Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine
Professional Program of Study
For the professional curriculum in veterinary medicine leading to the degree doctor of veterinary medicine, see Veterinary Medicine, Curriculum.
The Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine provides instruction on pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses and their interaction with host animal species. Principles and applications of infectious diseases, immunity to disease, diagnostic methods for infectious diseases, and vaccinology are covered. Principles and applications of epidemiology, public health, preventive veterinary medicine, regulatory veterinary medicine and food safety are also emphasized.
Graduate Study
The department offers opportunities for the degree doctor of philosophy with a major in veterinary microbiology. A specialization in preventive medicine is an option for this degree. Graduates in the Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine programs have a broad understanding of the fundamental processes involved in infectious diseases, pathogenesis and immunology. They are able to effectively establish research programs, which involve complex biological systems and disease syndromes. They are also prepared to address microbial-based social, ethical and environmental problems. Graduates acquire effective written and oral communication skills which lead to successful research and teaching careers in the medical and veterinary sciences. The department also offers work towards the master of science with majors in veterinary microbiology or veterinary preventive medicine. A non-thesis master’s option is available for majors in preventive medicine. Courses are open for students majoring in other graduate programs.
Prerequisite to graduate study is completion of coursework in general microbiology, biology, biochemistry, mathematical sciences, and physics. Candidates for the majors in veterinary microbiology should possess an undergraduate degree in biomedical science with emphasis in medical microbiology or the D.V.M. degree. Candidates for the major in preventive medicine should possess the D.V.M. degree.
The department also participates in the interdepartmental majors and programs in genetics, immunobiology, and MCDB (molecular, cellular, and developmental biology; see Index).
Each graduate student must demonstrate proficiency in English composition within two semesters in residence.
Courses primarily for professional curriculum students
V MPM 378. Case Study IV.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: Second-year classification in veterinary medicine
Case-based applied learning that relates to the basic science courses. Emphasis on early integration of basic and clinical science concepts.
V MPM 380. Veterinary Immunology.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: First-year classification in veterinary medicine
Structure and function of the immune system in animals.
V MPM 386. Veterinary Microbiology.
(3-5) Cr. 5.
F.
Prereq: Second-year classification in veterinary medicine
Bacteria and fungi of veterinary importance with emphasis on mechanisms of disease production and laboratory diagnostic procedures.
V MPM 387. Veterinary Virology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: Second-year classification in veterinary medicine
Basic principles of animal virology. Pathogenesis of viral infections. The nature and ecology of viruses of veterinary and zoonotic importance.
V MPM 388. Public Health and the Role of the Veterinary Profession.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: Second-year classification in veterinary medicine
Fundamental epidemiology, zoonotic diseases, occupational health, food safety, other public health topics.
V MPM 390. Topics in Veterinary History.
(2-0) Cr. 1.
S.
8 weeks. Significant persons, noteworthy events, and pivotal scientific discoveries in the course of the development and advancement of veterinary medicine from ancient times to the present.
V MPM 409. Infectious Diseases of Wild Animals.
(0-2) Cr. 1.
F.S.
Prereq: Second year classification in veterinary medicine
Infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, and mycotic) of non-human primates, birds, ruminants, cold-blooded animals, marine mammals, and carnivores.*Spring only offered to UNL students.
V MPM 437. Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: Third-year classification in veterinary medicine
Etiology, epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis, regulatory control and preventive medicine aspects of the infectious diseases of swine, sheep, goats, cattle and horses.
V MPM 486. Laboratory in Public Health.
Cr. 2.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Discussions, lectures, exercises and field trips related to veterinary public health.
V MPM 490. Independent Study.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of instructor and department chair
V MPM 491. CDC Epidemiology Elective Preceptorship.
Cr. 6.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Written permission of instructor
Introduction to preventive medicine, public health and the principles of applied epidemiology within the working atmosphere of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
V MPM 494. Zoo Preceptorship.
Cr. 1-8.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Fourth year classification in veterinary medicine
Elective course in zoo veterinary practice under guidance of approved veterinarians.
V MPM 496. International Preceptorship.
(0-40) Cr. 1-12.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Second-year classification in veterinary medicine
International Preceptorships and Study Abroad group programs. This course will provide opportunities for students to be involved in applied clinical, production, and/or research experiences in international locations. The course consists of 40 hour per week experiential learning opportunities.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduate students
V MPM 502. Microbial Genetics.
(Cross-listed with MICRO). Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2012.
Prereq: 302, BIOL 313
The fundamental concepts of bacterial and bacteriophage genetics including mutagenesis, mechanisms of both vertical and horizontal genetic information transfer, gene regulation, and genetic approaches to study complex cellular processes. Review and discussion of research literature to examine experimental design, methodology, and interpretation of both historical and contemporary relevance to microbial genetics.
V MPM 520. Medical Immunology I.
(4-0) Cr. 4.
F.
Prereq: MICRO 310 or V MPM 386, 3 credits in biochemistry
Nature of the immune system and its role in health and disease.
Credit for either V MPM 520 or 575, but not both may be applied toward graduation.
V MPM 522. Principles of Epidemiology and Population Health.
(Cross-listed with VDPAM). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: MICRO 310 or equivalent
Epidemiology and ecology of disease in populations. Disease causality and epidemiologic investigations. Issues in disease prevention, control, and eradication.
V MPM 536. Zoonoses and Environmental Health.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: 386, 387 and 388 or equivalent or permission of instructor
Pathogensis and control of zoonotic diseases. Factors influencing transmission and survival of pathogenic microorganisms in the environment.
V MPM 540. Livestock Immunogenetics.
(Cross-listed with AN S, MICRO). (2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: AN S 561 or MICRO 575 or V MPM 520
Basic concepts and contemporary topics in genetic regulation of livestock immune response and disease resistance.
V MPM 542. Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques.
(Cross-listed with B M S, BBMB, EEOB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, VDPAM). Cr. 1.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Sessions in basic molecular biology techniques and related procedures.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
A. DNA Techniques. Includes genetic engineering procedures, sequencing, PCR, and genotyping. (F.S.SS.)
B. Protein Techniques. Includes fermentation, protein isolation, protein purification, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, NMR, confocal microscopy and laser microdissection, immunophenotyping, and monoclonol antibody production. (S.SS.)
C. Cell Techniques. Includes immunophenotyping, ELISA, flow cytometry, microscopic techniques, and image analysis. (F.S.)
D. Plant Transformation. Includes Agrobacterium and particle gun-mediated transformation of tobacco, Arabidopsis, and maize, and analysis of transformants. (S.)
E. Proteomics. Includes two-dimensional electrophoresis, laser scanning, mass spectrometry, and database searching. (F.)
F. Techniques in Metabolomics. metabolomics and the techniques involved in metabolite profiling. For non-chemistry majoring students who are seeking analytical aspects into their biological research projects
G. Genomic Techniques
V MPM 565. Professional Practices in Science and Engineering.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, AN S, BCB, CH E, CPR E, EEB, HORT, M E, MICRO, PL P). Cr. arr.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Professional, ethical and legal issues facing scientists and engineers in academia. Offered in modular format.
A. Responsible Conduct of Research. (Cr. 1.0). F,
B. Working with Industry. (Cr. 0.5).
C. Communications in Science. (Cr. 0.5). Alt S., offered 2011. Reading and reviewing manuscripts; publishing papers; oral and poster presentations.
D. Time Management and Mentoring. (Cr. 0.5). Alt F., offered 2012. Balancing life and career; mentoring; lab management.
E. The Interview Process. (Cr. 0.5). Alt S., offered 2012. Applying and interviewing for academia, industry and government.
F. Grant Writing. (Cr. 1.0). Alt F., offered 2011. Writing a winning proposal.
G. Teaching. (Cr. 0.5). Preparation of a teaching portfolio and course materials; lecturing, technology.
S. Ethical and legal issues in research.
S. Establishing productive collaborations with industry.
V MPM 575. Immunology.
(Cross-listed with MICRO). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 310
An examination of humoral and cellular immune functions. Interactions between cells and factors of the immune system that result in health and disease. MICRO 475L optional.
Credit for either V MPM 575 or V MPM 520, but not both, may be applied toward graduation.
V MPM 586. Medical Bacteriology.
(Cross-listed with MICRO). (4-0) Cr. 4.
F.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Bacteria associated with diseases of vertebrates, including virulence factors and interaction of host responses.
V MPM 586L. Medical Bacteriology Laboratory.
(0-6) Cr. 2.
F.
Prereq: credit or enrollment in 586 or 625
Procedures used in isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria, including molecular and genetic techniques used in research.
V MPM 587. Animal Virology.
(4-0) Cr. 4.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Principles of animal virology. Biology of viruses associated with diseases of veterinary importance, including mechanisms of pathogenesis.
V MPM 590. Special Topics.
Cr. 1-5.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
V MPM 596. International Preceptorship.
(0-40) Cr. 1-12.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Admission to graduate college
International Preceptorships and Study Abroad Group programs. This course will provide opportunties for students to be involved in applied clinical, production, and/or research experiences in international locations. The course consists of 40 hour per week experiential learning opportunties.
V MPM 599. Creative Component.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. Option only
A written report based on laboratory research, library reading, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.
Courses for graduate students
V MPM 604. Seminar.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
Repeatable. F.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
V MPM 608. Molecular Virology.
(Cross-listed with MICRO, PL P). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2012.
Prereq: BBMB 405 or GDCB 511
Advanced study of virus host-cell interactions. Molecular mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenesis.
V MPM 615. Molecular Immunology.
(Cross-listed with BBMB, MICRO). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2011.
Prereq: BBMB 405 or 502
Current topics in molecular aspects of immunology: T and B cell receptors; major histocompatibility complex; antibody structure; immunosuppressive drugs and viruses; and intracellular signalling pathways leading to expression of genes that control and activate immune function.
V MPM 625. Mechanisms of Bacterial Pathogenesis.
(Cross-listed with MICRO). (4-0) Cr. 4.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: Credit in Biochemistry and Microbiology
Review of current concepts in specific areas of microbial pathogenesis including the genetic basis for bacterial disease, genetic regulation and control of virulence factors and their mechanisms of action, and host-pathogen interactions at the cellular and molecular levels. The application of microbial genetics to understanding pathogenesis will be included.
V MPM 629. Advanced Topics in Cellular Immunology.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: 520 or 575
Current topics and literature in cellular immunology. Topics include thymocyte development and selection, T cell interactions with antigen presenting cells, and lymphocyte effector functions.
V MPM 660. Pathogenesis of Persistent Infections.
(Cross-listed with V PTH). (2-0) Cr. 2.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Study of current knowledge related to host pathogen interactions during persistent and chronic infections by bacteria, viruses and parasites.
V MPM 690. Current Topics.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Colloquia or advanced study of specific topics in a specialized field.
A. Immunology
B. Infectious Diseases
V MPM 698. Seminar in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.
(Cross-listed with MCDB, BBMB, GDCB, MICRO). (2-0) Cr. 1-2.
Repeatable. F.S.
Student and faculty presentations.
V MPM 699. Research.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable.