Undergraduate Microbiology Major
Interested in the study of small things that have a big impact? Then Microbiology may be the place for you.
Our mission in the Microbiology Program is to instill a comprehensive understanding of microbiology and its relevance to human society and global health, and to cultivate the concepts and skills necessary to succeed in microbiology-related careers.
Iowa State University offers:
- Extensive hands-on laboratory experiences that develop problem solving & technical skills used in a variety of professional careers
- Application of science to issues in the modern world
- Excellent preparation for human medicine and veterinary medicine
- Preparation for employment in a variety of professional settings
- Research opportunities and interaction with professors from across Iowa State University Departments of Animal Science, Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biology, Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary Pathology, Food Science, Entomology, and Geology
- Degrees in microbiology at both the undergraduate (B.S.) level and graduate (M.S., PhD., see Graduate Major) level
Career opportunities:
Opportunities after graduation include the following:
- Biomedical research scientist
- Biotechnology firms
- Biorenewables industry
- Forensic scientist
- Pharmaceutical and vaccine development companies
- Immunologist
- Agricultural microbiology and plant pathology
- International agricultural research centers
- Government laboratories (CDC, NADC, USDA)
- Infectious disease
- Food safety and food technology
- Water quality
- Ecology and environmental microbiology
- Botanical gardens & nurseries
- Technical brewer
- Science writer
- Public health agencies
- Public policy organizations
Interested in Human medicine or Veterinary medicine? A microbiology degree prepares students for advanced study in Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant Programs, and Physician or Veterinary education. Go to micro.iastate.edu to find more information about the Microbiology Program.
Curriculum in Microbiology
Administered by an interdepartmental committee.
Total Degree Requirement: 128 cr.
Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA.
International Perspective: 3 cr.
International Perspectives Courses
U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.
Electives: 7-12
Communications Proficiency:
| English composition - with a C or better | 6 | |
| Speech fundamentals - with a C or better | 3 | |
Communication/Library:
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| SP CM 212 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| One course from the following: | 3 | |
| Business Communication | ||
| Proposal and Report Writing | ||
| Biological Communication | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| LIB 160 | Information Literacy | 1 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Humanities and Social Sciences:
| Approved Humanities list 1 | 3 | |
| Approved Social Science list 2 | 3 | |
| 1 | |
| 2 |
Ethics: 3 cr.
3 cr. from approved Ethics Course list
Mathematical Sciences:
| One of the following: | 7-8 | |
| Preparation for Calculus and Survey of Calculus | ||
| Calculus I and Calculus II | ||
| Survey of Calculus and Intermediate Statistical Concepts and Methods | ||
| One of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Principles of Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Total Credits | 10-12 | |
Physical Sciences:
| CHEM 177 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 177L | Laboratory in General Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM 178 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| One of the following: | 5-10 | |
| General Physics and General Physics | ||
| Physics for the Life Sciences and Laboratory in Physics for the Life Sciences | ||
| CHEM 331 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 331L | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM 332 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| One of the following: | 3-6 | |
| Biochemistry I and Biochemistry II | ||
or BBMB 301 | Survey of Biochemistry | |
or BBMB 316 | Principles of Biochemistry | |
| Total Credits | 23-31 | |
Biological Sciences:
| BIOL 211 | Principles of Biology I | 3 |
| BIOL 211L | Principles of Biology Laboratory I | 1 |
| BIOL 212 | Principles of Biology II | 3 |
| BIOL 212L | Principles of Biology Laboratory II | 1 |
| BIOL 313 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 313L | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 314 | Principles of Molecular Cell Biology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Microbiology:
| Core courses: | ||
| MICRO 110 | Professional and Educational Preparation in Microbiology | 1 |
| MICRO 302 | Biology of Microorganisms | 3 |
| MICRO 302L | Microbiology Laboratory | 1 |
| MICRO 310 | Medical Microbiology | 3 |
| One of the following: | 1 | |
| Medical Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Immunology Laboratory | ||
| MICRO 320 | Molecular and Cellular Bacteriology | 4 |
| MICRO 440 | Laboratory in Microbial Physiology, Diversity, and Genetics | 4 |
| MICRO 450 | Undergraduate Capstone Colloquium | 2 |
| MICRO 451 | Survey in Microbiology | R |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Procaryotic Diversity and Ecology | ||
| Principles of Mycology | ||
| Bacterial-Plant Interactions | ||
| Additional nine credit hours from the following: | 9 | |
| Introductory Parasitology | ||
| Insects and Our Health | ||
| Insects and Our Health Laboratory | ||
| Microbial Genetics and Genomics | ||
| Microbiological Safety of Foods of Animal Origins | ||
| Virology | ||
| Food Microbiology | ||
| Food Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Procaryotic Diversity and Ecology | ||
| Principles of Mycology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Immunology Laboratory | ||
| Bacterial-Plant Interactions | ||
| Soil and Environmental Microbiology | ||
| Microbial Ecology | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Microbiology elective - only 3 cr. lab courses allowed | ||
| Total Credits | 31 | |
Microbiology, B.S.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 150 or 250 | 3 | MICRO 302 | 3 |
| MICRO 110 | 1 | MICRO 302L | 1 |
| MICRO 101 | 3 | BIOL 212 | 3 |
| BIOL 211 | 3 | BIOL 212L | 1 |
| BIOL 211L | 1 | CHEM 178 | 3 |
| CHEM 177 | 4 | STAT 104 | 3 |
| CHEM 177L | 1 | Social Science choice | 3 |
| LIB 160 | 1 | ||
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MICRO 310 | 3 | MICRO Environmental or Elective | 3 |
| MICRO 310L | 1 | BIOL 313 | 3 |
| CHEM 331 | 3 | BIOL 313L | 1 |
| CHEM 331L | 1 | CHEM 332 | 3 |
| MATH 143, 160, or 165 | 4 | MATH 160, STAT 301, or MATH 166 | 4 |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | Humanities choice | 3 |
| 15 | 17 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MICRO Environmental or Elective | 3 | MICRO 320 | 4 |
| PHYS 111 | 5 | PHYS 112 | 5 |
| BIOL 314 or 328 | 3 | Advanced English | 3 |
| SP CM 212 | 3 | International Perspectives | 3 |
| Gen Elective | 3 | ||
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MICRO 440 | 4 | MICRO elective | 3 |
| MICRO elective | 3 | MICRO 450 | 2 |
| MICRO 451 | R | BBMB 405 | 3 |
| ETHICS choice | 3 | Social Science choice | 3 |
| BBMB 404 | 3 | Gen Electives | 5 |
| US Diversity | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
Minor
The program offers a minor in microbiology which may be earned by accumulating a minimum of 15 credits of microbiology courses.
Students requesting a minor in Microbiology must take the following:
1) Micro 201 (Introduction to Microbiology, and the accompanying lab, Micro 201L) or Micro 302 (Biology of Microorganisms, and the accompanying lab, Micro 302L)
2) Additional lecture credits and no more than 3 additional lab credits to reach 15 credits. For a list of acceptable courses see https://www.micro.iastate.edu/files/page/files/minor_in_microbiology_4.pdf
3) At least 6 credits at the 300+ level and must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.
Graduate Study
The program offers work for the degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy in microbiology and for a minor for students majoring in other programs. The interdepartmental microbiology major is offered through faculty housed in twelve departments, including Agronomy; Animal Science; Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology; Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering; Entomology; Food Science and Human Nutrition; Genetics, Developmental and Cell Biology; Geological and Atmospheric Sciences; Plant Pathology and Microbiology; Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine; Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine; and Veterinary Pathology. Faculty coordinate graduate education and research in a wide range of topics fundamental to the discipline of microbiology. Specific information about individual faculty and their research areas is available at www.micrograd.iastate.edu.
Prerequisites to graduate study include a sound undergraduate background in chemistry, mathematics and biology, including microbiology and genetics.
Graduates in the Microbiology Graduate program have a broad-based knowledge in the fundamentals of microbiology as well as advanced knowledge in specific areas as determined by their areas of research focus. Students completing the thesis have the technical, research, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and computer skills to design, implement, and conduct research using a variety of current techniques and equipment. They are also able to communicate research results effectively with scientific peer groups in both oral and written formats.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: High school biology or equivalent
Introduction to the importance of viruses, bacteria, fungi, archaea and parasites both to humans and to the biosphere. Topics include past and present microbial impact on humans and society, ecology and diversity of microbes, biotechnology and microbial impact on the biosphere.
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.
An introduction to curriculum and research opportunities in microbiology at Iowa State. Topics include: easing the transition to life as a university student, development of specific goals, strengthening interpersonal communication, professional portfolio creation and resume building.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(0-4) Cr. 2. F.
An exploratory laboratory where students will purify phage from soil, visualize phage using electron microscopy and isolate genomic material for nucleic acid sequencing.
(0-4) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Recommended: MICRO 115
An experiential microbiology laboratory where students learn to annotate and submit a complete phage genome.
(2-0) Cr. 2. F.S.
Prereq: One semester of college-level biology
Selected topics in microbiology with emphasis on the relationship of microorganisms to human and animal health, agricultural technology, and the environment. With written petition to the chair of the supervisory committee, students who obtain a grade of B or better may substitute 201 for MICRO 302 in advanced courses.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
Prereq: BIOL 211, credit or enrollment in BIOL 212; 1 semester of chemistry
Basic cell biology, physiology, metabolism, genetics and ecology of microorganisms, with an emphasis on prokaryotes and viruses, as well as the roles of microorganisms in the environment, disease, agriculture, and industry.
(0-3) Cr. 1. F.S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in MICRO 302
Basic microbiology laboratory techniques for majors in microbiology, biological sciences and related fields.
Credit for either Micro 201L or 302L, but not both, may be applied toward graduation.
(0-3) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: MICRO 201 or MICRO 302; MICRO 201L or MICRO 302L; credit or enrollment in MICRO 310
Microbiological tools and techniques to isolate, identify, and characterize medically significant microorganisms in relation to human diseases. Emphasis on the virulence factors of pathogenic organisms as compared to the normal flora.
(4-0) Cr. 4. S.
Prereq: MICRO 302, BIOL 313, credit or enrollment in CHEM 332
A systems perspective of bacterial growth, survival, and cellular differentiation by integrating physiological and genetic principles. Emphasis is on prokaryotes although unicellular eukaryotes are also discussed. Topics include the structure, function, and assembly of cell components, molecular and genomic techniques, bioenergetics and metabolism, regulation of gene expression, genetic adaptation, stress tolerance, biofilms, and cell-cell interactions and communications.
(Cross-listed with BIOL, V PTH). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: BIOL 212
Biology and host-parasite relationships of major groups of animal parasites, and techniques of diagnosing and studying parasites.
(Cross-listed with ENT). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: 3 credits in biological sciences
Identification, biology, and significance of insects and arthropods that affect the health of humans and animals, particularly those that are vectors of disease.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Cross-listed with ENT). (0-3) Cr. 1. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in ENT 374
Laboratory and field techniques for studying medical or public health entomology, including: collection, identification and maintenance of medically significant arthropods and experimental design and execution related to the biology of arthropods or arthropod-pathogen interactions.
(Dual-listed with MICRO 502). (Cross-listed with GEN). (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 vertical and horizontal genetic information transfer and gene regulation are covered, along with genetic and genomic-based approaches to study these and other cellular processes of microorganisms. Review and discussion of research literature to examine experimental design, methodology, and interpretation of both historical and contemporary relevance to microbial genetics and genomics.
(Dual-listed with MICRO 507). (Cross-listed with FS HN). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: MICRO 420
Examination of the various factors in the production of foods, from production through processing, distribution and final consumption which contribute to the overall microbiological safety of the food. Upon successful completion of this class, the student will receive both the Preventive Controls for Human Foods certificate (FDA program) and the International HACCP Alliance certificate (USDA-FSIS program).
(Cross-listed with FS HN). (1-5) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: MICRO 201 or MICRO 302; MICRO 201L or MICRO 302L. Credit or enrollment in FS HN/MICRO 420
Standard techniques used for the microbiological examination of foods. Independent and group projects on student-generated questions in food microbiology. Emphasis on oral and written communication and group interaction.
(Cross-listed with V MPM, VDPAM). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Epidemiology of disease in populations. Disease causality, observational study design and approaches to epidemiologic investigations. This course is available on campus and by distance.
(Dual-listed with MICRO 530). (Cross-listed with BBMB). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: MICRO 302, MICRO 302L
Survey of the diverse groups of procaryotes emphasizing important and distinguishing metabolic, phylogenetic, morphological, and ecological features of members of those groups.
(Cross-listed with BBMB). (2-6) Cr. 4. F.S.
Prereq: MICRO 302, MICRO 302L, CHEM 332, BIOL 313L
Fundamental techniques and theory for studying the cellular mechanisms, genetic processes and diversity of microbial life. Experimental techniques will include isolation and physiological characterization of bacteria that inhabit different environments as well as an emphasis on genetic and molecular techniques to understand antibiotic resistance processes and mechanisms. Also included are techniques for phylogenetic characterization, measuring gene expression, and genetic manipulation of bacteria. Essential components for the effective communication of scientific results are also emphasized.
(2-0) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: SP CM 212 and senior standing in Microbiology
Required of all undergraduate majors in microbiology. Students demonstrate mastery of core courses in microbiology through discussion of current literature in microbiology and immunology, issues in scientific conduct, and bioethics in microbiology. Students present current papers in a journal club format and gain experience in writing and reviewing grant proposals.
Cr. R. F.
Prereq: Junior or Senior standing in Microbiology
Preparations for graduation. Topics include job search strategies, career information, mock interviews, graduate and professional school application processes and guidelines as well as outcomes assessment activities.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: 10 credits in biological sciences
Morphology, diversity, and ecology of fungi; their relation to agriculture, industry, and human health.
(Dual-listed with MICRO 575). (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 475 or V MPM 520, but not both, may be applied to graduation.
(Dual-listed with MICRO 577). (Cross-listed with PL P). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: 3 credits in microbiology or plant pathology
Overview of plant-associated bacteria including their ecology, diversity, and the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved with their interactions with plants. The course covers bacterial plant pathogens and pathogenesis, nitrogen fixation and plant symbioses, biological control and plant growth promotion, bacterial disease diagnosis and management, and approaches to the study of microbial communities in the rhizosphere and on leaves.
(Dual-listed with MICRO 585). (Cross-listed with AGRON, ENSCI). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: AGRON 182 or equivalent; MICRO 201 and MICRO 201L recommended
The living organisms in the soil and what they do. Emphasis on soil biota composition, the carbon cycle and bioremediation, soil-plant-microbial relationships, and environmental issues.
(Dual-listed with MICRO 587). (Cross-listed with BIOL, ENSCI, GEOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Six credits in biology and 6 credits in chemistry
Introduction to major functional groups of autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms and their roles in natural and environmental systems. Consequences of microbial activity on water chemistry, weathering, and precipitation/dissolution reactions will be emphasized.
Cr. 1-5. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: A minimum of 6 credits of 300-level or above coursework in microbiology, permission of instructor
A maximum of 6 credits of Micro 490 may be used toward the total of 128 credits required for graduation.
Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.SS.
Prereq: A minimum of 6 credits of 300-level or above coursework in microbiology, permission of instructor
A maximum of 6 credits of Micro 490 may be used toward the total of 128 credits required for graduation.
Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.SS.
Prereq: A minimum of 6 credits of 300-level or above coursework in microbiology, permission of instructor
A maximum of 6 credits of Micro 490 may be used toward the total of 128 credits required for graduation.
Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.SS.
Prereq: A minimum of 6 credits of 300-level or above coursework in microbiology, permission of instructor
A maximum of 6 credits of Micro 490 may be used toward the total of 128 credits required for graduation.
Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.SS.
Prereq: A minimum of 6 credits of 300-level or above coursework in microbiology, permission of instructor
A maximum of 6 credits of Micro 490 may be used toward the total of 128 credits required for graduation.
Cr. 1-5. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: A minimum of 6 credits of 300-level or above coursework in microbiology, permission of instructor
A maximum of 6 credits of Micro 490 may be used toward the total of 128 credits required for graduation.
Cr. 1-2. F.S.
Prereq: At least 6 credits of 300-level or above coursework in microbiology, approval of academic adviser
Participation in the Cooperative Extension Intern Program or an equivalent work experience. Written report of activities required.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
(Dual-listed with MICRO 402). (Cross-listed with V MPM). (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 vertical and horizontal genetic information transfer and gene regulation are covered, along with genetic and genomic-based approaches to study these and other cellular processes of microorganisms. Review and discussion of research literature to examine experimental design, methodology, and interpretation of both historical and contemporary relevance to microbial genetics and genomics.
(Dual-listed with MICRO 407). (Cross-listed with FS HN). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: MICRO 420
Examination of the various factors in the production of foods, from production through processing, distribution and final consumption which contribute to the overall microbiological safety of the food. Upon successful completion of this class, the student will receive both the Preventive Controls for Human Foods certificate (FDA program) and the International HACCP Alliance certificate (USDA-FSIS program).
(Dual-listed with MICRO 509). (Cross-listed with PL P). (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 313 or BBMB 301. BIOL 314 recommended.
Taxonomy, molecular mechanisms, host-interactions, vector transmission, epidemiology, detection, control and exploitation of plant viruses. Course will consist of a mixture of lectures, and student-led presentations using primary literature.
(Cross-listed with AN S, FS HN, V MPM). Cr. 3.
Prereq: 2-3 credits in microbiology and/or immunology.
Explore current research on gut microbiome including modern tools used to study the gut microbiome. Examine the linkages between gut microbiome and health status, diseases, and manipulation of gut microbiome to improve health.
(Cross-listed with V MPM). 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 MICRO 430). (Cross-listed with BBMB). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: MICRO 302, MICRO 302L
Survey of the diverse groups of procaryotes emphasizing important and distinguishing metabolic, phylogenetic, morphological, and ecological features of members of those groups.
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: MICRO 302, BIOL 313
Review and contrast/comparison of common bacterial pathogens of plants and animals and their mechanisms of virulence, including toxins, protein secretion, host invasion and iron acquisition strategies. An overview of eukaryotic cell biology that is relevant to pathogenesis will also be included.
(1-0) Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: MICRO 302, BIOL 313
The study of microorganisms in their natural environments, with a focus on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including eukaryotic hosts; interactions within biofilms and communities, including intercellular communication and symbioses; microbial adaptations to extreme environments; and metagemomic, genomic, molecular and microscopy techniques for the study of microbes in natural systems.
(Dual-listed with MICRO 475). (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 475 or V MPM 520, but not both, may be applied to graduation.
(Dual-listed with MICRO 477). (Cross-listed with PL P). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: 3 credits in microbiology or plant pathology
Overview of plant-associated bacteria including their ecology, diversity, and the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved with their interactions with plants. The course covers bacterial plant pathogens and pathogenesis, nitrogen fixation and plant symbioses, biological control and plant growth promotion, bacterial disease diagnosis and management, and approaches to the study of microbial communities in the rhizosphere and on leaves.
(Dual-listed with MICRO 485). (Cross-listed with AGRON, ENSCI). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: AGRON 182 or equivalent; MICRO 201 and MICRO 201L recommended
The living organisms in the soil and what they do. Emphasis on soil biota composition, the carbon cycle and bioremediation, soil-plant-microbial relationships, and environmental issues.
(Cross-listed with V MPM). (4-0) Cr. 4. F.
Prereq: 310
Bacteria associated with diseases of vertebrates, including virulence factors and interaction of host responses.
(Dual-listed with MICRO 487). (Cross-listed with EEOB, ENSCI, GEOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Six credits in biology and 6 credits in chemistry
Introduction to major functional groups of autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms and their roles in natural and environmental systems. Consequences of microbial activity on water chemistry, weathering, and precipitation/dissolution reactions will be emphasized.
Cr. 1-5. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Courses for graduate students:
(1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S.
Course will expose students to the breadth of subdisciplines within microbiology, offer opportunities for direct interaction between the students and the faculty members within the Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, and promote interactions among the students within the program.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with BBMB, V MPM). (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 V MPM). (3-0) Cr. 3. 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 FS HN, TOX). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: FS HN 420 or FS HN 421 or FS HN 504
Topics of current interest in food microbiology, including new foodborne pathogens, rapid identification methods, effect of food properties and new preservation techniques on microbial growth, and mode of action of antimicrobials.
(Cross-listed with FS HN, TOX). (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: FS HN 420 or FS HN 421 or FS HN 504
Provides an overview of rapid microbial detection methods for use in foods. Topics include historical aspects of rapid microbial detection, basic categories of rapid tests (phenotypic, genotypic, whole cell, etc.), existing commercial test formats and kits, automation in testing, sample preparation and "next generation" testing formats now in development.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, ENSCI). (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: AGRON 585
Chemistry of soil organic matter and biochemical transformations brought about by microorganisms and enzymes in soils.
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.
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 PL P). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: PL P 506 or BBMB 405 or GEN 411 or MICRO 402 or strong background in molecular biology
Seminal and current research in molecular and physiological aspects of plant interactions with pathogens, including mechanisms of pathogenesis, host-pathogen recognition and host defense, with an emphasis on critical evaluation of primary literature. Students also complete a research proposal writing and peer review exercise.
Cr. arr. Repeatable. F.S.
Graduate research projects performed under the supervision of selected faculty members in the Interdepartmental Microbiology major.
(Cross-listed with BBMB, GDCB, MCDB, V MPM). (2-0) Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. F.S.
Student and faculty presentations.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.