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
Courses primarily for professional curriculum students:
(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.
(2-0) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: First-year classification in veterinary medicine
Structure and function of the immune system in animals.
(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.
(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.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: Second-year classification in veterinary medicine
Fundamental epidemiology, zoonotic diseases, occupational health, food safety, other public health topics.
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.S.
An overview of the history of veterinary medicine focused primarily on disease-specific events. A review of the historical aspects of the veterinary profession's accomplishments in the discovery of the etiological origins of disease and their subsequent control will provide students with insights that are applicable to understanding and solving today's animal and human health challenges.
(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.
(Dual-listed with V MPM 528). (Cross-listed with VDPAM). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Epidemiology of disease in populations. Disease causality and epidemiologic investigations. Issues in disease prevention, control, and eradication. This course is available on campus and by distance.
(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.
Cr. 2. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Discussions, lectures, exercises and field trips related to veterinary public health.
Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of instructor and department chair
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.
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.
(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.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
Cr. 3. F.
The general principles of bacteriology, immunology and virology will be discussed. The structure and function of bacteria and viruses, the mechanisms of pathogenesis, and the host response to infectious agents will be reviewed. Vaccines, their failures, and new developments in vaccine development will be explored.
(Cross-listed with MICRO). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: MICRO 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.
(Cross-listed with MICRO). Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: MICRO 302, BIOL 313
Overview of commensal microbiota in the health and well-being of vertebrates. Topics include diversity of intestinal structure, microbial diversity/function, innate immune development, community interactions and metabolic diseases associated with alterations of the intestinal microbiome.
(Dual-listed with V MPM 428). (Cross-listed with VDPAM). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Epidemiology of disease in populations. Disease causality and epidemiologic investigations. Issues in disease prevention, control, and eradication. This course is available on campus and by distance.
(Cross-listed with B M S, EEOB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Sessions in basic molecular biology techniques and related procedures.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with B M S, BBMB, EEOB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S.
Includes genetic engineering procedures, sequencing, PCR, and genotyping.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with B M S, BBMB, EEOB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S.
Includes: immunophenotyping, ELISA, flow cytometry, microscopic techniques, image analysis, confocal, multiphoton and laser capture microdissection.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with B M S, BBMB, EEOB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. S.
Includes: Agrobacterium and particle gun-mediated transformation of tobacco, Arabidopsis, and maize, and analysis of tranformants.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with B M S, BBMB, EEOB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.
Includes: two-dimensional electrophoresis, laser scanning, mass spectrometry, and database searching.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with B M S, BBMB, EEOB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.
Includes: metabolomics and the techniques involved in metabolite profiling. For non-chemistry majoring students who are seeking analytical aspects into their biological research projects.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with B M S, BBMB, EEOB, FS HN, GDCB, HORT, NREM, NUTRS, VDPAM). Cr. 1. Repeatable. S.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: MICRO 310
An examination of humoral and cellular immune function as well as the interaction of the cells and factors of the immune system that result in health and disease. MICRO 475L optional.
Credit for either Micro 575 or V MPM 520, but not both, may be applied toward graduation.
(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.
(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.
Cr. 1-5. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
(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.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
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:
(1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with BBMB, MICRO). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: BBMB 405 or BBMB 506 and BBMB 507
Current topics in molecular aspects of immunology: T and B cell receptors; major histocompatibility complex; antibody structure; immunosuppressive drugs and viruses; and intracellular signaling pathways leading to expression of genes that control and activate immune function.
(Cross-listed with MICRO). (4-0) Cr. 4. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
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.
(Cross-listed with V PTH). (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Study of current knowledge related to host pathogen interactions during persistent and chronic infections by bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Colloquia or advanced study of specific topics in a specialized field.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Colloquia or advanced study of specific topics in a specialized field.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Colloquia or advanced study of specific topics in a specialized field.
(Cross-listed with BBMB, GDCB, MCDB, MICRO). (2-0) Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. F.S.
Student and faculty presentations.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.