, their structure and function and mechanism of infection. Part II continues with molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and the role of virulence factors in diseases caused by infectious agents will also be discussed.

These courses are designed to present a thorough background of structural biochemistry, molecular biology and metabolism. Topics introduced include, not limited to, foundational principles of biochemistry, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and nucleotide structure, enzyme kinetics, membranes and signaling, DNA repair and gene expression, carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and purine/pyrimidine metabolism, and the diverse biochemical functions of vitamins.

This 2-semester course provides the student with an introduction to how organ systems, composed of cells and tissues, function in the body. The objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of basic mammalian and human physiology. This course will cover the functions of mammalian organisms on several levels including organ systems, organs, cellular and subcellular levels. Organ systems covered in this 2-semester course include cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, neural and gastrointestinal. Overall, students will gain a better understanding of body function. In addition, students will comprehend how certain basic and common pathological conditions alter human health and affect physiological function. This is a two-semester course, with part 1 running in the fall semester from August through December, and part 2 running from January through May.

This course examines basic principles that govern the responsible conduct of biomedical research. The course explores topics related to scientific integrity, collegiality, research subjects, institutional integrity and social responsibility. Students participate actively in the course through written critiques and analyses of assigned readings, in-class presentations, and group discussions and debates.

This course allows for discussions about foundational design of experiments and the rationale for using various techniques. It allows one to critical evaluate experimental approaches employed and means to quantify data. In the wake of rapid technical advancements, it is very easy to ignore widely accepted older tools and techniques, which are used routinely in the lab, with respect to their precision, variability, reproducibility, and usefulness compared to older and newer methods. A major focus of this course will be on experimental designs, based on various methodologies: strengths and weaknesses. The discussion with respect to shortcomings of methods with respect to mechanics and quantitation of data analysis will be addressed.

Candidates for the M.S. degree in Microbiology and Immunology may elect to conduct a research project under the supervision of a faculty member (Track B). Submission of an acceptable final report summarizing the results is required (MCRM 9850). Thesis Research. Hours to be arranged. May be taken multiple times, for 1 to 5 credits per term, but only 5 credits may be applied towards program requirements.

Credits: 0

This course is entered on the student’s transcript when the M.S. Thesis is approved by the faculty review committee and submitted in final form to the Graduate School.

Credits: 8-12

Elective courses vary depending on your program. Students should consult with their graduate program director for available elective options.